School Library Board October 4th

The Rise of the Graphic Novel

Graphic novels are books that use illustrations and words to tell a story and they are becoming ever more popular. Gone are the days when graphic novels were considered an ‘inferior’ form of literature. In fact, they bring new audiences to old stories – in recent years Graphic novels adaptations of the classics have been released which include Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Great Expectations and The Hobbit.

An article this year in USA Today confirms that:
“Publishers are leaning more into the graphic novel format – whether adaptations of literature and well-loved series, reimagined classics or original titles.”
“Graphic novels present a learning opportunity and can be a way to appeal to a young reader’s interest through illustration. For young or reluctant readers, graphic novels can be a gateway to the wider world of reading.”

More books are being adapted into graphic novels: Why that’s good news (usatoday.com)

According to the Markham Public Library, Graphic novels provide many benefits …

 They help to foster a love of reading and the presence of illustrations helps to aid visual and verbal literacy.
 Graphic novels build vocabulary. The language found in graphic novels is often more complex when compared to regular books.
 If you have ever read a graphic novel, you know that reading the text alone is never enough to get the full story. You have to interpret the images for clues on characters and plot development. Graphic novels help simultaneously develop verbal and visual literacy.
 Graphic novels aid comprehension. This is why graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular in schools, where students read graphic novel adaptations of classic literature like Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, or any Shakespearean Play.
 Reluctant Readers. Graphic novels provide a great alternative for children and adults who are reluctant to reading traditional novels. The highly visual content makes graphic novels more engaging and helps readers avoid falling into a reading slump. With so many genres to choose from, there is a graphic novel out there for everyone!

5 Benefits of Reading Graphic Novels | Markham Public Library

In the Prep and Seniors School Libraries, we have a range of Graphic novels of different genres and age abilities.