This book goes over why teachers and educators should consider adding more graphic novels and comics to their classroom libraries. 

Why Choose Graphic Novels and Comics for your Classroom Library

Visual Aids and Improving Reading Comprehension

How Graphic Novels help reluctant Readers&#160;

developing Reading Strategies using graphic novels and comic books&#160;

Reading Strategies discussed in the article: •Interpreting lettering style, format and colour • Applying purpose for depth of field choices to comprehension • Responding to meaning embedded in types of speech bubbles • Locating narration • Examining narrative distance provided by visual information • Identifying time changes through explorations of visual information (Beverly, 2013)

Brenna, Beverly. (July, 2013). How graphic novels support reading comprehension strategy development in children. Literacy, Vol. 47. No.2. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/doi=10.1.1.946.6907&amp;rep=rep1&amp;type=pdf

&nbsp;Baigelman, Louise. 5 Reasons Graphic Novels Can Help Kids with Reading. Understood.org. https://www.understood.org/articles/en/5-reasons-graphic-novels-can-help-kids-with-reading

1) Graphic novels appear less intimidating to struggling readers simply due to the fact that they have less words on the page.

2) Graphic novels and comics are high interest and easy to read without looking or feeling childish.

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3. Can give students a sense of accomplishment from being able to finish "a whole book" at the same rate as their peers. 

4. These alternative novels often act as a stepping stone for kids to get them ready for other types of written media. Good reading comprehension and understanding of various literary elements, such as character design, plot, and conflict vs. resolution, are being built while still feeling fun. 

Reading Rockets. (2016). Graphic Novels for Kids: Classroom Ideas, Booklists, and More. Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers. https://www.readingrockets.org/article/graphic-novels-kids-classroom-ideas-booklists-and-more

Graphic novels and the struggling reader

Graphic novels can be used to help reluctant readers strengthen vocabulary, build academic confidence, and find joy and appreciation in storytelling. The illustrations can be used to give important context clues and can help students better understand the narrative. Also, unlike with some easy reads, graphic novels look mature and do not have the same stigma of being "childish."

"The graphic novel format can be found in a wide range of genres: fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, fairy tales and myths — as well as nonfiction, including biography, history, and science."  -Reading Rockets, 2016.

The Best Graphic Novels for Children by I Love Libraries: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/best-graphic-novels-children

Best Selling Graphic Novels by Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/graphic-novels

Lets Get Graphic! 100 Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels by NPR https://www.npr.org/2017/07/12/533862948/lets-get-graphic-100-favorite-comics-and-graphic-novels

Meuer, Stephen. (2018). Reading Comprehension through Graphic Novels: How Comic Books and Graphic Novels Can Help Language Learners. MinnieTESOL Journal, Vol.34 (Issue 2).

This study found that children who struggle with comprehension of plot, characters, or themes were able to better visualize what they have just read if the text is accompanied by pictures. 

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Additionally, research suggests that featuring pictures alongside text helps reduce "the cognitive load of dense texts or more specific concepts" (Meuer, 2018). Meaning that even advanced students, like college or university attendees, may benefit from a visual novel style when learning complex ideas.

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Reading Comprehension through Graphic Novels

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