Happy Day 2 of Armchair BEA! I hope everyone is having fun so far. I'm really loving the Instagram challenges because I can network and pop on IG more often than I can with the blog (and we all know I'm pretty crappy at keeping up with BlogLovin)Today I am choosing to discuss the topic More Than Just Words
When I think of books with more than just words, I am instantly drawn to graphic novels. I have long been a fan of quality graphic novels. As a middle school teacher, I really appreciate how they draw a reader in and how it can get even my most reluctant of readers to find a book they love. When I see a graphic novelization of a book I've already read, I immediately check it out. It is especially helpful with reluctant readers, because it can often bring a student into the world the author is creating at the same time that others are being brought into the world in the full novel. When two books fit seamlessly, I am always looking to incorporate them into the class.
A really good example of this would be the graphic novelization of Ransom Riggs Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. The book is fabulous and the graphic novel is as well. I've recommended the book to my students, but sometimes the sheer volume turns them off. That's when I suggest the graphic novelization- to which they jump on.
The beauty of graphic novels is that they empower kids. Kids who think they can't read or who "hate" reading have turned that all around with the reading of a graphic novel. I also love them for the artistry found within the pages. So many graphic novels are beautifully illustrated and it adds a complexity to the story that sometimes you can't quite find with just words.
Here are a few of my favorite graphic novels:
write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow
Graphic novels can be SO powerful....especially for students, kiddos, and reluctant readers. My stepson was NOT keen to pick up a book when he was in fifth grade, but when I suggested American Born Chinese, by Gene Yang, he was off and running. He started with graphic novels and ate them up, but as he progressed, he was less afraid of picking up text-only books....even if they were on the longer side. Some great suggestions for graphic novel reading here!
ReplyDeleteExactly Andi! They are definitely a gateway drug into hardcore novels. :)
DeleteI really appreciate your insight about graphic books and kids who have trouble reading. I can see where that can really matter. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words! It truly is amazing to see them work their magic
DeleteLove the spread of The Walking Dead Series--had no idea the covers had that continuity. I'm slowly warming up to graphic novels. My favorite by far is Maus.
ReplyDeleteI know- TWD is HUGE now. I started reading them before the TV was in production, so I love the novels way more than the show, which a lot of people disagree with. Maus was my first ever graphic novel, and I still love it!
DeleteNow that is one graphic novel series that I wouldn't mind reading one day. I'm a HUGE fan of TWD show. They seem to be a bit pricey though. (This coming from someone who doesn't very often spend more than $1 for ebooks and instead tries to win the more expensive ones or ask for print copies for birthdays and Christmases).
ReplyDeleteHolly @ Words Fueled by Love
I'd say get the compendium then- its cheaper and would count as "one gift" hehehe. The novels are way more detailed and have a lot more graphic content- but soooo good!
DeleteMiss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is on my summer reading list. I didn't know that it had a graphic novel. I will have to check both of them out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations!
I hope you like them- both the novel and graphic novel are excellent. I really liked Hollow City (the second book) as well! Enjoy!
DeleteSo cool that graphic novels can turn kids on to reading!
ReplyDelete