{"id":738,"date":"2022-11-11T22:22:15","date_gmt":"2022-11-11T22:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/litblog.wpengine.com\/?p=738"},"modified":"2023-10-13T02:48:14","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T02:48:14","slug":"how-to-ensure-your-child-gets-the-most-out-of-a-graphic-novel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/literati.com\/reading-levels-parent-guide\/reading-to-learn-for-kids\/how-to-ensure-your-child-gets-the-most-out-of-a-graphic-novel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ensure Your Child Gets the Most Out of a Graphic Novel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Graphic novels get a lot of flak\u2014some say they\u2019re the cotton candy of reading material, or that they\u2019re low on words and, therefore, literary merit. We certainly don\u2019t agree! Some of Literati<\/a>\u2019s most beloved book offerings are graphic novels, and for good reason: the stories are widely accessible and create excitement about reading in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides being books that kids like to read, graphic novels also enhance critical thinking skills. Text and illustration work in tandem in these stories, so everything on the page is important\u2014and often shed light on things off the page. Reading one is a fully absorbing experience even for pre-K and elementary schoolers. So we\u2019re here to show how you can use these books\u2019 special attraction to foster a deeper understanding of storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graphic novels draw in young readers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your young student struggles with reading or doesn\u2019t always seem interested in it, graphic novels provide an accessible format that won\u2019t overwhelm them. Because these stories often play out in panels with smaller portions of text in speech bubbles (so you always know who\u2019s speaking right away), a reader can take in the action through bite-sized morsels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lively visuals help keep the momentum going, catching the attention and carrying it through to the final page. Being able to complete a story can make young readers feel more confident in their abilities, which can lead them to tackle different types of books. Or, they\u2019ll want to revisit familiar characters in additional tales, in which case authors of graphic novels satisfy faithful readers by releasing a series of books. Either way, graphic novels open up many new reading possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graphic novels support interpretative skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if they don\u2019t have the same amount of text as other books your child could be reading, graphic novels still showcase storytelling elements in a uniquely complex way. The illustrations aren\u2019t just there for colorful background; they\u2019re needed to fully understand what\u2019s going on. There are also plenty of rich details worth analyzing (especially if there are moments where text is absent). If you\u2019re reading with your child, you can encourage critical thinking by focusing on certain topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

Characters\u2019 facial expressions<\/b>\r\n
How does body language express someone\u2019s mood even if they aren\u2019t saying anything? Does it look like this character is saying they feel one way, but actually feels a different way?<\/p><\/div>\n\n

Artistic style<\/b>\r\n
Are there clean lines or rough edges? Why do you think the illustrator chose to draw people and things in this way? How can you connect it to what\u2019s happening in the story?<\/p><\/div>\n\n

Use of color<\/b>\r\n
Does the illustrator use a certain color more than others? Do the colors seem to have to do with how the characters feel?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

Or find other questions to ask! In any case, the ability to make inferences is a useful skill to have when reading any book, and graphic novels lend themselves to these types of questions especially well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graphic novels that delight young readers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From odd couples and trios to talking food and condiments, these books have humor, inviting visuals, and accessible layouts that kids can engage with from start to finish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n