Sheila Grier

Let’s celebrate! July is National Graphic Novel Month in libraries.

As a librarian and avid reader, one of my favorite genres are graphic novels. I read graphic novels for all ages and a few questions and statements I have heard that get my heart rate up are: “Are graphic novels just lazy reading?” “Graphic novels are cheating at reading.” “Graphic novels are easy reading.” I say no to all of these!

A graphic novel communicates to the reader an idea, a meaning, a story to encourage the reader to feel and sense meaning in the art and the words.

Graphic novels are in no way lazy reading or easy reading, they help build visual literacy and vocabulary, for many reluctant readers graphic novels introduce a bit more wide-ranging words comparable to traditional books for kids. They provide clues to words in the form of visuals that can help struggling readers understand more of the context.

Kids and teens today are growing up in a visually stimulating environment, why not feed that learning environment with graphic novels? Students might not want to read the poem Beowulf printed in Old English for a school assignment, but they might want to read it in graphic novel form.

If a person finds pleasure in reading graphic novels why would we discourage them from reading? Here are some of my favorite graphic novels for kids and teens recently published.

”Blue, Barry and Pancakes” by Dan Abdo

In this funny series for early readers, three friends go on adventures, get into trouble, fight but always have each other’s backs! For ages 6 and up.

”Swim Team” by Johnnie Christmas

Bree is juggling a new school and a new city, when she is handed her school elective option it is swim 101 she is nervous. She does not know how to swim and does not want to embarrasses her self in her new school. But with new friends and neighbors she over comes her fears. For ages 8 and up.

”A First time for Everything” by Dan Santat

Dan is a good kid, does what he is told but also feels invisible. When his parents send him on his middle school trip to Europe he has low expectations. What he finds are a lot of firsts, first Fanta, first fondue, first love and so much more. For ages 10 and up.

”My Last Summer with Cass” by Mark Crilley

Megan and Cass have been friends and artists since they were little, spending summers together with their families at the lake. Cass moved to New York and Megan’s parents are finally letting her visit, but Cass has changed, however they still create amazing art together. However, one friends betrays the other the night before a big art show, will their friendship survive? For ages 14 and up.