Graphic Novels for Transitional Readers

10/20/2023

Graphic Novels for Transitional Readers

Graphic novels are now a widely accepted form of literature for children and teens. Libraries have been purchasing graphic novels to fill the demand for quite some time.

But aside from the fun did you know that graphic novels are perfect for transitional readers? They are perfect for children who love a good picture book but are ready for more text. Graphic novels help new readers make connections with letters and words. The format of graphic novels helps readers with the sequencing of the story, as it helps guide the reader through the story.

Graphic novels are also good for visual learners. They offer different cues to a story. As stated in the article, Graphic Novels for Kids, “if a child comes across an unknown vocabulary or a complicated narrative twist, the illustrations can provide contextual clues that can help the reader figure out the meaning of the passage.”

So what graphic novels are best for beginning readers? Choose a graphic novel with easy-to-follow panels (typically 1-3 panels per page). Choosing a graphic novel that includes speech bubbles is also an aid. This will allow the reader to know who is speaking, as in Beak & Ally and Shark & Bot (click the link to view the title/s).

Another great option for beginning readers, is to pick up one of our library bound titles (by Picture window/Capstone), which includes a “How to Read a Graphic Novel” insert at the beginning of the book (such as The Hyena and The Fox). The insert acts as a guide to teach young readers the flow of a graphic novel. Once they understand it, they can manage more graphic novels on their own.

As readers begin to increase their reading skills, try out more “advanced” graphic novels. Find graphic novels with more panels and dialogue per page. For example, the title, Pea, Bee, & Jay, include more panels and dialogue, but still maintain easy-to-follow and a top-to-bottom flow as in an easy reader (click the link to above to view the titles).

We know the benefits of graphic novels for struggling and reluctant readers. Those have been documented for quite some time. But know that they can also serve as a steppingstone to learning to read and generating a love of not just reading but graphic novels as well.

Written by Nancy Stetzinger, Penworthy’s Product Manager

Source:

Reading Rockets. “Graphic Novels for Kids: Classroom Ideas, Booklists, and More.” Reading

Rockets, www.readingrockets.org/topics/childrens-books/articles/graphic-novels-kids-classroom-ideas-booklists-and-more. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.