Graphic Novels are Real Books
Graphic novels aren't real books, are they?
No matter how many studies come out or how many teachers and librarians speak on the benefits of graphic novels. There’s still a stigma surrounding them as not being ‘real books.’ So this week I am answering the question;
“Graphic novels aren't real books, are they?”
I know I have waxed lyrical in the past and provided numerous links to the benefits of graphic novels. See;
Kids and Graphic Novels
Teaching with Graphic Novels
However there are a lot of gatekeepers out there still who want children to read ‘real books’ and to move on from comic books and graphic novels. Which is absolute codswallop because of course comics and graphic novels are bloomin’ well real books!
Now if you are reading this, I assume that you already know how brilliant graphic novels are and possibly love them as much as I do. Graphic novels are what got my youngest child reading independently. My eldest two devour manga like they are going to expire at any given moment! Graphic novels are real books.
These books are often considered light reading and not worthy of any literary consideration. However the likes of Shakespeare, Dickens and Austin are being reimagined into graphic novels, would anyone dare argue that these are not ‘real books’?
Graphic novels not only enhance a reader’s enjoyment and engagement with a story, they also enhance comprehension. When reading a graphic novel, our brain has to process both words and pictures to follow the story. The text is just as complex as a prose novel and graphic novels can even introduce a reader to more rare words that some adult prose books.
Of course, graphic novels aren’t just for children either. Have you ever read The Odyssey cover to cover? Over 500 pages in paperback, I don’t know many who have, however you can now experience this epic poem in graphic novel form. Homer’s story, Homer’s words, in a more accessible and exciting format.
Graphic novels are real books and while I’m at it, children’s books are real books! If you asked someone to name their favourite book, it’s likely a book they read, re-read and loved as a child. A book that shaped them, a children’s book.
Link: This is a gorgeous blog post about graphic novels being real books from The O'Fallon Public Library, published in 2021.
“While sitting at the Youth Services desk at the library I often hear parents and teachers say, “No, don’t get a graphic novel. Find a “real” book.””
- Becky - The O'Fallon Public Library
Read: Find a classic told in graphic novel format! There are plenty out there, here I’ve linked to a series of Shakespeare graphic novels adapted by Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore called Classics in Graphics. Utlising the talents of a range of illustrators.
Next time it will be release day for Inked! I’m working on creating a Substack party of sorts so stay tuned!
Until then, grab a graphic novel!
Karen
Have a question about graphic novels? Have a graphic novel you love and would like to share? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you.
— Please note, book links are affiliate links —
Pre-order Inked, a middle grade graphic novel by Karen Wasson and Jake A Minton