Week 2 - Graphic Novels
This week, we turn our attention to graphic novels. I will explain what they are, how they differ from traditional literature, how they can be used in the classroom, and my personal recommendations for your student. This week, I have two recommendations to share!
Graphic novels are an excellent choice for many reluctant readers. They are chock full of fantastic illustrations, fast action sequences, and less text than traditional literature. The text that is present is typically dialogue, which helps the reader feel more involved in the scene than expositional text might. Below is a quick comparison between graphic novels and traditional literature, or books.
| Graphic Novels | Traditional Literature / Books |
Details
| Details are shown through illustrations and dialogue. | Details tend to be expository in nature. |
Dialogue
| Dialogue is the main textual component. | Dialogue tends to be a portion of the text, while exposition is also included. |
Illustrations
| Illustrations are used throughout, some more detailed and colorful than others. | Illustrations tend to be less common with books for older readers. The ones that are presented are typically small and tend to be uncolored. |
For third graders, particularly, there are a variety of ways in which graphic novels can be integrated into the curriculum. Below are some of the Common Core State Standards for literature in third grade, and how they can help us tie in graphic novels:
Key Ideas and Details -
Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.
Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events
Students can read about fables, folktales, and myths in graphic novel form. This format is great for discussing messages and lessons because contextual clues and details can be found in the illustrations in addition to the text. Students can also get a better understanding of characters and their feelings within a graphic novel because of facial expressions and body language which can not always be expressed through text alone.
Craft and Structure -
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.
Students can use clues from illustrations to determine whether the text is meant literally or figuratively. Some clues may be facial expressions, scenery, and action in comparison to the text. Student can also use graphic novels to explore the difference between their own point of view and that of the characters.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas -
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)
Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books from a series)
Graphic novels present a unique opportunity to explore illustrations and how they contribute to the mood, characters, and settings of a story. After all, illustrations are a key component of graphic novels. Additionally, many, though not all, graphic novels are presented in a series of books, as you will see in my recommendations for the week. This makes it easy to compare and contrast in the ways suggested in the last standard listed above.
Books of the Week
Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian by Tim Probert
This graphic novel is set in the fictitious world of Irpa, where light is precious and powerful and darkness brings danger and fear. A young girl, Beatrice, sets out on a perilous journey to find her missing Gramps, a magical and forgetful Pig Wizard. She soon encounters a new friend, Cadwallader, a member of the lost race of Galdurians. He helps her on her journey. When Bea feels lost, hopeless, and incapable, Cad spreads his infectious kindness and enthusiasm. Where Bea is cautious and anxious, Cad is boisterous and ready to take action. He helps her develop a mindset of perseverance and hope as they travel together and overcome many challenges.
Recommended for grade levels 3 - 7
Why I love this book:
The illustrations in this book are beautiful. The soft, warm greens, oranges, and browns are reminiscent of fall, which is my favorite season. You can see the colors shift in different situations and in different areas. For example, Bea becomes surrounded by a dark swirling cloud whenever she starts to be overwhelmed by her fear and hopelessness. As she listens to Cad's talk of hope and action, the darkness begins to fade and she is able to control her fears, once again.
This book shows the reader how the two characters are very different, but work together to accomplish so much. It is a great example of using the strengths and personalities of individuals, in a team setting, to achieve great things. It also shows that hope and perspective can make a huge difference in mood and the ability to overcome challenges.
Of all the graphic novels I read to prepare for this blog post, this book was my favorite. Luckily, it is part of a series, which I will be heading to the library to check out, soon. I would love to know if you and your child check out this book, and how you enjoyed it, in the comments below.
*** Update / Edit *** As Lightfall was only released in 2020, no other books from the series have been released, as of yet. I look forward to the next book's release and will do my best to update you when it has come out.
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
In this fast-paced graphic novel, a brother and sister, Emily and Navin, move to a new home with their mother two years after their father dies in a car crash. The siblings stumble upon a magical amulet and find themselves sucked into a quest to save their mother from a tentacled creature in a magical realm filled with their Great Grandfather's inventions. They make new friends and must decide what paths to take along the way.
Recommended for grade levels 3 - 7
Why I love this book:
The book begins in tragedy, but quickly turns into an adventure. When the siblings find the magical, talking amulet, they must decide whether or not to follow the directions it gives them. They meet the inventions of their great grandfather and must again decide whether to trust them to help. At one point, they even decide to disobey the amulet, when it seems as though the instructions it gives are too harsh. They choose mercy when gives instructions to the contrary. I am curious to see how this plays out in future books within the overall series. This would be a great way to demonstrate that a person must use wisdom when friends tell them to do something they know they shouldn't. It isn't always easy to say no to someone, but sometimes, it is the right thing to do.
*** WEEKLY CHALLENGE! ***
This week, I challenge you to go to the library with your child and choose a graphic novel that interests them. Make sure that it is appropriate for their age. Your librarian should be able to guide you to a section of graphic novels for children or teens. Encourage your child to finish this book within the week. Graphic novels are typically quick reads, even the longer ones. I read three in a single day! Ask your child how he or she enjoyed it and whether they would be interested in finding others. Comment below to tell me how this went. I would love to be part of your family's literacy journey!
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