Graphic novels

Graphic novels are a growing format of literature.  It is important to note it is a form not a genre. Any of the various genres can be written in graphic novel form. Teachers do not read these in great numbers but our students do. They enjoy the appearance and these books help in comprehension. Like picture books do for young readers, graphic novels rely heavily on the illustrations to help tell the story.

Elements include:

• dialogue balloons
• panels
• gutters
• thought balloons
• captions
• sound effects

The books go deep into complexity but readers find it easier to read because there are less words to decode and more interpreting characters faces and actions through the illustrations. They are a great benefit to English language learners.

How it will affect how I read and evaluate

Graphics novels should be more than just books with pictures, speech bubbles and captions. The content should be relevant to what teens and young adults like and need to read. Because these are not a separate genre just a different format, the same criteria should be used to evaluate them as others genres.  Does the content deal with themes young adults find relevant: evaluating friendship, finding love, establishing their role in family and society? Are the characters using language that teens would use? Is slang current or valid to the time period that the story take place? If it is science fiction, are the elements consistent with that genre: involve magic or alternate universe, etc...? Does the content go deep not just surface level so that the intended audience can carry something away with them?