Wise Choices for You & Your Family
6
HOO’s learning
Time and time again, I see children bring comic books and
graphic novels to the public library check-out desk only to have
their parent tell them to put it back and “get a real book,” or
“pick something on your reading level,” as if comics are not
challenging enough. I am here to encourage those parents:
Comics do count as reading!
While they may seem “easy” to those of us who are accustomed
to traditional prose, comic books and graphic novels have their
own set of advantages when it comes to your child’s literacy.
1.Reluctant readers: Engaging illustrations and
action-packed storylines draw in children who may not
normally read. Comics and graphic novels can motivate these
children when long, text-filled novels do not.
2. Critical reading skills: Some research shows
that the graphic sequencing of comics helps children
develop the same skills needed to effectively
read websites, a crucial research skill for the
21st century.
3. Imagination: The use of
images in graphic novels to tell stories
encourages children to use their imagination
to fill in the gaps, extrapolating action from still images.
Next time your child begs for a graphic novel or comic book,
think of these benefits and let them read!
A Chattahoochee Valley Libraries card gives you access to
a large collection of graphic novels in print as well as digital
comics (6 downloads/month) available through Hoopla at
www.hoopladigital.com.
RECOMMENDED READING
Babymouse by Jennifer and Matthew Holm
Space Battle Lunchtime by Natalie Mess
Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race by Jen Breach
and Douglas Holgate
The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
By Kendall Ball
Columbus Public Library
66
/www.hoopladigital.com
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