When I take my eleven-year-old daughter to the school book fair and she picks up a graphic novel, I can’t help but feel a twinge of discomfort. I think to myself, “There are so few words!” and “Why would I spend eight dollars on something she’ll breeze through in thirty minutes?” Yet, I recognize that these thoughts stem from an unfair bias, and honestly, a bit of hypocrisy. As a child, I eagerly awaited my mom’s purchases of comic books, especially the beloved series starring characters like Archie and his friends. Sure, the storylines back in the day were often problematic—two girls vying for one indecisive boy—but I couldn’t get enough of those colorful pages.
Despite finishing each comic in mere moments, I read them repeatedly, often stashing them in boxes because my shelves overflowed with my cherished collection of Nancy Drew and R.L. Stine books. So why do I feel hesitant about letting my daughter indulge in graphic novels? It’s not about the cost—she’ll enjoy them just as I did, likely reading them multiple times.
I think my bias is rooted in the misconception that graphic novels aren’t “real” books simply because they contain illustrations. However, that doesn’t diminish their value or the advantages they offer young readers. Some may perceive graphic novels as inferior to traditional chapter books, while others might view them as part of an underground culture, a bit rebellious and edgy. This perception isn’t just in my head; it has historical roots.
Back in 1954, graphic novels faced severe scrutiny during what was known as the “comic book inquisition.” The infamous Senate hearings aimed to link comic books to juvenile delinquency, with psychiatrist Fredric Wertham making outrageous claims that have since been discredited. By the conclusion of these hearings, a staggering 70% of Americans believed that comic books contributed to youth crime. It’s possible that remnants of this stigma linger today.
Modern graphic novels and comics encompass a wide array of genres and styles, often making it challenging for librarians to categorize them effectively. The National Coalition Against Censorship notes that grouping them all together can lead to misunderstandings, as parents sometimes find inappropriate content mixed in with age-appropriate books.
My kids gravitate toward graphic adaptations of their favorite series, like “Wings of Fire” by Tui T. Sutherland, which has captured our household’s attention (I’m now addicted to book seven!). They expect to find these graphic novels alongside the original books, and rightly so. It’s time we start recognizing graphic novels as genuine literature.
Experts now argue that reading graphic novels can be beneficial for kids. Research from the University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning indicates that comic books actually use a higher average of rare words per thousand compared to typical children’s books. Educators are beginning to incorporate comics into their teaching methods, with early findings suggesting improved memory retention when educational content is presented in comic form. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Oklahoma revealed that 80% of graduate students preferred learning from a graphic novel format instead of traditional text.
Ultimately, we must remember that all reading is valuable. If children want to explore graphic novels, let them! Forcing them to read materials that don’t interest them can lead to a dislike of reading altogether. Encouraging them to read for pleasure fosters a lifelong love of literature, which is the goal.
My own childhood collection of Archie comics may have influenced my perceptions of relationships, but it also ignited my passion for reading and creativity. I found my artistic voice by creating my own comics, filled with rich characters and intricate plots, which paved the way for my career as a novelist. I see similar sparks igniting in my daughter, who fills her journals with drawings and character sketches, eagerly anticipating the comic adaptations of her favorite series.
Perhaps it’s time for me to set aside my outdated biases and embrace the joy that graphic novels can bring to my daughter’s reading life.
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Summary:
Graphic novels are often misunderstood and undervalued, but they provide significant benefits for young readers. Despite lingering biases stemming from historical misconceptions, today’s graphic novels encompass diverse genres and encourage creativity and engagement. Reading for pleasure, regardless of format, fosters a love of literature in children.