Graphic+Novels+Promote+Literacy

**Graphic Novels Promote Literacy**

Graphic novels engage more students in pleasure reading and are a format that students are actually picking up on their own. Because most young adults already choose to read books with teen protaganists we, as teachers/ educators should be providing them with quality material to read and encourage them to do so. (Schwarz, 2002) suggests that "Graphic novels offer value, variety, and a new medium for literacy that acknowledges the impact of visuals. These novels appeal to young people, are useful across the curriculum, and offer diverse alternatives to traditional texts as well as other mass media. They can also promote literacy."

Graphic novels are helping turn this ideal that young adults are not interested in or will not understand the novels found in the traditonal western canon around. While there are many struggling and reluctant readers who benefit from the use of graphic novels, and who are often times the first ones thought of for use with graphic novels, more advanced readers enjoy and feel challenged by the compelling graphic novels available. There are many graphic novels currently available that are thematically mature and many of the traditional pieces of literature are now being retold in the graphic novel format. These retellings pique the interest of young adults in a way that four hundred page long novels are not. Additionally, they can serve as a gateway to the longer, more traditional material. "Graphic novels are not so different from other pieces of young adult literature. They too must be original and unique, have story with lasting significance, have a believable and interesting plot, riveting dialogue, worthwhile theme, rich characterization, vivid setting, appropriate point of view and carefully chosen language. These stories transport the readers into the worlds of others and help them see their own lives in new ways." (Trend issues in Young Adult Literature) Young adults can use graphic novels to"... examine their lives and the world in which they live. Unlike classical texts, young adult literature addresses modern-day issues—peer pressure, family relationships, sexuality, bigotry and racism, and it connects teens with the pop culture world in which they live. This connection with modern-day issues and culture peaks interest and hooks at-risk readers and nonreaders. While classical texts may share similar themes (emotions are timeless), young adult literature is not bound by archaic language; teens can more easily navigate the text and enjoy pop culture references, themes, and so on, resulting in more reading pleasure and ultimately enhancing reading comprehension.” (Trend issues in Young Adult Literature)

Though this quote is focused mainly on the wide scope of all young adult literature, it can be linked directly with graphic novels as an individual format. Because graphic novels are so visually dynamic and engaging they allow students to connect on multiple levels and provide them with the opportunity to use visual skills and make inferences based on the images, on the text and how they interact with one another-enhancing their visual literacy which can aid in their language literacy. “…educators simply cannot get by anymore thinking that there is just one thing called literacy…many texts combine visual images and printed texts in ways that make cross-reference between them essential to understanding them.” (Lemke 1998, p. 285) (Eckert, 2010) Graphic novels offer subject matter students might otherwise never consider (science, history, politics, social studies etc...) and help them imagine history. Additionally, there are many super hero graphic novels that have deep underlying messages about social, politcal and economic issues. These themes and references help buoy the argument for utilization of graphic novels in the classroom becuase they are exposing students to so much more than a simple text for reading. They point to the past, present and future and help students become comfortable in themeselves as well as in their place in society. **Graphic novels help in developing student’s efficacy.** The development of a students' efficacy supports their comprehension and literacy because they feel as though they are capable of completing the work and fulfilling expectations. It is important to encourage the hard work and effort that a student puts into their assignments and the activities in class, rather than attributing their success to their high intelligence, because this shows them that their work matters, they matter and that you are invested in what they do. Using graphic novels also shows them that you are willing to work with them and try to connect with them.