Benefits of Reading Graphic Novels for Kids

We all know how books like Dogman, Amulet, Narwal, and Pokémon have exploded in popularity with children, with libraries having record numbers of these graphic novels being checked out. So, parents may be asking themselves, “how do my kids benefit from reading graphic novels?”. This blog post will go into the different benefits children gain from reading graphic novels.

The first point I want to clear up is that all reading is good reading! Whether it is a newspaper, magazine, or graphic novel, the library supports kids doing all sorts of reading. The only difference between reading materials is that kids who enjoy graphic novels may have additional or different benefits than kids who read traditional novels.

As stated above, we are seeing a lot of graphic novels being checked out of our children's collection, this is because graphic novels are particularly beneficial to children who struggle to read traditional novels. As stated by Scholastic (2024) “graphic novels add the extra support kids need to help them through a text.” (para. 7). This extra support can be shorter sentences, pictures, or exciting dialogue. Not every kid is excited by the idea of reading, but by having different types of books that combine pictures and words we are offering more options which in turn is getting more children to read. Parrot Street Book Club (2024), discuss how graphic novels can often be a gateway for children to develop a love of reading and opening doors for them to try different genres that they may not have been willing to try before (para. 10). Therefore, graphic novels are a great option for kids who are struggling to read and may even help them develop a love of reading in the process.

Reading graphic novels are a great way for children who are developing different literacy skills to continue building those skills. United Through Reading (2024), stated that “graphic novels requires the integration of visual and textual literacy, which can enhance critical thinking skills” (para. 6). By helping to support these literacy skills from a young age with the help of graphic novels, children will have a well-rounded skill set during school years that they will carry with them their whole life.

Lastly, reading graphic novels can create inspiration for young artists and readers alike. United Through Reading (2023), states that “the process of creating a graphic novel involves not only writing but also drawing, designing, and composing the visual layout of the story” (para. 10). This can help budding artists and storytellers to learn new ways to tell stories and motivate them to create their own. Thus, reading graphic novels can help inspire a new generation.

References 

Parrot Street Book Club (2024). 7 reasons we recommend graphic novels and comics for kids and teens. Parrot Street Book Club. Retrieved from https://www.parrotstreet.com/blogs/posts/why-graphic-novels-comics-kids-teens?srsltid=AfmBOorwtWz_4mLGvJJNPd5SSrnf2rItBA_ifGNJ2VZ9vl2CfVwZjM3v

Scholastic. (2024). 3 Ways Graphic Novels Benefit Reading Skills. Scholastic Parents. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/3-reasons-graphic-novels-can-be-great-young-readers.html

United Through Reading. (2023). The Benefits of Graphic Novels: Why They Count as Reading. United Through Reading. Retrieved from https://unitedthroughreading.org/the-benefits-of-graphic-novels-why-they-count-as-reading/