Every time we stroll through the school book fair and my nine-year-old grabs a graphic novel, I can’t help but feel a twinge of doubt. I think to myself, “There are hardly any words here!” and “I’m spending eight dollars on something she’ll breeze through in thirty minutes.”
But I know these feelings stem from an unjust bias, not to mention a bit of hypocrisy. In my own childhood, my mom would often treat me to an Archie comic book during grocery trips. Sure, the storylines were less than progressive—two girls competing for the affections of an indecisive boy, reinforcing tired stereotypes. I wouldn’t dream of letting my kids read those without significant discussions about the themes.
Despite the questionable narratives, I was captivated by those Archie comics. I devoured them in record time—except for the Double Digests, which would grant me a glorious hour of pure joy. My collection overflowed, and I stored them in cardboard boxes when my shelves couldn’t handle any more. I read them repeatedly, almost memorizing every detail.
So, why do I hesitate to buy comics for my child? It’s not about the money—she’ll cherish them just as I did. Instead, I realize it’s my internalized belief that graphic novels aren’t “real” books simply because they contain illustrations. Yet, this doesn’t diminish the value or benefits they offer. Right?
For some, graphic novels seem inferior to traditional chapter books. Others may associate them with a rebellious, underground culture—possibly even a hint of anarchism. This isn’t necessarily a conscious thought, but it’s there. Our collective discomfort with graphic novels has roots in the mid-20th century, during a time when they faced intense scrutiny.
The infamous “comic book inquisition” of 1954 was a turning point. Graphic novels were put on trial in what is now the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse in New York City. A Senate Judiciary subcommittee investigated whether comics contributed to juvenile delinquency.
Prominent psychiatrist Fredric Wertham claimed, “Hitler was a beginner compared to the comic book industry,” in his book Seduction of the Innocent. His findings linking comics to delinquency were later discredited, yet the stigma stuck, leading to 70% of Americans believing that comic books were harmful to youth.
Today’s graphic novels are as diverse as any literary genre, often blurring the lines between categories. Librarians struggle to shelve them appropriately due to their vast content variety. The National Coalition Against Censorship notes that placing all graphic novels together can lead to concerns from parents about their kids picking up inappropriate material.
My children tend to favor graphic novels that complement their favorite book series, like Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland—which I too have fallen for (I’m on book seven, help!). They expect these graphic adaptations to be shelved alongside the original series, where they belong. It’s high time we recognize graphic novels as legitimate forms of literature.
Experts today assert that reading graphic novels is not just acceptable but advantageous for kids. Research from the University of Oregon’s Center on Teaching and Learning reveals that comic books contain an average of 53.5 rare words per thousand, surpassing both children’s (30.9) and adult (52.7) books.
Educators are now exploring the use of comics in classrooms, with preliminary studies indicating that memory retention improves when information is presented in comic form. In a study involving 140 graduate students, Jeremy Short, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, found that 80% preferred a graphic novel format over a traditional text.
Ultimately, we must accept that all reading is beneficial. If a child is drawn to graphic novels, let them indulge. Whether they’re reading below grade level, picture books, or even “unimaginative” non-fiction, promoting a love for reading is essential. Forcing kids to read materials they find unappealing can discourage them from reading altogether.
My own Archie comics may have shaped my views of romance and social dynamics, but they also ignited my passion for reading and artistic expression. I began crafting my own comics, filled with rich characters and intricate plots, which fostered my love for both literature and art and paved the way for my career as a novelist.
I see the same spark in my daughter. Her bookshelves overflow with journals filled with character sketches, complete with descriptions and backstories. After finishing a book series, she eagerly awaits its graphic novel counterpart.
Perhaps it’s time I set aside my outdated biases and embrace graphic novels. Time to open my wallet and support my daughter’s reading journey.
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Summary
Graphic novels, often dismissed as inferior, can be a valuable addition to a child’s reading repertoire. Despite historical biases, research shows they can enhance vocabulary and retention. Encouraging kids to read what they love fosters a lifelong passion for literature, whether it’s graphic novels, chapter books, or anything in between.
Keyphrase: graphic novels for kids
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