What are Graphic Novels?
In this context, the word “graphic” does not mean “adult” or “explicit.” Graphic novels are books written and illustrated in the style of a comic book. To be considered a graphic novel, rather than a picture book or illustrated novel, the story is told using a combination of words and pictures in a sequence across the page. The format is what makes the story a graphic novel, and usually includes text, images, word balloons, sound effects, and panels.
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Are Graphic Novels "Real Books?"
Some parents and educators may feel that graphic novels are not the “type of reading material” that will help young people grow as readers. They may cling to the belief that graphic novels are somehow a bad influence that undermines “real reading”—or they may dismiss graphic novels as inferior literature, or as “not real books.” At best, they may regard them as something to be tolerated as a means of motivating the most reluctant readers, who, they hope, will eventually “move on” to more “quality literature."
This type of book is starting to become more widely accepted by librarians. In fact, the American Library Association has recognized this in establishing its annual list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens, and in 2011 they added the annually updated Core Collection of Graphic Novels for young readers in grades K through 8.
This type of book is starting to become more widely accepted by librarians. In fact, the American Library Association has recognized this in establishing its annual list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens, and in 2011 they added the annually updated Core Collection of Graphic Novels for young readers in grades K through 8.
How Do You Read Graphic Novels?
Reading Graphic Novels takes a specific skill set. Below are some of the key features and tips on how to read a graphic novel.
Pages consist of a variety of elements
• Panels-squares or rectangles that contain a single scene
• Gutters-space between panels
• Dialog Balloons-contain communication between/among characters
• Thought Balloons-contain a character’s thoughts
• Captions-contain information about a scene or character
• Sound Effects-visual sound clues i.e.. Wonk! Pow
More Helpful Tips
• Panels-squares or rectangles that contain a single scene
• Gutters-space between panels
• Dialog Balloons-contain communication between/among characters
• Thought Balloons-contain a character’s thoughts
• Captions-contain information about a scene or character
• Sound Effects-visual sound clues i.e.. Wonk! Pow
More Helpful Tips
- You read graphic novels with the same left to right principle that would apply in other books. This includes how to read the dialog balloons.
- Slow down! And pay as much attention to the art as you do to the words. Both help tell the story.
- Watch for “visual vocabulary.” In a Western graphic novel, a black cloud over someone’s head means a character is mad or sad. In manga, if a character shrinks in size, it is telling you something about that person’s emotional state.
- Be engaged in the book. Each comic panel is a moment frozen in time. Your mind connects the dots. If you aren’t paying attention, you might miss some action.
- Be visually active. As you read, ask yourself why certain images are close up while others are more panoramic. Look for ways the novel uses images to communicate information about time and place. Ask yourself how these images help tell the story.