One realm of YA literature that I am not very versed in is graphic novels. It is the fastest growing genre of books these days. I suppose it might be part of the whole lack of a decent attention span, but I am not so sure. Some of them are extremely colorful, exciting, and a quick read, like American Born Chinese. Others are very poignant and so far from what you would expect in a graphic novel, like Blankets (which is almost 600 pages). Authors are really pushing the boundaries of the genre. It isn’t just Manga any more. There is still a great deal of debate about what, exactly, is the difference between a graphic novel and a novel with a lot of pictures like The Invention of Hugo Cabret (great website). I am still not sure, but I love them both.
At the New York Comic-Con, children’s and YA graphic novels stood out as the lone hope in the bad economy. Hyperion (even though I still don’t like their website) has done something genius, and other publishers need to jump on the bandwagon quick before its gone. They are taking one of their most popular series for 8-12 year-old boys and putting it into graphic novel form. Artemis Fowl while not as popular as Harry Potter (what is really?) is doing very well as a novel. Now that they have taken it into the graphic novel realm, kids will not only buy it more, but they will buy both versions. They are also talking about turning The Lightning Thief, and The Amulet of Samarkand, both extremely popular boy series into graphic novels. There is a lot of money to made for one who is willing to think inside the little comic boxes.
This is also something that could be used in the classroom to great success.
It is universally acknowledged that people learn differently. Can you imagine a teacher being able to give a kid who is struggling in reading the exact same book as the rest of the class, but in graphic form. Maybe, it would help introduce non-readers to their first enjoyable in-school reading experience. Some teachers might want to punch me right now for even suggesting this, but think about it. A kid who won’t read anything vs. a kid that will read graphic novels. The same subjects would be there, just presented in a different way. Of course, this wouldn’t work in the higher level literature classes when language becomes a topic of discussion, but for middle school and early high school, it could be invaluable.
I just want you all to take a moment and think about the possibility of all seven Harry Potter books as graphic novels…I just wish I could draw something better than a stick figure on a broom.
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I like the idea of these books being used in schools. Why not? As far as I’m concerned, it’s not so much what you read but that you read.
I agree with Brian. I’d also add that it saves the older kids who still need the more picture heavy books from looking like “babies,” because they’re reading books others of their age would be reading.
Some of the teachers at my wife’s school talk about this a lot. The older generation still refers to graphic novels as comics and therefore not a valid substitute during reading time. But some of the younger ones agree with Nancy and Brian. Especially when you think of the sheer amount of images that we come into contact with on a daily basis, it fits that it is okay if there are more in what we read. Harry Potter as graphic novel, though? That’s tough. One of the great things about that series is that kids who wouldn’t read (or would only read comics or graphic novels) would actually read those. Hmmmmm. Stuff to ponder.
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You should check out ‘The Arrival’ by Shaun Tan…it has no words, and its amazing illustrations would totally appeal to young kids, but it also offers an historical perspective on immigration that could work in a middle or high school curriculum.
I have seen that one. It is a beautiful book. I haven’t had the chance to read (I can’t think of a better way to put it. Experience?) it. But you are right. It would be a great thing to use in classrooms. It kind of reminds me of The Mysteries of Harris Burdick” by Chris Van Allsburg. Another great book, that could almost be considered a children’s picture essay book kind of thing.