Over the last six years graphic novels have become a big hit among students of all ages. But some VPS parents and teachers are banning graphic novels from their classrooms and homes. So what’s the story?
Graphic novels are texts that tell a story presented in comic-strip format and are published as a book including fiction and non-fiction forms. Many graphic novels are published as a series of books, for example, The Baby Sitters Club, Making Friends and Amulet.
Some people think that graphic novels are too short, that students need to read books that are more of a challenge. and that graphic novels aren’t real literature. However, we don’t think it’s fair that parents and teachers are banning them because it shouldn’t be a punishment to read books.
We think graphic novels are good because all ages can read them.
In May, we had the chance to Zoom with author and Australian Children’s Laureate, Sally Rippin and we asked her for her take on graphic novels.
“I’m a very, very strong supporter of comics and graphic novels and manga as all being excellent ways to share stories,” she said.
We also asked Mrs Tanish what she thinks about graphic novels. She told us engaging with a text is not just about reading words, it’s about a story and a message that the author wants to share.
“If you have a powerful and important message to share and it’s shared in a really good way, whether that’s via visuals or via text or both, then I think it can be really rewarding for the reader to engage in those texts,” she said.
But Mrs Tanish also said that it’s important to look for high quality texts.
“Like everything you need to be seeking out the quality and talking to amazing librarians like our Ms Caesar to help you find the best books”.
Our Graphic Novel Recommendations
Ms Caesar recommends: Amulet
Amulet is about a young girl called Emily, who has discovered a magical round amulet in her great-grandfather’s house and is tasked with saving an entirely new world from a leader known as The Elf King.
Mrs Tanish recommends: Hugo
Hugo is a about a twelve year old orphan, clock keeper and thief who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris. His life depends on being unknown and keeping secrets.
Jojo, Frankie K, Annelise & Lulu recommend: The Baby Siters Club
The Baby-Sitters Club is about a group of four girls living in Stoneybrook, Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey who always stick together. Based on the original Ann. M Martin books, this series has been adapted and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, a #1 New York Times bestselling, Award-winning author.
