How Graphic Novels Are Inspiring Young Readers

Trying to get children to read has been an age-old battle for many parents, teachers, and carers. There is just so much going on in their worlds, and so many things to do that they’ve never done before, that reading is often quite low on their list.

But now, it seems, there is a type of book that has finally caught the younger generations’ attention: the comic book. Now, it might not be the same as them starting on the classics, but any type of reading is better than nothing!

What Exactly Are the Kids Reading?

According to research in the publishing market, sales of children’s comics and graphic novels have risen to almost £20 million in England. Publishers and editors are celebrating the boom as a rise in profit is always welcome, but it also means good things for novels and general children’s literacy levels.

But what exactly are the kids picking up? What constitutes a children’s comic book or graphic novel?

A comic book is, essentially, any publication that contains images, panels, and text. Often, “comic” books are associated with superheroes (think Marvel and DC!), whereas graphic novels are often associated with deeper, more complex narratives—but at their core, they’re the same medium. Some people associate the latter with thicker texts, omnibuses, and hardback releases, but again, this is a personal association.

So, is it just superhero books that kids are interested in? Well, it seems that those sure have had an impact, but it’s not just the Marvel and DC books that are being picked up off the shelf.

According to Philip Stone, a media analyst at NielsenIQ BookData, “superhero books have been a reliably big feature, probably boosted by all the screen superhero movies. A lot of manga series are doing very well again, and this may also be linked to screen versions. What we need now is some deep-dive research into the impact of graphic and comic fiction as a gateway for young people into reading. We certainly suspect it’s true.”

He went on to say that this rise has been a long time coming, and that actually, over the last decade, there has been a “significant rise” in graphic novel sales for both the adult and children’s markets.

What Comic Books Are Suitable for Children?

If you work with or have children, you might be wondering how you can make the most of this supposed gateway into reading. Which comic books can you pick up on your next trip to the bookstore to get your little ones into the world of reading?

There are several brilliant comic and graphic novel series aimed at children. You could pick up Looshkin by Jamie Smart, stories about a blue cat who just loves mayhem.

Or perhaps you could grab Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson, which follows Phoebe and her accidental best friend. For a more educational story, take a look at Corpse Talk by Adam and Lisa Murphy, a story that follows historical subjects after their deaths.

For slightly older kids, you might want to look at American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, a story that looks at mythology, coming-of-age experiences, and racism from the perspective of a young boy. Or, there’s Heartstopper, a classic webcomic turned physical book that explores the struggles of British teens and the world of being young and LGBTQ+.

There are, of course, also superhero books. From Marvel, you could start with the Infinity Saga books, which have corresponding movies. Or, for people who want something a bit more niche, you could grab a Ms. Marvel run or Squirrel Girl. Alternatively, for DC fans, you could start with Justice League comics, which have been adapted to film multiple times, or you could start with Creature Commandos, a messier series that has just been made into a TV show!

Are There Benefits to Children Reading Comics?

There are plenty of reading purists who believe that comics aren’t “real” reading, but graphic novels and comics actually offer numerous advantages. Research has shown that there are many benefits for children who read graphic novels.

Reading comic books can improve children’s reading skills by capturing their attention both textually and visually. The combination of words and images promotes sequential reading and enhances comprehension.

Additionally, comics are a great way for children to expand their vocabulary. Studies show that 36% to 76% of the language used in comics consists of advanced words. These challenging words are more likely to be retained by children when presented in a comic format, as the visuals help reinforce their meaning and usage.

Not only that, but reading comics and graphic novels encourages students’ imagination and teaches them storytelling skills just like reading any other kind of book. It also promotes visual literacy, the ability to interpret and analyze visual information, which is essential when it comes to understanding images and symbols, useful for breaking down advertisements, social media posts, and art.

Comic books are also notoriously an easier way to engage reluctant readers. People who don’t want to pick up a book are more likely to pick up a graphic novel or a comic. And, once they have, it seems that they might be more likely to eventually work their way into the world of fiction, too.