Just a few short years ago, graphic novels were welcomed into the classroom. Long gone are the days when they were not considered “real” reading. While there may still be some curmudgeonly hold-outs that shun this format, numerous studies have proven their place in the classroom is well-deserved. Graphic novels can increase reading comprehension, support striving readers and engage some students on a deeper level than traditional texts can.

Love (and, Finally, Recognition) for Graphic Novels

Last year brought a wave of love for graphic novels never quite seen before. Graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang was named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress. March: Book Three, Congressman John Lewis’s graphic memoir, was honored with more awards than almost any other book in history. It earned the Coretta Scott King Award, the Printz Award and the National Book Award, just to name a few of its accolades. The American Library Association (ALA) listed 104 titles on its annual round-up of Great Graphic Novels for Teens, the Top Ten of which includes a wonderful mix of genres and diverse characters.

Finding the Best Comics and Graphic Novels

Publishers are definitely noticing the graphic novel trend and are producing more than ever before. While the increased availability can make it seem daunting to find the best of what is out there, it also has the great effect of allowing readers of all types to find something that interests them. Readers that enjoy cialis pas cher realistic fiction about everyday life may be drawn to series like Rachel Renee Russell’s Dork Diaries and Pierce Lincoln’s Big Nate. For those who enjoy fantastical adventures, there are series like Galaxy Zack by Ray O’Ryan and Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson. Nonfiction readers are not left out of the graphic novel landscape either! Series like Science Comics from First Second captivate and inform readers about the world around them.

Now that graphic novels have earned their place in the classroom and on bookshelves everywhere, readers of all ages and levels can find something that interests them within this format. Try including some in your own library and reading life!

Enter Our Comics in the Classroom Giveaway! 

To help you take advantage of this comic craze and add some new graphic novels to your classroom library, we’ve running a Comics in the Classroom giveaway. Enter below your for chance to win! Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, October 1. One entry per person. (Please note that we can only ship books to a school address.)

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our winners!