Using Graphic Novels to Enrich and Reach Reluctant Readers

Recently, I had the pleasure of reading the graphic novel adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time. I loved it so much the next day I started reading the original novel. Graphic novels are a great way to encourage reluctant readers through the use of images to support text. They're also a great way to enrich students with a challenging text in a more student-friendly format, allowing for the exploration of deeper topics and more in-depth analysis. True graphic novels are NOT comics. They often have multiple plot lines and complex themes. Many modern favorites, as well as classics, have been adapted including A Wrinkle in Time and The City of Ember, as mentioned in this video. Graphic novels are also great if you work with an English Language Learner population. They may get a bad rap, but if they get kids reading then that, as language arts teachers, is our number one priority!