This video features a conversation on the place graphic novels have in schools. It includes Jeff Smith, publisher of the Bone Series. In our house we love the Bone series, and I credit it in part to my children’s love of reading.
It’s an interesting conversation about schools. We have met numerous teachers who dislike graphic novels or limit the number of graphic novels kids can read per marking period.
Where do I stand on it? If the story is age-appropriate and engaging, I say why not. Books–including graphic novels, novellas, short stories, biographies–tell a story, touch a reader, and make them want to seek about more stories. Reluctant readers–often smart kids with focus or attention issues–might find the graphic novel with text and pictures a bit more engaging. I agree with the literacy expert in the clip. Parents read along with the kids, understand the books and the way they are told. Embrace the stories. Graphic novels are hot right now, but even when they are not my boys will never forget the summer we spent tearing (and arguing about who could read the next book first) through all the Bone novels to find out what happens.
lisa@lisasamalonis.com
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