Graphic Novels in Libraries Month 2019
First posted August 1st, 2019
It’s no secret that we’re super fans of comics/graphic novels at my library. Just ask any of our librarians to suggest titles for young readers and we’ll light up with excitement. Earlier this year, in order to make our juvenile comics collection more accessible, we moved it so that it’s the first collection you can find when you walk into the Youth and Teen Services Department, with plenty of space in front of it to sit down and explore the books. We leveled up in July by celebrating our appreciation for this medium for storytelling all month during Booklist’s Graphic Novels in Libraries Month.
We curated several displays for readers to discover comics that are perfect for them because there are graphic novels for readers of all ages. Here are some lists of great graphic novels (and comics-related titles) from our display!
Great Graphic Novels: Early Readers
Great Graphic Novels: Middle Grade
Some of these comics were even selected by young readers to add to our display. And we often had to add more comics to the display due to them frequently being checked out.
We also provided resources for caregivers to learn more about the power of graphic novels, including Raising a Reader from the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Toon Book’s Reading Comprehension Poster, A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love by Scott Robins & Snow Wildsmith, and Comics Are Picture Books: A (Graphic) Novel Idea by Elisa and Patrick Gall.
As part of our display, we asked young readers to answer two questions: 1. Why do you love comics? 2. Which comics do you recommend? on word bubbles to then add to the display. They, of course, received free comics swag for participating. Adding the word bubbles had the unexpected result of making the books look like they’re speaking, as though the display is a comic come to life. I could talk all day about the benefits of reading comics related to self-selection and lifelong reading, visual literacy, comprehension, increasing the volume of reading and promoting book joy but… I think it’s incredibly valuable to listen to young people and their reasons for reading comics. One of our fantastic CAT volunteers transcribed the kids’ comments and I’ve made some minor spelling/grammar corrections.
I like to read graphic novels because they are really easy. My favorite comic is The Baby-Sitter’s Club.
I like to read because it is fun.
Comic books are more entertaining.
I love Iron Man.
I like to read because it’s interesting.
I love Superman.
I love graphic novels because they are very detailed and fun to read. I recommend Brave.
I like comics because they are very expressive when it comes to characters, so you get a feel of what they are like.
Because of the word bubbles.
I love comics because of the interesting pictures and [they’re] easy and fun to read. Comics I recommend: Be Prepared, All Summer Long, Babymouse series, Amulet, Cardboard Kingdom.
I like comics because they’re not novels.
I love comics because it has words and pictures. I recommend Sisters.
Jokes.
Graphic novels can show how authors see their characters and how the characters feel. I would recommend El Deafo.
My favorite comic and graphic novel is Roller Girl, mainly because it inspired me to join roller derby myself. Graphic novels and comics are good to read because they incorporate two different types of art which exposes kids to new things.
I like comics because they are a fun mix between watching TV and reading. It’s a way to watch the action without actually watching. My favorite comic is Sunny Side Up.
I love graphic novels because they have so many meanings and [they’re] really funny. My favorite book here is: Sunny Side Up, Owly, Pix: One Weirdest Weekend.
I like reading comics because of my superheroes like Flash and Batman.
I like comics because it is an easy to read. Also, when you’re looking for the evidence, you can find it easily. I recommend Razzle Dazzle Unicorn!
I like reading graphic novels because they are quick reads. There are many kinds of graphic novels, fantasy, history, and realistic fiction. I recommend: Be Prepared, Smile, Guts, El Deafo, The Tea Dragon Society, Cardboard Kingdom, Best Friends.
I like reading because some books are nonfiction and they teach you something you never knew.
I like comics because they are fun and easy to read.
I like graphic novels because the feelings that the authors want the reader to have are easier to get. Graphic novels are more explained and dramatic. [I recommend] Amulet.
I like to read graphic novels because I find them more appealing than novels. A teen graphic novel I would recommend is Spinning.
I love comics because of the heroes and the action! Some comics I recommend are: Ms. Marvel, My Hero Academia.
I like comics because they are short.
Because they are easy to read. I recommend Wallace the Brave.
I like reading comics because it’s less complicated with the pictures and speech bubbles. My favorite graphic novel is Sisters.
These young people’s powerful insights about their experiences reading comics tell us that they are getting so many different things when they read comics. Try asking a young person in your life about comics and which ones they recommend and you’re certain to have an eye-opening, thoughtful conversation. And if you’re looking for books to share with them, check out the kids’ recommendations! And you can always come to the library for a personalized suggestion. While Graphic Novels in Libraries month may be over, we celebrate comics & choice every day at our library.