Despite the growing number of graphic novels available on the market and the enthusiastic support of many young readers, graphic novels still cannot shake the reputation for not being "real books" that they have with some teachers, parents, and administrators.
Not even Jerry Craft's graphic novel New Kid winning the Newbery Award has convinced some of the format's detractors of the merits of reading graphic novels for children.
Luckily, librarians across the state are stepping up to defend the graphic novels. Here are a few arguments in favor of letting kids read graphic novels:
If you are looking for a graphic novel to jumpstart your reading this year, here are a few of my favorites:
New Kid - Modern realistic fiction. Lots of humor, but it also gives the reader a lot to think about. The first graphic novel to win the Newbery Award!
The Tea Dragon Society - This fantasy is like a hand-knit sweater. Cozy and welcoming with beautiful art.
Rutabaga the Adventure Chef - A laugh out loud fantasy adventure.
The Cardboard Kingdom - A Bluebonnet List nominated volume of graphic vignettes of a neighborhood of children who spend a summer creating.
Ghost Book - Heartwarming, funny and genuinely spooky - the story of a girl and her friend and a trip to underworld to solve a mystery.
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