Be sure to sign up for The Key Point of View, our weekly newsletter of blogs and podcasts!
Graphic novels have emerged as a vital part of children’s literature, particularly for readers aged 8-12. This genre blends vibrant illustrations with stories that address real-life challenges like social anxiety, friendships, and family dynamics. Books like Smile and Roller Girl have led to a surge in popularity, offering kids engaging stories they can devour quickly and revisit often. While some parents question their value compared to traditional books, experts argue that graphic novels foster a love of reading by providing relatable, accessible narratives during formative years.
| A page from Saga by Brian K. Vaughan. |
Formative Reading
There is an interesting discourse surrounding children and the graphic novel among parents. Many—especially those who did not grow up with them—wonder how this format will affect their kids’ reading habits over time. They worry whether their children will move on to longer, more text-heavy books or stick with graphic novels into their adulthood. Some parents are hesitant about them because children tend to read through these types of books quickly, which can give the impression that they lack the depth and substance of traditional prose.
Despite this skepticism, supporters believe that graphic novels encourage exploration, allowing kids to find stories they resonate with and reread favorites. These things are the ones to focus on because they help build a lasting appreciation for reading.
I remember my parents found me up and reading one night at 10PM—which was very late, considering I was in the first grade. The book was The Secret of the Old Clock. Nancy Drew, with all her mystery solving adventures, would have young me reading well past my bedtime for years to come. It was the series that turned me into a reader for life, then it was The Series of Unfortunate Events, then the Twilight books, and so forth. These aren’t graphic novels, I know, but the point remains—these books left me with an incredible appreciation for storytelling and reading, as did the access of these books within my classrooms.
Are Graphic Novels Literature?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a graphic novel is “a full-length (esp. science fiction or fantasy) story published as a book in comic-strip format.” The term "graphic novel" reflects cultural attitudes specific to the United States and Britain, where comics have historically struggled for recognition as an art form and a literary medium. In contrast, no such distinction is necessary in continental Europe or Japan, where comics are widely accepted and celebrated. In France, for example, bande dessinée (“drawn strips”) cater to adult and child audiences without issue. In Japan, manga spans a vast range of genres, appealing to a broad audience.
It is important to note that I was never a graphic novel fan, but I absolutely classify them as literature. My friends (at 34 years old) read comics, graphic novels, and traditional novels all the time. My co-editor even sent me a list of non-superhero-related graphic novels—as that seems to be a common assumption when one hears the term—three of which I put in my Amazon cart based on their descriptions (Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, Himawari House by Harmony Becker, and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel). They’re fun to read, even in adulthood!
But Does It Really Matter What Form Reading Comes In?
I’m not a parent, so I don’t have that specific POV to speak from, but I do have a niece and three nephews (ages 3 to 17) that are bookworms. When buying them books, I hesitate on ones with topics that are above their age range, but that’s the only thing that I check with their parents on before purchasing. It’s not the type of media, the length of prose, or whether there are pictures.
Reading is more than just a hobby and a pastime; it’s an exercise. The act of reading fosters cognitive growth, emotional development, and creativity. For children, reading improves vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking—preparing them for academic success and a richer understanding of the world. It sharpens memory, builds confidence, and enhances writing skills, which offers young readers the tools needed to express themselves more effectively. For adults, reading offers benefits like improved focus, stress reduction, and a boost in empathy. Furthermore, reading nurtures emotional intelligence, connecting readers to writers and characters on a deeper level.
Not to mention the community reading brings! I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had when people see me reading a certain book; the way my nephew’s eyes light up when someone mentions his favorite series; the passion my niece has in her voice when she tells me about how much a book “ruined” her life upon finishing it (teens and their dramatics). Book clubs, discussion forums, or simple conversations with other people make reading something that fosters not only imagination and cognitive growth but also a sense of community and connection.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
While I can kind of see the argument that it’s not “traditional” literature (simply because it’s not my preferred medium), it is by no means not “legitimate.” I’ve lamented this to my friends on more than one occasion—the worst thing adulthood stole from me (aside from my flexibility and knee strength) is the attention span and free time to sit down and read for hours. I mourn the loss of it, and because of that, I have no problem with anyone reading graphic novels. Or regular novels. Or short stories, or comic strips in the paper, or any other form of written word…The point is that they’re reading and, what’s more, they’re enjoying it. That’s a win, if you ask me!
Stay ahead in the ever-evolving print industry by browsing our Industry Reports page for the latest insights. Log in to the InfoCenter to view research and studies on workflow and print automation solutions through our Production Workflow Advisory Service. Log in to bliQ for product-level research, reports, and specs. Not a subscriber? Contact us for more information.