By: Elizabeth Schieber
In the past five years, graphic novel sales have doubled. The only categories currently outperforming them are general fiction and romance - and this spike in sales is driven by kids.
At the same time, there’s a large (loud) group of people (adults!) saying that graphic novels don’t really “count” as reading, that they don’t qualify as literature. And we get it - the words are smaller and the pictures are bigger. But there’s more to them than meets the eye...
There’s a large (loud) group of people (adults!) saying that graphic novels don’t really “count” as reading… but there’s more to them than meets the eye.
A 2023 survey by the National Literacy Trust found that children who read graphic novels are twice as likely as non-graphic-novel-readers to say that they enjoy reading and also that they consider themselves good readers. And when kids enjoy reading and feel confident doing it, they keep reading.
I am the mother of three reluctant readers. My 6th, 4th, and 2nd graders attend a French immersion school so their reading journey has looked different and even scary at times. I looked down my nose at graphic novels for many years but quickly converted to graphic novel disciple after seeing the excitement in my kids’ eyes when they talked about whatever graphic novel they were reading. All three children still love graphic novels, and two have grown into “traditional” books as well.
When kids enjoy reading and feel confident doing it, they keep reading.
Here’s a few myths about graphic novels that we hear quite a bit at the bookstore, along with some info that might help change your perspective as well:
MYTH: Reading a graphic novel isn’t the same as reading a “real” book.
BUSTED:
Ok, maybe this is partially true - reading graphic novels actually requires a more complex set of skills. Readers must interpret images and text together, infer meaning between panels and follow non-linear visual cues. The Lightfall series by Tim Probert is an excellent example of this myth-busted. The series follows a young girl named Bea as she travels the planet Irpa searching for her adopted father. She’s joined by Cad, part of the ancient Galdurian clan, who is on a journey of his own. Sweeping landscapes, winding paths, and forked roads add depth that words alone can’t capture. Children aren’t just reading, they’re interpreting, connecting, and experiencing both text and image at once. That’s where the magic happens.
MYTH: Only struggling readers enjoy graphic novels.
BUSTED:
Readers of all ages enjoy graphic novels. Even adults! One of the reasons that graphic novels are finding such popularity is that they are faster to read than a traditional novel. Many kids today are feeling discouraged about their reading abilities, so finishing an entire book can feel like a big win. Plus, these books are often part of a series, so if your reader loved the first Wings of Fire graphic novel there’s a good chance they’ll be asking for the second. And before you know it they’ve read 9 books and are telling you all about the dragon soap opera you didn’t know you cared about. These are engaged readers! And engaged readers keep reading.
MYTH: Graphic novels prevent children from growing their comprehension skills.
BUSTED:
Graphic novels actually improve comprehension! In both a literary sense and an emotional sense. Children who enjoy graphic novels are learning so much about story structure and how to interpret visual cues like facial expression and body language. Many graphic novels are especially effective at building empathy, compassion, and problem-solving skills. A great example is Mr. Wolf’s Class by Aron Nels Steinke. Set over the course of a school year in a fourth-grade classroom, the series focuses on everyday experiences—friendships, family dynamics, conflict, and growth. There’s no fantasy or high-stakes drama, just real life. Readers see themselves and their classmates in the characters, read emotions on their faces, and learn to understand tone and perspective. These are skills they can apply immediately in their own lives.
MYTH: Graphic novels are replacing traditional books.
BUSTED:
Graphic novels aren’t replacing traditional books, they’re the gateway to a lifetime of reading. The Wings of Fire readers are going to grow into Hunger Games readers, who will grow into Dungeon Crawler Carl readers and so on. We are literally growing the readers of the future. And those readers will not grow without a spark of passion - and if that spark comes in the form of a graphic novel, it’s not a replacement. It’s the start of something bigger.
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Follow more of Elizabeth's recs on her instagram, @litpicksbooks! If you’re looking for your next summer read or need expertise on gifts for kids… she’s your gal.
