I’ve never paid much attention to graphic novels, even though my kids occasionally check them out from the library. But after talking to Camden Tadhg, I feel like I’ve overlooked an exciting, growing literary form.
Tadhg, teen librarian at the Hennepin County Central Library, says it’s natural for tweens and teens to be interested in comic books and graphic novels.
“They listen to music and watch movies at the same time,” she says. “They are used to accessing information in multiple ways.”
Tadhg defines a graphic novel as a comic that has an ongoing story line or overarching theme that develops beyond what you see in the Sunday comics. Graphic novels have gained credibility over the past 20 years with the publication of titles like Art Spiegelman’s Maus, which is about the Holocaust, and Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, about an Iranian girl’s coming of age during the Islamic Revolution. Now, the genre has exploded in popularity, with titles coming out in about every topic imaginable, including many nonfiction ones.
Tadhg says the popularity of manga in Japan and manhwa in Korea has fueled the increasing U.S. interest in the genre.
“Here people think of comics as Marvel and DC; mostly boys read it; it’s about superheroes. But there, comics are for everyone. They have them for every age, every different interest group, and they cover every topic. Comics are as ubiquitous as regular novels there,” she says.
Tadhg says when U.S. teens read manga or mahnwa, they read the books from back to front, just as they’re printed in Japan and Korea, and they pick up information about those cultures.
Graphic novels also appeal to reluctant and struggling readers because the visual clues help increase understanding of the words.
“For English language learners, it’s a great way to get started because it’s fast; it’s not as intimidating as a big fat novel,” she says.
Tadhg says some parents worry that when kids read graphic novels, they’re not being intellectually challenged enough, or end up not reading as much text. But even though graphic novels may be shorter than some regular books, teens often come into the library and check out 30 graphic novels at a time, then return them three days later.
“All of their literary muscles are being exercised by these graphic novels,” she says. “What they’re doing is not less than reading a novel without pictures.”
When parents say they don’t understand why kids like graphic novels, Tadhg suggests that the parent try reading one that’s written for an adult instead of for a teen. She recommends With the Light, by Keiko Tobe, about a single mom raising an autistic child in Japan.
Parents concerned about a graphic novel’s appropriateness should read reviews online, check to see if the book has an age rating on the back (some, especially manga, do), or ask a librarian. Some graphic novels are geared toward younger kids, and others contain material suitable for older teens. Even if the graphic novels are rated, parents may want to dig deeper, depending on what makes them or their children uncomfortable.
“Graphic novels have the added benefit of being something you can flip through. If you flip through and it’s very violent or has nudity, you’re going to notice,” she says.
Tadhg says she expects graphic novels to continue to grow in use in the classroom because they often can explain difficult concepts more clearly than textbooks.
Julie Poling, the book buyer for the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, agrees that graphic novels have become a popular book form among kids and teachers.
“Our section has doubled in the last few years. It’s amazing how many choices are out there,” she says.
Poling says graphic novels seem to appeal almost equally to boys and girls, although certain series tend to skew toward one gender or the other. She’s also seen great interest from teachers and librarians in nonfiction titles that cover topics like the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Graphic novels that don’t sell as well, she says, are those that are a retelling of an existing book series, like Artemis Fowl and Alex Rider. This is probably good news for readers who don’t want to see the interest in graphic novels eclipse that of traditional books.
“When it comes right down to it, the regular books — the non-comic books — are still the best selling. The majority of kids still prefer the non-graphic novel books,” she says.
Joy Riggs is the mom of three kids, ages 14, 12, and 9, who love books in any format.
