{"id":2687,"date":"2011-05-20T06:00:38","date_gmt":"2011-05-20T11:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com\/tlb\/?p=2687"},"modified":"2019-03-27T14:29:04","modified_gmt":"2019-03-27T19:29:04","slug":"using-graphic-novels-and-comic-books-to-teach-reading","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/k12teacherstaffdevelopment.com\/tlb\/using-graphic-novels-and-comic-books-to-teach-reading\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Graphic Novels and Comic Books to Teach Reading"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Check<\/a> \"\"<\/a>Anytime I visit a bookstore, Target, ToysRUs or other place that sells books for children I can’t help but keep a look out for my sister’s New York Time’s Best Selling Ladybug Girl!<\/a> series of children books<\/strong>. Of course, I am biased as the author is my little sister. Oops, maybe I shouldn’t say little sister any longer as she is all grown up with a beautiful family of her own and a successful career as a children book author.<\/p>\n

So, I was wandering the children book section recently scouring the shelves for the latest tall tale of Ladybug Girl and her sidekick Bumblebee Boy<\/a> when I noticed that the graphic novel selection was swelling. For those uninitiated among you, “graphic novel” is the modern name for comic books. These are not comic books in the vein of Archie & Veronica, Superman and numerous characters with whom many of us grew up. No, these come in true book form, including hardcover.<\/p>\n

Not to be outdone, I later saw that the graphic novel and comic book section at our local library is also slowly expanding. Whether it’s Sonic the Hedgehog or a reworked version of Treasure Island starring The Muppets, there’s no missing that graphic novels are rising in popularity and story lines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

With the uncomplicated language and use of all upper-case letters, snazzy design, simple graphics and colorful imagery I understand why these grab the attention of children, they certainly grab mine. Many students are struggling to read with teachers doing their best to help. I can even see how these graphic novels might be used to get children who otherwise might resist reading, especially boys, into reading.<\/p>\n

Then comes along “The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future.” I browsed through a copy and was horrified with what I discovered. This book is loaded with intentional misspellings. And I’m disappointed to say that my reaction to that is not only is it unnecessary but, as also included in the book, “what the?” I am not alone in my shock. Checking out parent reviews on Amazon.com indicated that many moms also do not understand why it was necessary for this book to use poor grammar and spelling when the same story could have been told in a fun and engaging way for young boy readers (the target audience) with<\/em> proper English.<\/p>\n

My questions for you this week:<\/strong><\/p>\n