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Girls and Graphic Novels by Emily Meixner
My eight-year-old niece loves graphic novels. She ingests them voraciously, and when I saw her during the winter holidays, ninety percent of that time she was reading. Truth be told, I didn’t actually see her all that much – I just saw her fingers and the top of her head. That’s her in the photo below reading through dinner at a local restaurant.
Watching her that particular night as she tuned out everyone else at the table, I was reminded of myself at that age, hunkered down, hidden behind the newspaper and magazine rack at my dad’s pharmacy with a stack of Richie Rich and Archie comics in my lap. Watching my niece tear through Raina Telgemeier’s Smile, I remembered how I would sit legs-crossed, shoulders hunched forward, my lower back pressed against that green wooden rack as I poured over each new volume, imaging what it might be like to be “the world’s richest kid” or, perhaps even more implausibly, in high school. There, like my niece at dinner, I would read for hours oblivious to the world and happily out of my parents’ way.
Fast-forward to the present and the course I teach on literature for younger readers. When I ask my college students (mostly future teachers, mostly young women) how many of them were/are comic book and/or graphic novel readers, a few will raise their hands enthusiastically. The majority, however, will staunchly affirm that they were/are not. Some of these students will have read a graphic novel at some point in their lives, but almost always because it was assigned, not because they chose to read it for pleasure. Similarly, very few of them read comics. As a result, they are pre-disposed to think of both as “boys stuff”: science fiction, high fantasy, superheroes.
In some ways, I can’t blame them. These were my assumptions for many years, too, even though I’d been an avid comic book reader as a child. Once I began to grow out of Richie Rich and Archie, I simply didn’t know where to go next. I’d never heard of graphic novels, so I didn’t seek them out. Not once in my entire K-12 experience can I recall a parent or teacher or friend placing a graphic novel in my hands and saying to me, “Here, Emily, you should read this.”
When I finally did meet my first graphic novel, I was 29, in graduate school, and perusing the shelves of a local feminist bookstore. There, stacked innocuously on a corner shelf, was a copy of Judd Winick’s memoir, Pedro & Me. I distinctly remember seeing the book and pausing, curious, cup of hot coffee in my hand. I was vaguely familiar with the season of The Real World during which Winick and Pedro Zamora were members of the cast, so that immediate connection drew me in. But what really got me once I started flipping through the pages was the artwork – the gorgeous black and white images. I set down my cup of coffee and stood there riveted for nearly an hour as I read the book from cover to cover. I cry regularly when I read, but this was the first time I wept openly in a bookstore. I was still sniffling when I bought it. The cashier calmly took in my swollen eyes and blotchy face and nodded sympathetically as she bagged the book and handed it back to me.
My students have similarly powerful reactions when I assign Pedro & Me for class. They’re surprised by its emotional impact; they’re moved by the story, but they’re also moved by the art, and they quickly understand how literary the book is because of this essential interrelationship. What I love most about this text, however, is that it challenges my students’ assumptions about not only what graphic novels can do (tell rich, deeply affecting stories), but also who graphic novels are for. Graphic novels are for everyone, girls included.
Thankfully my niece has parents who support her interest in graphic novels and actively help her seek out new titles. I worry that many parents and teachers still don’t – that they continue to believe that graphic novels are easy reading, lack substance, and only appeal to boys. None of these things are true.
When I asked my niece what graphic novel I should read next, she ran into her room and quickly came back with Dana Simpson’s Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle, her absolute favorite. “I think you’ll really like it,” she told me, adding, “you remind me of the mom.” I’m pretty sure she said this because both the mom and I wear glasses, but she was right. I loved it. It’s snort-out-loud hilarious. I can’t wait for the sequel, Unicorn on a Roll, which makes its debut this May.
Between the two of us, we’d also recommend
- Giants Beware! (The Chronicles of Claudette) by Jorge Aguirre
- El Deafo by Cece Bell
- Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol
- Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge
- Zita the Spacegirl (Series) by Ben Hatke
- Amulet (Series) by Kazu Kibuishi
- Cleopatra in Space (Series) by Mike Maihack
- D. New Orleans After the Deluge by Josh Neufeld
- Primates by Jim Ottaviani & Maris Wicks
- Tomboy by Liz Prince
- Persepolis and Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi
- Maus I & II by Art Spiegelman
- Drama, Sisters and Smile by Raina Telgemeier
- Blankets by Craig Thompson
- American Born Chinese and Boxers & Saints by Gene Luen Yang
- Foiled and Curses! Foiled Again by Jane Yolen
There are wonderful graphic novels available for students of all ages, but we (teachers, teacher educators, parents) need to know what they are so that when our kids come to us looking for something good to read, we can say to them – to our girls as well as to our boys: “Here, you should read this.”
Emily Meixner is an Associate Professor of English at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, where she teaches courses on secondary ELA pedagogy and young adult literature. She can’t wait to check out Victoria Jamieson’s graphic novel Roller Girl (which her niece has already read) and Mariko Tamaki’s This One Summer. You can follow her and hear more about what’s she’s reading and teaching on Twitter @EsMteach.
I’m really glad you posted this! Unfortunately, I’m one of those people that believed graphic novels were really simple reads. But after this post, I’m thinking I should try some 🙂
Thank you so much for this gift! My daughter is 11 & has auditory processing disorder. Reading has always been difficult, but we keep working on finding accessible books for her. Graphic novels, with their mix of words & visuals have provided her with success. After continuously reading anything by Raina Telegemeier, El Deafo, Roller Girl & Phoebe & Her Unicorn, she has finally gained enough confidence to independently read a novel! I thank you for this list! It will be examined, cross-referenced through Goodreads, and titles will be purchased them for my daughter and my elementary school library!
P.S. Her first officially finished & enjoyed novel was Lulu’s Mysterious Mission, by Judith Viorst! A great book about a girl seeking independence…
Lots of great titles on here – and a bunch of new ones for us. Thank you! To add to the list: my 8 year old (daughter) and 11 year old (son) both loved ‘Hereville: How Mirka Got her Sword.’
A few years ago, I was in a book club with amazing women. We were all so different from each other. We decided early on to try any book someone in the club recommended. One librarian friend choose a graphic novel. It was such a sad book and I hate reading about child abuse, but it spoke volumes about how text and illustrations create such a powerful reader response. I plan to share this post with the parents in my class of second graders. Thank you.
Just so you’re aware, most of the books she recommended were more appropriate for older kids. Some, like Smile and Sisters, would appeal to grades 3-5 and others (Drama, Persepolis, Maus, etc.) would be more for teenagers. If you’re looking for a list of recommended graphic novels for second graders, here’s a start: https://www.sos.wa.gov/_assets/library/libraries/firsttuesdays/GraphicNovelsResources.pdf
I’m one of those girls who grew up with superheroes and science fiction & fantasy as a staple in my diet. I spent way too much money on comics all the way through college. When graphic novels started to get attention in the library world, i thought I’d died and gone to heaven. My nine-year-old and I would highly recommend Elfquest for your niece if she hasn’t read it yet (some adult material, but perfectly OK if she’s read Drama and loved it). All of the Cybils shortlist books are worth looking at too — they have two graphic novel categories, one for youngers and one for olders. Amelia Rules should not be missed. And, of course, Roller Girl!
Thanks for the recommendations, Mama Librarian! I probably should have indicated which of the graphic novels on the list are younger and older because there’s a range: Anya’s Ghost, Page by Paige, A.D. New Orleans (typo in the title above), Tomboy, Persepolis, Maus, Blankets, and American Born Chinese (although I know it’s taught in a couple of local middle schools) are all older. Kimberley: Thanks! I hope it helps!
Your niece would love Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. I lent my library copy to a couple of girls in my 4th grade class and they ate it up.
I got Roller Girl from the library after I saw it in a “best books so far this year” post here a few weeks ago. My 5th-grade daughter has read it four times, so I can strongly second Adrienne’s suggestion.
I have a lot of graphic novels in my room. My fifth graders love them. I would also recommend the Amulet series by Kazuhiro Kibuishu, loved by both boys and girls. Newts by Doug TenNapel and anything he writes.
Don’t forget graphic novels of classic literature! I finally got a shelf at the local comic book shop when the Northanger Abbey came out a few years ago. Pride & Prejudice and Emma are also available. I use the graphic novel of The Hound of the Baskervilles with my 7th graders every year too. Gareth Hinds is a great illustrator of classic works like Beowulf, Romeo & Juliet, and The Odyssey. A great way to introduce classics to kids and they devour them!
My 9yr old daughter loves this series http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Wind-01-Little-Prince/dp/0822594226/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432924747&sr=1-3&keywords=the+little+prince+graphic+novel
and this one http://www.amazon.com/Explorer-Lost-Islands-Kazu-Kibuishi/dp/141970883X/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432924893&sr=1-10&keywords=explorers
Thank you for the list!
I’ve been meaning to read Persepolis for years now! We watched a bit of it back in high school and it was super powerful.
great post! my daughter cannot put these graphic novels down.
I am Kimberley’s librarian friend, and I take a little credit for lighting the fire of her graphic novel enthusiasm :). I was a rabid comic book reader as a kid (Elfquest!!!) and Love graphic novels now. This is an amazingly rich time for readers. GNs are the equalizing genre for all readers. Some others to add to the list: Hilda and the Troll, the Last Dragon by Jane Yolen, Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale (also the Princess in Black, which isn’t a GN, more of an early reader like Judy Moody & Friends or Mercy Watson), Around the World in 80 Dsys
Thank you for those great titles. I am very new to graphic novels, with a fresh respect for the genre and will definitely explore some of the ones you listed.
Thanks again, everyone, for the suggestions and positive comments. My summer reading list continues grow!
Reblogged this on Julie Stroebel Barichello | Author and commented:
Like Emily Meixner’s niece, my 8-year-old niece loves graphic novels. The genre is one readers of all ages and genre preferences can enjoy. Take a few moments out of your day to read Meixner’s account of her niece’s love of this novel form, her own experience with them, and a list of recommended graphic novel reading.
Thanks for the shout out, Julie!
Thank you for the recommendations. My daughter adores graphic novels and is more likely to reread them than most chapter books so we’re more likely to purchase the good ones.
Interesting post. You make some good points and I think that they are great for those who love them. I just can’t get into them. I find the boring. But, I’m adult and not an 8-year-old or teen. What ever encourages a child to read, I’m all for.
Another series to add to the list – Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales. They are terrific nonfiction graphic novels. My students (and I) devour them!
I loved this post and I love graphic novels; this list added a few I haven’t read so onto my TBR list they will go, thanks!
Thanks for the recommendations from everyone! The students in my elementary library absolutely love this genre and I’m always looking for new titles to add.
As much as I love reading, I still haven’t had an experience with graphic novels. In fact, I’m not even sure what they actually are? Though I read many comics as a child, and still do. I’m currently reading this series by Jeff Kinney -The Diary of a Wimpy Kid- does that count as one?
Hi, Arti. Just saw your comment. A graphic novel is merely a book in comic strip form. It’s a format/method of storytelling that requires both images and text. You’ll find that the content of graphic novels ranges in both genre (fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, memoir) and maturity. But they look like long comic strips…they’re longer comic narratives.
Okaaay, thank you for the info!