Graphic novels sometimes get a bad rap as “not real reading.” As a teacher and a mom of two readers, I disagree. These are the graphic novels my own kids keep reaching for, and here’s why I let them.

Graphic novels help navigate social situations

Friendships, staying true to yourself, identity, introvert vs. extrovert

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Always Anthony by Terri Libenson

Graphic novels encourage rereading in a fresh way

Graphic novel versions of chapter books my kids have already read

The City of Ember: The Graphic Novel by Jeanne DuPrau, adapted by Dallas Middaugh

The Giver: The Graphic Novel by Lois Lowry, adapted by P. Craig Russell

Booked: The Graphic Novel by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Graphic novels open the door to learning about the world

Global issues and historical events

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 by Lauren Tarshis

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 by Lauren Tarshis

Graphic novels put a face to different perspectives

Indian-American identity, Mexican-American identity, racial identity and privilege, overcoming barriers in sports

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

Mexikid by Pedro Martín

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Graphic novels make learning a new language less intimidating

More picture cues and more conversational language

Full Shift (A Transformação Total) by Jennifer Dugan & Kit Seaton

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