Saturday, February 12, 2022

RA RA READ: Graphic novels for beginning readers

It's hard to believe that a few years ago there were very few comics for beginning readers. Owly, Elephant and Piggie, and a small selection of forgettable graphics for "reluctant readers" from series publishers were about it. However, this genre has blossomed in the past few years.

My criteria for beginning reader graphic novels is not just simple text and illustrations. Sara Varon's work has very basic lines and minimal text but has complex concepts and requires a higher reading ability to comprehend. I look for a blend of graphics and text that readers who are still developing fluency will be able to follow, as well as storylines that are appropriate and relevant to young readers. Short or episodic stories are best, and of course kids at this age love humor.

Core List
These are titles that most libraries who serve beginning readers should have on their shelves.

Additional selections

Graphic adaptations of beginning chapter books

Publisher series by various authors

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