Are your kids reluctant readers? Or visual learners who enjoy books with lots of illustrations? Are they transitioning from early chapter books to longer novels?
Graphic novels are a great way to get kids excited about new reading levels. That’s why your Library offers a monthly book club for ages 8-12 dedicated specifically to graphic novels.
During the program kids learn about the graphic novel format, participate in drawing exercises, and share recommendations with fellow readers!
Our next Middle Grade Graphic Novel Club meets Monday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Registration is required; click here to sign up.
Why Graphic Novels?
Children’s Librarian Kalyn Webb focuses this book club on graphic novels because they are a valuable tool for nurturing kids’ love of reading and helping them progress to new reading levels.
“Graphic novels are extremely popular with kids, and many kids who would normally be reluctant readers really gravitate towards them,” Kalyn explains. “They are great at getting kids excited to read!”
The format creates a natural bridge for those transitioning from beginning readers and early chapter books into longer novels. Graphic novels are less intimidating because they’re image-heavy, making them perfect for kids who prefer visual learning and highly illustrated texts.
Graphic novels can also help build kids’ vocabulary and reading comprehension. Although they contain less text, much of the dialogue in graphic novels is highly sophisticated.
A Child-Directed Format
Middle Grade Graphic Novel Club is a different format than our other school age programs; it’s meant to be more open-ended and child-directed.
Kalyn starts the program with a conversation about specific graphic novels she has chosen based on a theme. There is also time for kids to share their favorites with the group. The discussion is followed by a craft or drawing exercise, giving kids a chance to explore graphic novel elements for themselves.
The group often chooses together what direction they want the club to go the following month. “I usually ask the kids what they would like to see next month, and base the theme around something they’ve suggested,” Kalyn says. “I’m really excited about December’s theme: superhero stories!”
Click here to register for Middle Grade Graphic Novel Club on Monday, Jan. 27.
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