The National Literacy Trust, a British nonprofit, shared the findings from a survey of over 64,000 children and teens, including these fascinating figures:
“Nearly twice as many children and young people who read comics in their free time told us that they enjoy reading compared with those who didn’t read comics in their free time (58.6% vs. 33.1%).
“More of those who read comics rated themselves as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ readers compared with those who didn’t read comics (86.0% vs 76.3%).”
Why does this matter? Surely it’s more likely that those young people who perceive books as pleasurable and consider themselves good at reading will become lifelong readers. While some adults still see graphic literature as inferior to traditional prose, it seems only logical that forcing kids to read books they struggle with or don’t enjoy is unlikely to lay a foundation for voluntary reading for fun or edification. The titles below are strong examples of the rich variety of artistic styles, genres, and subject matter that graphic novels encompass.
Readers will be swept away by these two offerings, which blend otherworldly elements with all-consuming love stories.
As I Dream of You by Jennifer Lee, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (First Second, May 5): Dreamy and dramatic artwork perfectly expresses the tone of this heartrending story about high school juniors Sam and Franny, which offers a small-town Pennsylvania take on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice—and delivers an unforgettable twist.
Soulmates by David Wilson (Roaring Brook Press, Aug. 4): Estranged besties Kit and Emma are pulled back into one another’s orbits during senior year, but their romance is haunted by Kit’s terrifying visions. The varied color palette and panel layouts effectively convey the story’s shifting moods.
Continuing in the fantastical vein, the following works draw teens in with their creative spin on speculative fiction.
Fustuk by Robert Mgrdich Apelian (Penguin Workshop, Jan. 20): In a world infused with Armenian and Persian mythology, 17-year-old Katah grapples with a pesky magical spirit and with upheaval in his family of culinary masters. Intricate, exquisite artwork lovingly brings the worldbuilding to life.
Children of the Night by Victoria Setian, illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau (Abrams Fanfare, Jan. 13): High school reporter Mina is ready to investigate mysterious goings-on in New Whitby, including a shipwreck and an enthralling new student from Romania. The moody scenes and characters’ expressive faces accentuate the gothic feel of this Dracula-inspired story.
Readers seeking stories grounded in reality will be bowled over by the intensity of the following books.
In Waves by AJ Dungo (Flying Eye Books, Sept. 1): This memoir seamlessly blends an overview of surfing with an account of Dungo’s grief after losing his girlfriend Kristen to cancer. The elegant artwork contrasts the majesty of the ocean with the graceful, courageous, and vulnerable human figures.
Red Stones: A Graphic Account of the Salvadoran Civil War by Ernesto Saade (Graphic Universe, March 3): Saade interviewed the pseudonymous Miriam, who survived the 1981 Red Stones massacre during the civil war in El Salvador. Carefully chosen background details and beautifully rendered art respectfully tell her story, showing the intimate human side of pivotal historical events.
Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.
