Striving readers can find themselves facing a bit of a reading rut. If children aren't enthusiastic about reading, they may have experienced the “Decline by Nine” — a phenomenon in which interest in books rapidly declines around age nine — or they just haven’t met their perfect literary match.
Graphic novels can help children improve their reading comprehension and their overall reading skills, but they can also be an effective middle ground for getting your striving reader excited about reading.
Graphic novels and comics offer a unique and valuable perspective for children who might be struggling. First, they bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books in a way that still remains interesting and eye-catching.
Secondly, graphic novels provide readers with a more precise understanding of the action within the story. Through speech bubbles and detailed illustrations, striving readers will easily build up their reading comprehension, stamina, and even vocabulary, since graphic novels often use higher-level vocabulary than chapter or picture books.
These three must-read graphic novels — when read together — will build reading confidence and spark excitement in even the most reluctant readers. Children will love following the adventures of their memorable characters! Plus, with common themes of friendship, family, and perseverance, the heroes of these books learn to rely on their loved ones as much as their own powers and abilities to save the day.
City of Dragons
In this engaging story by Jaimal Yogis and illustrated by Vivian Truong, readers meet young Grace, who moves to Hong Kong with her mother and new stepfather. As Grace navigates her first days at her new elite boarding school — meeting new friends and facing challenges — she soon finds herself gifted with an actual dragon egg on a field trip by a mysterious old woman!
Now, Grace and her friends must protect the newly-hatched dragon from evildoers, plunging headlong into an adventure none of them will soon forget!
