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In spite of their reputation for simplicity, graphic novels can display a surprising level of depth. This sense of depth can come through in a variety of ways-from the language to the interplay of words and images to the themes that can be explored in visual texts. And like novels, graphic novels employ a range of literary conventions, so they're ripe for classroom discussion.

Graphic novel adaptations of prose works have been earning critical praise for some time. Now, with graphic novels firmly established on library shelves, publishers are turning to them as source material for novels and chapter books.

Want to engage reluctant readers? Appeal to a wider range of learning styles? Or simply want to try a new text? Graphic novels may be your answer! In this series of videos, John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs from Metaphrog give an introduction to the form, as well as explaining stylistic devices. John and Sandra also explain what is involved in adapting a story or poem into graphic novel format.

"Every student can read a novel, and teaching students to read novels in school helps them develop critical reading skills for texts and the world. Some students appear unwilling to read because of a variety of challenges both inside and outside the classroom."

Graphic novels can play an important part in encouraging reading amongst pupils. The flexibility of the comic medium, which is used in graphic novels, means that they can tell complex stories or explain difficult ideas in a simple way. Includes suggestions for use across the curriculum, building a collection and recommended titles.

Annotated list of graphic novels that support STEM - Science and Maths.

"Have your tween kids tried reading novels in verse, stories written in free verse poetry? The text looks easy to read enticing reluctant readers but dive deeper and you'll find compelling stories filled with heart, important themes, and precise language."

hat do Alan Moore's Watchmen, Frank Miller's Sin City, and Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim series have in common? Yes, they're all graphic novels, but that's not all. They've also been found to enhance reading comprehension-maybe even more than traditional novels and picture books. You may be wondering how this is possible, but a better question might be, "How have we been ignoring this for so long?" Let's take a look at how the role of comics in education has evolved in recent years.

"Nontraditional books can help students make connections to content at the word level and deepen understanding by providing visual context. Let's look closely at the literacy work that can be done with comics and graphic novels in literacy instruction, particularly with upper elementary and middle grades students. While some strategies helpfully focus on work at the word level, these visual texts afford additional possibilities."

Here is a list of Online Graphic Novels and Comics. They vary from being read online or download as a pdf. With these comics you can use them for comprehension activities, use them as stimulus to give students ideas when they are making their own, you can also look at characters, setting and the plot of the comic.

"some great reasons to persevere with reading aloud in the classroom - and, to make it easier, has put together some terrific tips for choosing a novel that will work well as a class read-aloud."

The Boat', an interactive graphic novel about escape after the Vietnam War. Based on the story by Nam Le, adapted by Matt Huynh. Cleverly designed, sound effects with enhanced navigation for reading, presented in black and white. Aimed at upper primary and above and supports studies on refugees, boat people, survival and immigration.

Gateway on Scholastic's site to a series of book talks by Donalyn Miller including: cultivating wild readers, engaging dormant middle school readers, graphic novels, and intro focusing on books. There is also a booktalk on series fiction but this does not appear to be included on this page

Presentation that covers advantages of the format, resources, references and suggested titles.

"One teacher offers a guide to help students compare the freedoms lost in dystopian novels with the freedoms secured by the Bill of Rights."

"Comics are an excellent resource for educators because they engage struggling readers with a visual allure."

This bibliography complements the extensive Sway presentation on the Centre's website which includes annotations, awards, themes, additional resources, and Australian curriculum links.

Why should we spend our time reading novels and poems when, out there, big things are going on? 5 minute video clip that demonstrates the value of reading - mashup design combining characters, books, heads etc for a contemporary feel.

A Digital Novel (2012) ... set in a technology saturated near future, Inanimate Alice tells the story of a girl called Alice, merging text with animation, videos, music and games to explore what it means to conduct your life online. Requires user action to drive the story forward.Uses text, images, music, sound effects, puzzles and games to illustrate and enhance the narrative. Each a self-contained story, the chapters become more complex as the narrative unfolds reflecting Alice's age and competency as she develops towards her calling as a game animator and designer. See the Teacher's Notes for information on using this title with students.

While it's easy to envision using math picture books in elementary school classrooms, literature for older grades poses a bigger challenge. Can reading fit into the curriculum as the books get longer and the math gets more complex? Practical examples and suggestions are included in this post