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THE MOST frequent lament I hear from teachers is that older students, particularly males, don't read any more. At the same time, however, the most consistent response I get when asking students if they read comic books is a resounding yes. And they read them with great speed and appetite! Steven Weiner, author of 100 Graphic Novels for Public Libraries (Kitchen Sink Press, 1996), estimates that five million people in the U.S. purchase comic books annually: "Teenagers especially identify graphic novels as their preferred reading format." Since many of these teens are considered reluctant readers, I think it's time to reconsider this highly popular, and, in many cases, mentally challenging format.
During the past year I have noticed a different response from many teachers towards comic books and graphic novels in schools. Teachers often used to greet comic books with disdain. Now when I propose that they use comic books and graphic novels to keep reluctant readers turning pages, I am often applauded - and not only by the students.
What has happened to influence this change? First, the quality of comic books, particularly graphic novels, is now formally acknowledged. Graphic novels, the sturdy, lengthy comic books that contain one story or a set of related stories, are now being sporadically reviewed in selection journals as well as being the focus of a large number of recent articles. But the most compelling reason is wider awareness of our highly visual culture and its impact on our youth. Far from receiving...