Graphic novels for reluctant readers | Graphic novels for primary schools | Comics teaching - Peters
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Supercharge your reading: the benefits of reading comic books and graphic novels

Graphic novels for primary schools | graphic novels for reluctant readers | comics teaching

June 6th 2024

The National Literacy Trust’s latest annual survey highlights a direct link between comics and graphic novels and enjoyment of reading, with children who enjoy reading comics and graphic novels far more likely to be engaged readers overall. In this blog, Peters’ Children's Book Specialist Lucy explains why graphic novels are great, and explores the benefits of having comic books in your classroom. There’s also a fun activity idea to help get pupils involved!

Comic books: the stats

64,066 children and young people aged 8–18 were asked about their reading habits in the National Literacy Trust's 2023 survey, which revealed the following: 

  • Just 7% of 8–18 year olds currently read comics and graphic novels in their free time

  • More boys than girls read comics/graphic novels at least once a month (44.6% of boys said they read comics at least once a month, versus 34.8% of girls)

  • More children who receive free school meals read comics/graphic novels compared with those who don’t (42.3% of children who receive free school meals said they read comics, versus 39.2% of those who don't)

  • However, comic/graphic novel readers were more engaged with reading, regardless of age. 58.6% of those who read comics in their free time said they enjoyed reading, compared to 33.1% of those who didn’t read comics.

  • 86% of comic/graphic novel readers saw themselves as either “good” or “very good” readers, compared to 76% of non-comic readers.

What is a comic? What is a graphic novel?

'Comic' is typically shorthand for 'comic book', which is a publication, typically in magazine format, containing comic art. It might feature stories about one particular character, or group of characters, such as Superman, or it might be an anthology, which collects different characters in a single publication, such as Beano or The Phoenix. When a long-form story is told through comics, as a standalone story, this is typically referred to as a graphic novel.

Why read comics and graphic novels

  • With the NLT survey showing that comic readers were more engaged with reading generally, promoting comic and graphic novel reading in school may be a way to help reverse the trend for the decline in enjoyment of reading

  • The accessible format can appeal to readers who are reluctant when it come to more 'traditional' texts

  • They're ideal for encouraging boys to read, with more boys than girls stating that they read comics at least once per month

  • With a higher percentage of FSM pupils saying they read comics, they can appeal to groups who typically have been less engaged with reading

  • Children enjoy making their own comics and sharing them with their peers. This wasn’t a question on the survey, but information volunteered in the survey’s comments.

How to encourage comic reading in school

  • Consider a school subscription to paper comics such as Beano or The Phoenix.

  • Ask parents to donate any old comics they have at home to the school.

  • Check out the Excelsior Award, the UK’s award to find the best of the latest graphic novels, and The Scholastic Graphic Novel Prize, celebrating the UK and Ireland's favourite graphic novels for children and teens. You can even vote for a winner on behalf of your school!

  • Visit our graphic novel pages for primary and secondary schools.

  • Establish a dedicated space within the school library that is visually appealing and accessible, showcasing the comic and graphic novel collection prominently and encouraging students to participate in the selection and organization of the library.

  • Collaborate with students to create a club or group that focuses on comics and graphic novels.
  • Host events such as book talks, author visits, or mini comic cons to create excitement and build a community around the graphic novel library.

  • Make use of free resources and activities available online, such as printable comic panels for students to complete, to stimulate creativity and storytelling skills.

  • If you're in a secondary school, make sure you have graphic novel versions of GCSE texts in stock. They're great as an accessible introduction to some trickier texts, such as Shakespeare.

  • Keep a general collection of graphic novels that are quick to read, ideal for escapism from the pressure of exams.


Our top recommended comics and graphic novels for KS1 and KS2
   

BROWSE ALL PRIMARY GRAPHIC NOVELs

    

 

Our top recommended comics and graphic novels for KS3

   

BROWSE ALL secondary GRAPHIC NOVELs

  

 

 

Follow our step-by-step comic activity!

1. Get a piece of A4 paper and fold in half, and in half again, and open up so there are four panels.

2. Get one child to draw something in the first panel, maybe with a speech bubble (remember to do the writing first, then draw the speech bubble around it!)

3. Pass the paper onto the person sitting next to you, and they can carry on the story with their own picture/speech or thought bubble.

4. Pass the paper on until all of the panels have been filled in and you have a fun collaborative comic that may take an unexpectedly wacky turn!

 

 

Read next:

Engage TV and film fans with books with author Christopher Edge

 

 

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