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LET. KIDS. READ. GRAPHIC. NOVELS.
- Sincerely, the author who just overheard a mom scream NO GRAPHIC NOVELS to her kiddo; said kiddo then proceeded to mope around the library because graphic novels were all he wanted and was about to leave with NOTHING until I offered to help
- Sincerely, the author who just overheard a mom scream NO GRAPHIC NOVELS to her kiddo; said kiddo then proceeded to mope around the library because graphic novels were all he wanted and was about to leave with NOTHING until I offered to help
I found him Wimpy Kid-esque books with text & illustrations, so technically not breaking Mom's rule but also still sorta graphic so ha. ha. ha.
One thing I noticed about the situation (aside from Mom not understanding how great graphic novels are) was that the boy's mood changed DRASTICALLY. He'd been excited to be at the library until she said no graphic novels. Then he became visibly irritated and unhappy.
When you don't allow kids to read graphic novels (or whatever they want to read), their whole mood around the experience of reading/visiting the library changes. He looked miserable. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts dreading going to the library.
Visiting the library should be exciting and joyous. There are so many consequences when we don't allow kids to read what they want.
Update on the situation: I just got an email from the mom!!! (I gave her my info in case she wanted more book recs)
"Hi Abby, We're the family you helped out in the library yesterday. My son WOULD NOT pick out books and I was not having my best parenting day. You were there and showed him a few options. He begrudgingly took some home... and read for 90 minutes!"
"Thanks so much for taking the time to suggest books to us - we needed intervention! ! You saved us yesterday - and introduced us to new books. Thanks so much."
Wow. That's pretty awesome. Full heart & teary eyes over here. I totally get having a tough parenting day - but hopefully she'll notice that what her son is reading & enjoying has illustrations and realize that's more than okay!!
When I respond, should I *casually* include some articles about the merits of graphic novels???!! I'm thinking yes.
Anyone have suggestions of graphic novels I could recommend for *her* to read?? I'm super familiar with ones for kids but not so much the ones for adults
So many incredible suggestions! Thank you all. I have now replied to the mother!! And am currently sort of anxious!! But am glad I shared the books and resources I did. Hopefully they'll be helpful for her and her family!
I HAVE ANOTHER UPDATE
It's another e-mail from the mom!!!!!
"Thanks so much Abby - the recommendations are great, and I did read the article about graphic novels. My son LOVES them. I'm ok with that once in awhile, but he hasn't picked up a book in several months, so I was hoping he'd do that too."
"We'll work our way through this list and share it with others.I may email for more recommendations after we work our way through. I really appreciate the help. I can't tell you how much I appreciate these recommendations, and the reassurance that graphic novels are enticing!"
More happy tears!!
Also, the article I sent her is by amazing educator @pernilleripp (who you should all go follow) and contains several additional resources at the end. https://pernillesripp.com/2018/10/10/why-graphic-novels-belong-in-all-of-our-libraries/
Also, the article I sent her is by amazing educator @pernilleripp (who you should all go follow) and contains several additional resources at the end. https://pernillesripp.com/2018/10/10/why-graphic-novels-belong-in-all-of-our-libraries/
I'm going to respond and remind her of the gateway thing so many of you have mentioned, which I agree is so true. Thanks for all of your great thoughts, recommendations, and stories!
Let's keep the graphic novel celebration going. Follow & RT by 1/10 at midnight CST for your chance to win a pack of great graphic novels for kids! US only. (Sorry, shipping elsewhere is too expensive!) #mggiveaway #raisingreaders
