New Graphic Novels in Library

The NHS PTO has provided funds that allowed our library to purchase ten (10) copies of three great literature classics retold in the graphic novel genre; Beowulf, The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet. These funds were granted based on the application filed by both Gail Terranova, Librarian and Sally Wylde, former Library Assistant.

Using Graphic Novels can create successful readers among many students especially English Language Learners. Graphic Novels, which were once looked upon as not being “real” books are now enthusiastically accepted by educators and librarians as a respected and useful method to engage readers. Graphic novels are a perfect marriage of succinct text and vivid imagery. These sequential art narratives find popularity particularly among readers who are less proficient in English, reluctant readers, and interestingly, highly gifted readers. Using graphic novels in the classroom had proven to be a great motivator for reading, especially among male. Indeed, the graphic novel genre addresses one of the key goals of English language arts, which is that students will be capable of exploring and recognizing a variety of forms and genres. Readers of graphic novels tend to read texts that are more varied, which in turn acts as a gateway to more reading in general.

We are so grateful to the PTO for providing the funds that allowed us to purchase these books as current budget restrictions would not allow purchases of this variety.