I have been a tad busy the last few months and haven’t had the opportunity to share my usual graphic novel love, however a comment on a podcast recently finds me springing into action once again in defence of graphic novels!
In the podcast -not mentioning any particulars- someone recommended a book as being good for children needing to ‘move on from graphic novels.’ I may have been walking the dog at the time, I may have stopped in the middle of the street and asked out loud “why does anyone need to move on from graphic novels?” The dog didn’t know.
The person speaking on the podcast wasn’t saying that there was anything wrong with graphic novels, they were focused on the book they were recommending. However the comment highlighted the prevalent attitude that graphic novels aren’t ‘proper books’ and are something children should be ‘moving on’ from.
My children in their tweens and teens, continue to adore graphic novels. Is there anything wrong with that? No! They are literate, considerate and well rounded human beings (I hope!) What have they gotten from graphic novels? A love of reading, a love of stories and storytelling, many hours away from screens. I’m not seeing any downsides here, yet it really feels like, in Australia at least, graphic novels and comics are seen as the junk food of books.
I’m aware that I’m preaching to the converted, however I don’t know how we convince gatekeepers that graphic novels aren’t a fad or a stepping stone to move on from. I enjoy graphic novels and I’m not moving on from them, ever!
With the recent -and quite frankly brilliant- announcement of the Booker Prize for children’s fiction, I instantly wondered if a graphic novel would ever be considered for such a prestigious literary award… I will be watching on with interest!
If you have any thoughts, feelings or experiences to share on the matter, I would love to hear them.
In more positive news, I was recently in a store where a shopper was speaking on the phone excitedly about all the graphic novels they’d found to gift to a young reader. I spotted the shopper again as I exited the store and admitted that I had overheard their conversation and thanked them for seeing the value in graphic novels. They proceeded to tell me that they were an English teacher and how much they loved graphic novels and how important visual literacy is. This, dear reader, warmed my heart!
Link: Below are a few links to some of my previous substacks where I have spoken out for the good old graphic novel;
Graphic Novels are Real Books
Kids and Graphic Novels
Teaching with Graphic Novels
“These books are often considered light reading and not worthy of any literary consideration. However the likes of Shakespeare, Dickens and Austin are being reimagined into graphic novels, would anyone dare argue that these are not ‘real books’?”
- Karen Wasson (me!)
Read: The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich By Deya Muniz - A self-confessed ‘cheesy love story!’
Two of my three children insisted I must read this book! So I did. One of said children is obsessed with cheese, the other with subverting gender-norms. Needless to say if you’re in either of these camps, or if you like a good fractured fairy tale, this one is for you. The story and illos were great, my favourite part was the back matter and the story behind the story. Highly recommend making yourself a grilled cheese sandwich before you begin!
As it’s been so long since I’ve popped in, I’m sharing another recommendation.
Froggy a Pond Full of Pals By Paige Walsh
This is the most delightful and quirky junior fiction graphic novel. Froggy is leaving home and off on an adventure. He’s packed toys, blankets and his pillow and most importantly, snacks! The interactions between Froggy and the narrator are just delicious, the illustrations are fun, warm and welcoming, and Froggy’s adventure is brilliant. I’ll also say that the bright green sprayed edges are a super fun touch.
I’m not sure how readily available this is in Australia just yet. A copy leapt off at me from the library shelves!
If you’re gift shopping at this time of year and looking for graphic novels to add to your list, take a look at my suggestions for all ages in previous substacks or better yet, leave a list of your own favourites below! You could even grab a copy of Inked, the best selling Australian graphic novel of 2025!
Until next time, grab a graphic novel,
Karen
Have a question about graphic novels? Have a graphic novel you love and would like to share? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear from you.
— Please note, book links are affiliate links —
Inked, a middle grade graphic novel by Karen Wasson and Jake A Minton is out now!
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