Rewired Reading

Graphic novels are changing the way people perceive literature. From Pulitzer Prize Winner Maus by Art Spiegelman to Printz Award Winner American Born Chinese by Gene Yang, these works are shaking up everything educators have held sacred. In case you don’t know, a graphic novel is an illustrated work accompanied by language. Think comic book, but with the story long enough to require a book spine.

I had the opportunity to meet Gene Yang at the Montgomery County Teen Book Festival held at College Park High School in The Woodlands, Texas in January ’09. As a tutor working with struggling students in the public school system, I asked him if he had any concerns about students “reading” graphic novels (with all those pictures!) instead of traditional novels containing only text. What he shared surprised me. Studies have shown that graphic novels are a “gateway” to reading for reluctant readers. These comics with heft are also used effectively with ESL (English as a Second Language) students . Since they are heavy on the pictures and light on the wording, these novels do not overwhelm struggling readers. The story is easier to follow because emotions and actions can be interpreted through both the pictures and the dialogue. Also, because the words are handwritten, the reader experiences a certain intimacy with the artist. The novel has the effect of reading a handwritten letter—you feel closer to the author. Lastly, the “gutters”, the white space between the pictures, allow readers time to reflect on what they just read- something poor readers don’t do and accomplished reader do automatically.

With his insights firmly planted in my pea brain, I promptly read both his book, American Born Chinese (author Gene Yang below) and Spiegleman’s Maus. I am now thoroughly enchanted by the possibilities this “new” genre has for my students.



I encourage you to read Maus. I have to admit when I heard a graphic novel won the Pulitzer, I had reservations. However, I believe this book will affect generations for a long time to come. Maus is the story of a Holocaust survivor, Vladek Spiegleman, the author's father. For everyone in the Pro-Life movement, this story is a must read. The evil that was perpetrated, that was condoned, that was ignored reminds me so much of the abortion holocaust that is happening in our world today. Take a couple of days and read this book- it shouldn't take too long, after all, it’s mostly pictures!