The Perfect Option for the Young Reader Who is In Between
Children's Corner: Graphic Novels
The Perfect Option for the Young Reader Who is In Between
There are times in life when we are in between and that little period of transition is hard. The first big in between time happens for toddlers, I'd say, they are no longer babies, and yet they can not really do everything the "big kids" can do. As a result, toddlers are infamous for their tantrum throwing abilities. This also seems to be true for high schoolers, or maybe junior high kids... maybe just for all of those going through puberty, which really is a seriously long time to be in between. No longer a kid, and yet not an adult - it can rough. I wish I could say these season of in between stop after you become an adult, but I'm afraid they don't... and I'm thinking that is getting way off topic...The times of in between can be rough. One particular in between season I never expected has set in on us recently - the in between stages of reading. The oldest knows enough to fly through the easy readers, first books, etc, and yet is not quite confident enough to really dig into traditional chapter books. Thankfully he is still game to sit with mom or dad and read a few chapters a day from some classic children's chapter books, but I know those days will probably be nearing an end soon as well.
So what is a parent to do?
The best solution we've come across for right now is graphic novels. These modern comic books are full of pictures and imagery while giving kids the chance to build their vocabulary and confidence in reading. The current go to is a trilogy by Jeffery Brown - Star Wars: Jedi Academy - Box Set**
.About the Book
Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan & The Phantom Bully make up the Star Wars trilogy in this graphic novel set.
The Goodreads description of Star Wars: Jedi Academy - "This incredible, original story captures all of the humor, awkwardness, fun, and frustrations of middle school--all told through one boy's comics, journal entries, letters, doodles, and newspaper clippings. The setting? A galaxy far, far away... Roan's one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy--a school that he didn't apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. That is, until now..."
Why We Like It
The boys enjoy these books because they are silly and fun - think Diary of a Wimpy Kid, when it comes to the humor and pacing of the story. As it is about a Middle School kid, the plot is simple and expected, but that is what makes the series perfect for young kids stuck in the in between stage of reading. The pictures - comic book style - help to fill in any gaps that a lack of vocabulary knowledge might create.
I also think this is a great tool, as most graphic novels for this age group (8-12 technically), because the medium allows the reader to really grasp the idea of how conversation advances stories in novels that can often be difficult for early readers to grasp.
And really, any book that keeps my kid reading, turning pages and looking for more is a win in my book!
Title: Star Wars: Jedi Academy
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 2015
For ages: 8-12 (great for younger readers who are interested and able to get a little help from mom & dad, also good for those a little older who are just fans of Star Wars or graphic novels)
Type: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, School Life
For ages: 8-12 (great for younger readers who are interested and able to get a little help from mom & dad, also good for those a little older who are just fans of Star Wars or graphic novels)
Type: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, School Life
Great option for young readers who can read early readers but is not ready for classic novels yet. #GraphicNovels @Reading_List1
Just in case these graphic novels inspire your kid to create their own comics check out these helpful links!
- Picklebum has some great comic book templates and extras to give your budding writer a skeleton to fill in with art and dialogue
- Teacher Trap put together some wonderful charts that will help explain traits of characters to help your budding writer develop characters
- If just the idea of writing interesting dialogue scares off your kid, or even if you need some new words to supply your writer with, stop by the Write Prescription for colorful charts full of new words to help spark your creative mind.
- Young Teacher Love has some great activities on writing dialogue out for students who are a little older - at least 8+, probably better for 12+
Have you encountered other in between stages of childhood? Adulthood? How often has a book inspired your child to create something on their own?
***If you're interested in writing a book review on Reading List, please message me on the Facebook page! If you're curious about a book, ask me... I love to hear from you!
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