(These suggestions are specifically targeted at older elementary and even middle school readers stubborn or nervous about branching out. For tips for younger or struggling readers stuck on graphic novels, check out the companion post).
“My kid will only read graphic novels.”
I hear this from parents all the time. In this case, from parents who know their kid could read more challenging books, but won’t. The graphic novel debate is huge, I know. My personal opinion is that they have a place in the world… like blueberries. They are delicious, fun, and have value, but are only part of a balanced diet. Graphic novels often appeal to kids because they are short, simple, and use heavy illustration. They tend to (but not always) lack the complex language structure of a novel, and do a lot of the work of creating a mental picture for the child. So how to encourage kids to get those other nutrients?
Recognize that expecting them to pick up classics comes across like a parent demanding we eat our boiled vegetables. There are a lot of ways to make other books more appealing. As an author and as a parent of 5 avid readers currently in the middle grade market, I have a lot of different food groups to suggest. Not all of them will be favorites right away, but I believe if we keep trying different things, that and sooner or later all kids will find a diet that works for them.
For older elementary and middle school readers stubborn (or nervous) about branching out try out these new cuisines:
Graphic novels with more depth
This is the low-hanging fruit for a better diet. It’s important to recognize that not all graphic novels are equal. Some are very repetitive with the same structure throughout the series. Many are shallow books, pandering to reluctant readers with potty humor and brainrot. Others are episodic, more like a comic book than a novel with a story arc and structure. For kids that really object to anything other than graphic novels, a good way to start is by suggesting graphic novels with more literary value.
When Stars are Scattered is one that all my children have loved. Two brothers live in a refugee camp, without needed medical care. It has funny moments, but also an incredible emotional depth. This is one of the few books where I feel like the graphic novel format makes the story MORE valuable, because it helps kids picture a refugee camp, which might otherwise be outside of their ability to understand.
The Mythmakers is an engaging graphic novel about the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I would be surprised if your kid isn’t inspired to check out The Narnia Series and The Hobbit after reading it (if so, try starting with the movies, illustrated versions, or the audiobooks to ease them in). The author/illustrator has some other really high literary value graphic novels including The Faithful Spy.
Audiobooks
Stretch the comprehension and mental-picture making muscles, while introducing kids to new genres by playing audiobooks. They don’t even have to pick it up! You just start it out loud while they are doing something else. I find the car is a great place for this on roadtrips or to making the use of drives to school or activities. Sometimes we’ll listen to the first in a series in the car, and then I’ll pick up the next one in book format and just leave it on the couch for anyone that wants to continue the journey (usually everyone eventually). Our to-school 4th grade carpool is currently listening to The World According to Humphrey, the daily happenings of a hamster class pet, on the Libby App, free through our library. Here are some of our favorites:
A Long Walk To Water — action packed, realistic about war and starvation, (but is not overly graphic). It has a parallel story that is relatable and hopeful. Only about 4 hours long. We loved it! Great for kids who like When Stars are Scattered.
GLITCH — A time travel adventure, combining historical details with futuristic science. We were all edge-of-our carseats working out the timeline intricacies! And we all learned some fascinating American history.
Tress and the Emerald Sea – We just finished this one this summer. This was a fun, fresh, and unpredictable adventure that the whole family loved. This version is full cast audio, which we don’t usually choose… but the kids liked the video-game style background music and thought it felt more like a movie this way.
Books that are heavily illustrated
These are books where the illustrations really add interest to the story, but the writing is a full story arc, completely in prose.
Fortunately the Milk — I have recommended this before and I will do it again. Pure silliness. We loved it as an audiobook (listened to all 45 minutes of it twice through) but then discovered the illustrations in the printed copy made it even more fun! More than spot illustrations, these black and white drawings play with the text and surround the page for a more immersive experience.
National Geographic’s Explorer Academy Series is a high tech adventure series in full color. It follows a group of kids who visit real places and learn real facts as they work to uncover clues and solve secret codes.
The Amazing Generation — The kid-sized companion to Jonathan Haidt’s Anxious Generation. This one is kind of cheating, because it does have graphic novel panels interspersed with interviews, quotes and the running nonfiction narrative. But it’s well done, informative, and cool… and might even change your child’s screen habits so all good outcomes there!
Novels with illustrated editions
Illustrated editions can make these formerly text-only classic and bestselling novels more appealing, and less intimidating.
The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition – Full page and spot illustrations throughout. The bright colors make this edition feel updated.
Harry Potter: Illustrated Editions – Beautifully done with great color, and many full spreads of illustration.
Cool illustrated Nonfiction:
One more thing before we move on from illustrated books for older kids. There are such rich options now in engaging, visual nonfiction. From Kid’s encyclopedias, to STEM, to how-to books, these awesome for learning without realizing they’re learning.
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid — beautiful full page illustrations of some of the coolest places around the world. Absolutely stunning. If your kid likes this, check out the others in the series!
Inside In – These actual x-rays are mesmerizing to look at. Each one is accompanied by a full page of description, but oh my gosh they are witty. Worth the read. Leave this one open on the coffee table and your kid will be drawn in.
Novels in verse
Verse novels are full novels made up of short poems. They are gaining in popularity and it’s easy to see why! With fewer words and more white space on a page they feel like less work to a reader. However, they pack whole plots into fewer words with heightened emotion and more descriptive language. Since they are shorter in length, they move quickly and keep reluctant readers interested. I have read so many beautiful verse novels with complex metaphors and imagery… but short enough to devour in an afternoon.
Love that Dog — I read this to my kids aloud in 45 minutes one winter afternoon while they waited for dinner. It’s about a kid learning to write poems in class (and trying out many fun poetry formats) while also dealing with the death of his dog. Jack has a lot of opinions and a fun personality and you just love him by the end. Other similar books by the same author include Hate That Cat and Moo.
Alone — An adventure novel distilled into poetry. A girl gets left behind when the whole region is evacuated. There is lots of action and adventure. Poems detail her struggle for survival and also her loneliness and emotional struggles. This book now has 2 more in the series with different main characters but the same adventure/survival feel.
The Crossover — This is one of the books that defines the genre. Twin brothers play basketball and struggle with finding their place in the word. Hip-hop style and creative typography make this quick read one that’s hard to put down. The Crossover is also available as a “Graphic Novel” but it’s still the complete text, it just has illustrations alongside the poetry. You can’t go wrong either way. This book has all kinds of awards, including the 2015 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
There is another book in this series called Rebound, and one that’s similar but follows a different character playing soccer called Booked, both of which have “graphic novel” versions as well.
Good Luck!
Let me know if you have other suggestions to share, or if you find any that your kid loves! Enjoy your meal!
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Kimberly Horch 