Scholastic, founded in 1920 to publish books and magazines aimed at young readers, is the largest operator of children's book fairs in the country. The company strives to present the clearest explanation of current events and encourage literary appreciation — enriching the lives of all children with the joy and power of reading.
If your child is struggling with our just plain doesn't like reading, try graphic novels.
Graphic novels can be a great way to launch conversations with kids. Ask your child what he or she thinks the story’s characters are feeling or thinking – and what he or she might do in a similar situation.
Discuss the artwork. Ask your child what kind of drawings they like most and why. Point out how design helps tell a story.
Talk about the words and how they're drawn; many graphic novels use different fonts for different characters, emphasis, or situations. If your child has trouble following traditional novels, show him or her how the illustrations help guide them through the story by offering visual clues.
READ MORE: How to raise successful, independent readers
Visit a comic book store or comic convention, and talk with other people who love graphic novels. At conventions, authors and illustrators are available to answer questions -- plus there's the fun of seeing costumed characters walking around.
Encourage your child to create their own graphic novel. They can use computer graphics or a drawing program, or do it by hand. If they’re stuck for ideas, suggest they imagine what happens after the final page of their favorite novel or what could happen if two characters from different books meet.
Have them pretend to be their favorite character for a day. Include clothes, mannerisms, and speech. This helps boost their imagination, get a deeper understanding of the characters they read about, and have fun, to boot!
For guidance about what comics and/or graphic novels are age-appropriate for kids, talk with other parents, teachers and/or school librarians and inquire at bookstores. Online resources can be helpful, too.
These websites offer listings of graphic novels. Do a search using “graphic novels.”
Good Reads also lists popular comics for children.
The American Library Association also offers a comprehensive list for K-8 readers.
At Your Library features a list by age groups.