Embracing Graphic Novels as a Tool for Facilitating Multimodal Comprehension

Graphic novels often receive attention for their motivational properties (e.g., Gavigan, 2010); however, a recent study by Boerman-Cornell (2016) suggests graphic novels also promote “multimodal critical discussion” and “[strengthen] multimodal comprehension” in elementary students (p.333). The term multimodal refers to the integration of more than one source of meaning (e.g., visual representations, text, music, etc.) within the same material. Specific to text for example, fonts and type sizes are often used to convey meaning.

Graphic novels employ a variety of multimodal devices. These include text embedded within images, “sound-effect words,” speech bubbles of varying shapes and sizes and “speed lines” to name a few (Boerman-Cornell, 2016, p.328). The seamless integration of meaning-conveying techniques such as these make graphic novels a powerful tool for building comprehension. Boerman-Cornell (2016) found that students working with graphic novels in grades 2-4 could:

• ·        Summarize modality
• ·        Understand multimodal humor
• ·        Articulate major themes and support claims with multimodal evidence
• ·        Critically discuss messages located in a variety of modal devices

Furthermore, sample students were able to make connections across the text and to their own lives. Boerman-Cornell (2016) emphasized the importance of utilizing graphic novels in the elementary classroom as a means of better preparing students to more fully understand multimodal websites and advertisements. He suggested that teachers 1) “encourage students to pay attention to how the images and words work together” and 2) invite students to “make connections to the text and images” (p.333).

Graphic novels recommended by Boerman-Cornell for students in grades 2-4 include:

• 1.      Bird and Squirrel on the Run by James Burks
• 2.      Rapunzel’s Revenge by Ben Hatke
• 3.      Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
• 4.      Apollo: The Brilliant One by George O’Connor
• 5.      Zita the Space Girl by Ben Hatke

 Know of other fantastic titles? Share them with us in the comments section.

Boerman-Cornell, W. (2016). The intersection of words and pictures: Second through fourth graders read graphic novels. Reading Teacher, 70(3), 327-335. doi:10.1002/trtr.1525

Gavigan, K. W. (2010, January 1). Examining struggling male adolescent readers' responses to graphic novels: A multiple case study of four, eighth-grade males in a graphic novel book club. ProQuest LLC.