The Benefits of Graphic Novels: Why They Count as Reading for Literacy

by Amber Miller

October 15, 2025

Graphic novels are among the most engaging reading experiences that readers will ever have. Their eyes track constantly between images and text, often having to infer meaning in what’s not said, in what’s left out of the frame. Many graphic novels take an entire year to create, and the layers of detail are more gratifying with every reading.

Reading for literacy means more than just decoding words; it involves constructing meaning from a text, understanding it, and using the information to function in society. This includes using reading techniques and comprehension strategies to interpret different types of written materials. It also encompasses the ability to read, write, speak, listen, and think critically.

Guts, by Raina Telgemeier

Perpetuated myths about the connection between reading for literacy and graphic novels are that graphic novels don’t count as “real reading" or that graphic novels "aren't real books". However, librarians, teachers, literacy researchers, and experts ALL disagree with this. For all the appeal of their visuals, graphic novels make little sense if you don’t read the text; in fact, it’s in the marriage of the two that the magic happens. With space restrictions, text in a graphic novel often has to work extra hard, requiring careful editing by its author. Some of the richest vocabulary in children’s literature can be found in graphic novels. When kids lose themselves in a graphic novel, rest assured they are reading, even learning, words—and good ones at that.

Graphic novels will improve your child's reading skills like any other book would, and they are fantastic choices for independent reading. Packed with rich plots, complex storylines, and captivating visual elements, graphic novels have a unique appeal to readers — and when kids find books they are interested in, they are more likely to read. Best-selling series and titles like Dog Man, Baby-sitters Club, Bone, Smile, Hey Kiddo, and Twins have captivated readers of all ages and interests for almost two decades.

Quality graphic novels tell stories every bit as complex, poignant, and memorable as

Witches of Brooklyn, by Sophie Escabasse

quality prose literature. The character development in The Witches of Brooklyn series is top-notch. The suspense in Snapdragon is deliciously terrifying. When kids read New Kid, Jerry Craft’s Newbery Award-winning graphic novel, they learn about the roles race and class play in middle-school friendships. Graphic memoirs such as Guts, or Almost American Girl are more than entertaining storylines; they connect to personal experiences and quests to claim identity. There's even a graphic novel that provides inspiring writers and artists with a great introduction to creating graphic novels—The Cartoonist Club is a must-read for students looking to hone their storytelling and illustrating skills, or even for those interested in starting a club of their own!

One of the most significant benefits of graphic novels is that they can often be a way into reading for children who find it more challenging to connect with traditional prose texts. Struggling readers often enthusiastically gravitate toward these books because of their visual storytelling format, which helps them become lifelong readers.

Caldecott Honor winner Dav Pilkey has spoken out publicly about his own struggles growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, and how drawing, telling stories, and creating original comic books channeled his creativity and gave him confidence. The author created his popular series, Captain Underpants and Dog Man, because he had dyslexia and was often disruptive in class as a child. He was sent to the hallway, where he drew and created his own comic books. He has since described his ADHD and dyslexia as his "superpowers".

Dog Man and Cat Kid, by Dav Pilkey

Check out all the hilarious books in the action-packed Dog Man series.

Bonus: Scholastic Teachers: Teach Graphix Week Is Back! From October 20-24, 2025, Scholastic Teachers will be featuring free, fun, and educational resources and videos from many of their graphic creators. Learn more here to access videos, activities, and sign up for events throughout the week. Your students will love celebrating storytelling with words and pictures!