Does reading comic books and graphic novels count as "real" reading?

Absolutely. Partly due to the influence of Japanese anime and manga (and a certain subculture of die-hard comic book fans), comic books and graphic novels are now recognized for their unique approach to storytelling and their literary significance. No one would say to a kid reading The Secret of the Unicorn or Cardboard that she's wasting her time.

Comic books and graphic novels have a lot to offer kids. They can entice reluctant readers, motivate kids to read more (because they usually come in a series), and coax kids into looking for deeper meanings (comics are famous for their subliminal messaging).

Learn more about the value of this entertaining genre, and check out our graphic novel recommendations.