Graphic Novels & Historical Fiction for Teens: Making Reading Meaningful

Funded Dec 3, 2019

I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful gift you were able to provide through my graphic novel and historical fiction text grant. Simply put, I have not been able to shelve these titles consistently in my library as some books have circled my classroom repeatedly. To say that my students and I appreciate these texts is an understatement. In particular, many of my struggling readers and my freshman have been gravitating towards my new texts. In reading conferences with my students, statements like "I can totally connect with this character" or "this book nearly moved me to tears" and "I can't wait to give this to my friend" have been used to describe these novels. Specifically, the historical fiction novel Once has already been read by six different students. In fact, all six students have expressed interest in wanting to continue the series. One of these students admitted that this book was the "first novel he's ever finished in high school."

Because students are provided with independent reading time every day in my class, it is essential that my students have access to high-interest, engaging, and relevant texts. Lately, graphic novels and historical fiction texts have really engaged my reluctant readers and non-readers in surprising ways. For my struggling readers, the concept of actually being able to read a great book, cover to cover, has been eye opening. Most of these students seldom start reading books for fun, having repeatedly failed to finish texts and thus feeling defeated. Fortunately, many of my new texts resonate with and inspire this population of students.

Even my proficient and advanced readers can't get enough of the engaging storylines, complex character relationships, and unique obstacles at the heart of these novels. Being able to read a novel that they chose and having the class time to actually read it without, as one Honors student said, "slowing down and scrutinizing every sentence," has allowed students to simply enjoy a good book. Not to overthink and overanalyze it, but simply engage in reading a great text in a welcoming environment surrounded by peers doing the same. Furthermore, every student deserves the opportunity to get whisked away from the stresses of everyday life thanks to the power of a great book. Having the daily opportunity to read and appreciate these texts is priceless.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Hilgemann