Our students tend to struggle with reading comprehension and many of them identity as light or non-readers in general. Those that do read often lack the time to read on a regular basis or do not have access to high quality, meaningful texts from various popular genres. After teaching for a decade and working with struggling readers, two genres seem to be the most sought after as of late: graphic novels and historical fiction.
First, graphic novels boost reading engagement; they are becoming increasingly popular and pique many readers' interests, as they cover various topics that resonate with teens. The visual element allows students to empathize with the characters and understand complex themes. Lately, graphic novels even help students understand important 21st century cultural and social issues, allowing students to deeper understand the world around them. Second, they help build reader confidence; graphic novels are often easier to manage and struggling readers are more likely to pick them up and try them out as compared to a traditional text.
Finally, historical fiction texts allow students to be moved by pivotal historical events and people. By using emotional, vivid language these texts make historical facts resonate with teens on a deeper level. More than anything, historical fiction novels allow students to empathize with men and women of all ages, cultures, and races and to become more open-minded and tolerant as a result.
Unfortunately, these are also the text types that I find my classroom library lacking. When it comes to these popular genres, I have very few and the ones I do own are well-loved. After doing extensive research, surveying my own students, and analyzing data from our own library, I was able to create a list of titles that will be popular in my classroom.
About my class
Our students tend to struggle with reading comprehension and many of them identity as light or non-readers in general. Those that do read often lack the time to read on a regular basis or do not have access to high quality, meaningful texts from various popular genres. After teaching for a decade and working with struggling readers, two genres seem to be the most sought after as of late: graphic novels and historical fiction.
First, graphic novels boost reading engagement; they are becoming increasingly popular and pique many readers' interests, as they cover various topics that resonate with teens. The visual element allows students to empathize with the characters and understand complex themes. Lately, graphic novels even help students understand important 21st century cultural and social issues, allowing students to deeper understand the world around them. Second, they help build reader confidence; graphic novels are often easier to manage and struggling readers are more likely to pick them up and try them out as compared to a traditional text.
Finally, historical fiction texts allow students to be moved by pivotal historical events and people. By using emotional, vivid language these texts make historical facts resonate with teens on a deeper level. More than anything, historical fiction novels allow students to empathize with men and women of all ages, cultures, and races and to become more open-minded and tolerant as a result.
Unfortunately, these are also the text types that I find my classroom library lacking. When it comes to these popular genres, I have very few and the ones I do own are well-loved. After doing extensive research, surveying my own students, and analyzing data from our own library, I was able to create a list of titles that will be popular in my classroom.
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