Getting emerging readers to actually read is a delicate mix of content and confidence. They will know how to read sight words, but getting them to read aloud is key towards their understanding and making the bridge to early chapter books. All of this is further complicated by what’s in the book. If there are too many words it could intimidate some readers. If there aren’t enough pictures then the books might not be engaging enough. I Like to Read Comics is an imprint from Holiday House Publishing that delivers the comic book feels in a contained story that’s on par for emerging readers. A Giant Mess is a hard-back book that nails all of those points to the floor in a story that’s big, manic, and just what the doctor ordered for kindergarten kids through first grade.
Hello to age diversity and graphic novels this week! In all age comic books, there is generally a wide range of readers who would be great fits for anything and this week is a testament to that. That is especially true if there’s an elementary school reader who is looking for a great graphic novel to latch onto. Those emerging readers have their pick of the litter including Clifford the Big Red Dog The Movie Graphic Novel, Arlo & Pips King of the Birds, Dolphin Girl Trouble in Paradise, Gabby & Gator and many more. That last graphic novel is by James Birks of the great Bird & Squirrel graphic novel series. That series is a go-to for any elementary school reader, so keep an eye out for his new book. It’s also worth noting that the fourth book in the very popular Mr. Wolf’s Class by Aron Nels Steinke is out this week. Field Trip is elementary reading fun that also gives kids confidence because they can read the graphic novel by themselves.
If it’s middle or high school comic (drama) you want, then check out Zits, Screentime. This latest treasury of the classic comic strip captures teenage angst meeting parental frustration at its best. This strip is celebrating its 23rd anniversary and 16-year-old Jeremy is just as normal as any actual teen. Because of this, it’s a strip that can be enjoyed by middle school readers all the way through moms and dads.
There are some all age comic books out this week too. The Amazing Spider-Man #49 is out and it’s a big issue. Clocking in a $9.99 this is landmark #850 if you’re following to the legacy, lineage of the series. The Rise of Ultraman #2 of 5 will be great for those left-of-center kids looking for something cool. Sonic the Hedgehog Bad Guys #1 of 4 and Star Wars Adventures #1 will both be great for readers aged 8 and up who are looking for a great comic that their friends are reading. For all of the all age comic books this week just jump past the logo.
Myths are an excellent way to teach. Due to their repetitious nature they’re able to softly teach people of any age. I teach an ESL class and in each lesson on different cultures there’s a mythical story that I read with the students. One of my favorites is Crow Brings the Daylight from Canada, which is worth checking out if you’re unfamiliar with it. Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns is a Mesoamerican myth about the origin of humans and the Gods that are representative of Central and South America. The book by Duncan Tonatiuh reads like an elementary aged adventure story. There are monsters, a magical quest and lessons that the story will infer for readers to pick up on.
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