The National Literacy Trust launches its World of Graphic Novels reading challenge later this month, working with schools as the new academic year begins, exploring and celebrating the exciting and popular world of graphic novels and comics with 7 to 14 year olds from across the UK.
The Trust describe graphic novels as “a dynamic reading format encourages reluctant and confident readers alike, and this challenge will kick start the Autumn term with an inclusive reading for pleasure focus.”
Promoting graphic novels in schools isn’t new of course. Various organisations such as BookTrust and the Scottish Book Trust have been sharing guidance on ideal graphic novels for some time to get schools more involved with stocking them.
More recently, Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph curated an incredible list of graphic novels by a diverse range of comic creators for children and general readers which is being promoted by Arts Council England, chief funder of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and distributed to libraries across the UK.
But it’s great to see another organisation such as the National Literacy Trust recognising comics and graphic novels for their value as a way to encourage reading.
The World of Graphic Novels reading challenge will go live with a competition and full set of resources on Tuesday 17th September on the National Literacy Trust website and will include Teacher Guidelines, with detailed and supportive suggestions for both teachers and students to maximise delivery and understanding of the graphic novel form; Age-appropriate booklists that suggest titles from the amazing array of content on offer; Classroom-ready worksheets to help frame the challenge and support learning and outcomes; and a certificate to congratulate every student that takes part.
As part of the project, working in partnership with Amazon, there are outstanding prizes to be won for the school if you complete the challenge and enter the competition.
The Trust hope taking part in this challenge will help develop the recognition of the importance of visual literacy and the specific skills of interpreting images, encourage booktalk and debate throughout activities, and raise understanding of the complex ways that comics build meaning through the combination of words and image as well as the immense variety of this genre.
Promoting Reading for Pleasure, there’s also the aim that, through exploration of the medium of comics and graphic novels, students are introduced to different types of books that may appeal to them.
The challenge can be run during the Autumn term at a time that suits educators.
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that empowers children, young people, and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed.
“Literacy changes everything,” the organisation states. “It gives you the tools to get the most out of life, and the power to shape your future. It opens the door to the life you want. But low literacy is inextricably linked to poverty.”
Over the last 30 years, the NLP have continued to work with people who need us the most, supporting schools, families and communities on a local and national level.
• Interested schools and should be ready for all the resources to be available for download from the National Literacy Trust website on Tuesday 17th September.If you wish to enter the competition, all entries are to be submitted by Tuesday 10 December | Prize winners will be announced at the end of January 2025
• Read the full announcement about this project here on the National Literacy Trust website
• National Literacy Trust: Reading for Pleasure CPD Course
WEB LINKS
• BookTrust: Introducing Graphic Novels (PDF)
• BookTrust: Ten terrific comics and graphic novels for children
Mega Robo Bros creator Neill Cameron believes that there’s a comic out there for everyone – from reluctant readers to bookworms. Here are ten of his top recommendations for some graphic novels and comics that all children can enjoy
• BookTrust: Favourite Graphic Novels for Primary School Children
The comics and graphic novels on this list offer a different route into discovering the pleasure of reading. From hilarious capers to nail-biting thrillers and superhero adventures to touching tales, there is something here for everyone.
• BookTrust: Favourite Graphic Novels for Secondary School Children
These comics and graphic novels offer a different route into discovering the pleasure of reading. The graphic novel format is a great way to engage reluctant readers, present difficult subject matter in an accesible way, as well as to just enjoy a great read. There is something on this list for every teen
• Scottish Book Trust: Graphic Novels for Children
Looking for children’s graphic novel recommendations? Look no further! This list contains some of our favourite graphic novel and comic book reads, ideal for readers looking for new and exciting titles
• Scottish Book Trust: Comics and graphic novels for 16-18 year olds, adults
• The Laureate Library List: Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph’s graphic novel list for libraries
Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph (2024 – 2025) has curated an incredible list of graphic novels by a diverse range of comic creators for children and general readers which is being promoted by Arts Council England, chief funder of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and distributed to libraries across the UK
With thanks to Myles Sullivan for the news tip and Jessica Bradley-Bove for the BookTrust reading list reminder
This item was last updated on 5th September 2024 to add two more titles from the Comics Laureate
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics - Graphic Novels, Comics, Comics Competitions, Comics Education News, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events