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For Summer Reading, Try Graphic Novels
Comics can be a great way to keep kids engaged in learning without sacrificing the fun of summer vacation.
Summer vacation is a traditional time of freedom from the rigid rules of school – a time for kids to relax, play and have fun. It’s also a terrific time to read!
Studies have shown that students who read regularly over the summer perform better during the school year.[1] Comics and graphic novels are perfect for summer reading: dynamic visuals and exciting storylines appeal to reluctant readers, while engaging gifted readers as well.
Most importantly, reading comics and graphic novels is fun!
“Summer reading should be fun, not strenuous, sparking the imagination,” said Janna Morishima, Director of Diamond Kids Group, “That makes comics perfect for summer reading. It's no secret why kids and teens love them -- they're portable, affordable, bite-sized entertainment."
2009 Summer Reading Titles for Kids & Teens
BookShelf recommends the following recent titles to read at the beach, in the shade or under the covers with a flashlight!
Grades PreK-3
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Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug
IDW Publishing, 978-1-60010-392-6
Meet Litterbug Doug! It’s up to Michael Recycle to show dastardly Doug the error of his ways.
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Luke On The Loose
TOON Books
978-1-935179-00-9
Best-selling illustrator Harry Bliss depicts a chase through New York City!
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Grades 2-5
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Salt Water Taffy: The Truth About Dr. True
Oni Press
978-1-934964-04-0
The third volume of the Salt Water Taffy series has the boys investigating the mysterious death of Dr. True, a 19th century inhabitant of Chowder Bay.
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Fairy Idol Kanon Volume 1
Udon Entertainment
978-1-897376-89-8
Kanon is a fourth-grader who loves to sing. When a fairy named Alto meets Kanon and decides to help start her singing career, their journey to fame takes off!
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Teens Grades 7+
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Runaways Volume 8: Dead End Kids Digest
Marvel Comics
978-0-7851-2389-7
In this volume by superstar Joss Whedon, the Runaways – children of super-villains who have turned against their elders to become amateur superheroes – are hurled backwards in time.
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Code Geass Manga Volume 5: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
Bandai Entertainment
978-1-60496-159-1
As seen on Adult Swim! The hit anime and manga series continues. Disguised as Zero, Lelouch uses the power of Geass to turn the tables on the Brittania Empire.
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Angora Napkin
IDW Publishing
978-1-60010-339-1
Taking a shortcut on their way to a Halloween bash, the girls band “Angora Napkin” crosses paths with a lonely, misunderstood zombie named Dennis.
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Teens Grades 10+
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Scott Pilgrim Volume 5: Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe
Oni Press
978-1-934964-10-1
Find out why Scott Pilgrim is an underground sensation (and being made into a movie by Edgar Wright, director of Shaun of the Dead)!
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Trigun Maximum Volume 14: Mind Games
Dark Horse Comics
978-1-59582-262-8
Trigun Maximum is one of the most influential shonen (boys) manga. In this final volume, will it be happy trails for Vash or will it end in a blaze of bullet-riddled glory?
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2009 Summer Reading Titles for Adults
Busy or vacationing adults may also enjoy a quick graphic novel for fun and to brush up on their reading skills! We recommend:
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League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century #1: 1910
Top Shelf Productions
978-1-60309-000-1
Alan Moore's familiar cast of Victorian literary characters enters the brave new world of the 20th century, set against a backdrop of London, 1910. The return of the League is not to be missed!
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Locke & Key: Headgames
IDW Publishing
978-1-60010-483-1
Acclaimed suspense novelist and New York Times best-selling author Joe Hill (Heart-Shaped Box) creates an all-new story of dark fantasy and wonder.
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Spawn: Endgame
Image Comics
978-1-60706-070-3
Presenting the all-new Spawn, with new characters, new villains, and new revelations about the Spawn universe, by award-winning creator Todd McFarlane.
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The Walking Dead Vol. 10
Image Comics
978-1-60706-075-8
In a country overtaken by zombies, our ragged band of survivors tries to live long enough to reach Washington D.C ... but at what cost?
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Ender’s Game
Marvel Comics
978-0-78513-580-7
The legendary sci-fi epic by New York Times Bestseller Orson Scott Card comes to comics! Can 8-year-old Ender Wiggin survive Battle School and save the Earth?
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