Looking for a way to support students who struggle with traditional texts? Graphic novels offer an alternative that is not only engaging but also research-backed in its effectiveness for all readers – including students with dyslexia. Let’s jump right in and explore why they work so well!

The Benefits:

1. Visual Support for Comprehension: One of the biggest advantages of graphic novels is their use of illustrations to support comprehension. A study published in The Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults found that visual storytelling aids comprehension by reducing cognitive load, allowing students to focus on meaning rather than decoding individual words (Gavigan, 2014). Graphic novels provide a visual scaffold—characters' facial expressions, body language, and background details help fill in gaps where words alone might fall short for students with decoding difficulties.

2. Less Text, More Engagement: A 2017 study in Reading Psychology found that reluctant readers showed higher engagement and motivation when reading graphic novels compared to traditional texts (Jennings et al., 2017). This is due to the fact that graphic novels break up reading into manageable pieces, reducing the stress of reading and allowing students to finish books more easily, which can boost their confidence and eliminate fatigue.

3. Encourages Fluency: The structure of graphic novels, with speech bubbles and concise text, naturally encourages more fluent reading. Dialogues in graphic novels are often conversational and broken into short phrases, mimicking natural speech patterns and making it easier for students to follow along. According to a study published in The Reading Teacher, struggling readers who engaged with graphic novels improved their reading fluency because the format allowed for repeated reading without frustration (Chamberlain & Molyneux, 2019). 

4. Supports Vocabulary Development: Graphic novels pair words with images in a way that strengthens vocabulary retention. When students encounter new words alongside clear visual representations, they are more likely to grasp and remember their meanings. This multimodal approach to learning is particularly effective for students with dyslexia, who may struggle with phonetic decoding but can understand words in context.

5. Enhances Writing Skills: Graphic novels don’t only support students with reading – they can also help students understand the structure of storytelling for writing. A study in Children’s Literature in Education found that students who regularly engaged with graphic novels developed stronger narrative skills, particularly in sequencing and character development (Schwarz, 2016). For students with dyslexia, who may struggle with organizing thoughts in writing, exposure to well-structured narratives in graphic form can improve their ability to craft their own stories

6. Bridges the Reading Gap: One of the biggest frustrations for students with dyslexia is that their reading level often lags behind their intellectual and interest levels. Traditional books at their skill level may feel too simplistic, leading to disengagement. Graphic novels solve this problem by offering complex and age-appropriate content in an accessible format. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity refers to graphic novels as “grand equalizers” because they allow struggling readers to engage with stories on the same level as their peers. This not only improves reading skills but also fosters a love of literature—something that struggling readers may not always experience.

Recommended Graphic Novels for Students with Dyslexia (Ages 7-13)

Ready for your students to start tapping into these benefits? Below are some highly recommended titles that offer strong visual storytelling, accessible text, and engaging narratives to hook students into the wonderful world of graphic novels.

For Ages 7-10

Dog Man (Series) – Dav Pilkey

A half-dog, half-human police officer fights crime while navigating hilarious mishaps. Created by the author of Captain Underpants, this series is full of humor, action, and engaging visuals. (Plus, author Dav Pilkey himself has dyslexia and ADHD.)

Narwhal and Jelly (Series) – Ben Clanton

A joyful narwhal and a skeptical jellyfish explore the ocean, share silly jokes, and learn about friendship in this lighthearted and humorous series.

When Stars Are Scattered – Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

A moving true story about two Somali brothers growing up in a refugee camp, told with warmth and hope.

The New Kid (Series) – Jerry Craft

A relatable and humorous graphic novel "about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real."

For Ages 10-13

Amulet (Series) – Kazu Kibuishi

After discovering a mysterious amulet, siblings Emily and Navin are pulled into a magical world filled with strange creatures, dangerous enemies, and an epic quest.

El Deafo – Cece Bell

A memoir about growing up with hearing loss, told through the lens of a young girl who imagines herself as a superhero. A heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age story.

Mexikid – Pedro Martín

A hilarious and heartfelt memoir about a Mexican American boy’s journey to bring his grandfather to the U.S.

Roller Girl – Victoria Jamieson

Twelve-year-old Astrid signs up for roller derby camp and learns about perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery in this coming-of-age sports story.

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Final Thoughts

Graphic novels are more than just an alternative to traditional books—they’re a valuable tool for making reading more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for students with dyslexia. If you’ve seen success with graphic novels, or if you have a favorite title that resonates with your students, we’d love to hear about it in the comments of this post. We’re always stronger when we can learn from one another!

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