Graphic Novel Resources for Educators

As an educator you can utilize the Get Graphic! website to learn more about graphic novels, investigate booklists, explore graphic novel news and information, and learn about graphic novel related events around Western New York. Our Get Graphic! blog offers a place to exchange ideas and see what others are reading, and our Contact list allows you to communicate with someone from the Get Graphic project for assistance in how to best utilize our website and materials.

  • As many as 6.3 million secondary school students are reading below grade level.
  • As reading scores for 12th graders continue to drop, the most significant declines are among low-level readers.
  • The average 15-24 year old American spends almost 2 hours each day watching TV, but only 7 minutes of their leisure time reading.
  • The WNY drop out rate increased 47.8% from 1998-2003.
  • Locally, 30% of adults operate at minimal literacy. Countywide, 20% of adults operate at minimal literacy.

Graphic Novels can be an important part of both educational and leisure reading for students of all ages. Graphic novels are astoundingly popular with kids and young adults, and can be as simple or complex as any other literature.

Reading graphic novels:

  • Engages reluctant readers & ESL students.
  • Increases reading comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Can serve as a bridge between low and high levels of reading.
  • Provides an approach to reading that embraces the multimedia nature of today's culture, as 2/3 of a story is conveyed visually.
  • Provides scaffolding for struggling readers.
  • Can serve as an intermediary step to more difficult disciplines and concepts.
  • Presents complex material in readable text.
  • Helps students understand global affairs.
  • Helps to develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Offers another avenue through which students can experience art.

Graphic Novel Workshop Resources

Additional Resources

New NYLA PowerPoint Presentations

Go there now.

Graphic Novel Classroom Kits

Teachers/Librarians: To find out how to borrow graphic novels to use with your students, click here.

Upcoming Events Events Feed

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Fetured Graphic Novel of the Month Feed

I Kill Giants
Joe Kelly (Author), J. M. Ken Niimura (Illustrator)
Barbara is an angry elementary-school girl who is known as a freak and claims to be a killer of giants. She faces bullies and storms with no fear, but cannot face what she hides from at home. The story is heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time. This work is an example of why comic books are not only art, but a necessary medium to tell a full story. The art blends so well with the writing you will find yourself thinking “Did I just read a comic or a small beautiful novel ?” Truly an example of why comic books/graphic novels are great.

Workshops Graphic Novel of the Month Feed

Intersted in learning more about Graphic Novels and how to use them?
Contact Dan Caufield to schedule a workshop!

Get the Picture! Get Graphic Events

Flickr Feed Flickr Gallery

Graphic Novels Core Collection


If you are accessing from within a library, click here
If you are accessing outside of a library, click here

Graphic Novels Core Collection highlights approximately 2,000 recommended graphic novels with descriptive and evaluative annotations, plus cover art. For use at any library or from home with a valid Buffalo & Erie County Public Library card number.

Nioga Library SystemBuffalo and Erie County Public LibraryUB LibrariesThe Bufalo News: NeXtAlbright-Knox Art GalleryErie 1 BocesHEINBuffalo Public SchoolsWBFO 88.7

This project was made possible in part by a Family Literacy Library Services grant from the New York State Library, New York State Education Department.