Graphic Novels: Leading the Way to Teen Literacy and Leadership

lthough people of varied ages read graphic novels, these books seem to have a special appeal to teens. A 2003 Publisher’s Weekly article gave credit to teenagers for causing the “phenomenal” sales growth of Japanese or manga graphic novels (Reid, p. 28). With young adults (persons ages 12-18) representing “almost one quarter of the users of public libraries” (Jones, 2002, p.3) and comprising 100% of the student population at middle schools and high schools, public and school librarians will do well not only to include graphic novels in their Young Adult collections, but also to gain a better understanding of these books and the benefits offered by them.