Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom

In this review of Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom, the authors present a research-informed guide aimed at secondary teachers seeking practical ways to use graphic novels to boost reading, writing and multimodal literacy. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its grounding in classroom observation and surveys, which turns theoretical claims into classroom-ready methods. This review finds it especially valuable for teachers who want evidence-backed strategies for adapting both original and classic texts into multimodal lessons.

Key Features

• Research-based methods: The book draws on cutting-edge research and classroom observations to recommend teaching practices that have been tested in secondary English language arts settings.
• Practical classroom applications: Readers get concrete methods for using graphic novels across units, from critical reading tasks to multimodal composition projects.
• Scope of texts: Guidance covers both original graphic novels and adaptations of classics, helping teachers bridge canonical literature and contemporary media.
• Assessment and pedagogy: There are clear suggestions for classroom assessment and pedagogical approaches that support student engagement with visual and verbal modes.
• Audience relevance: Methods are tailored to secondary English language arts classrooms, making the strategies directly applicable for middle and high school teachers.

Who It's For

The book is best suited for secondary English language arts teachers, curriculum coordinators and teacher educators who want evidence-backed strategies for incorporating graphic novels into lessons on literary criticism, adaptation and multimodal composition. It will help educators design lessons that both engage students and address literacy standards.

Practitioners looking for a step-by-step lesson plan compendium or primary-source graphic novel texts to teach may need supplemental materials; this is primarily a methods and research volume rather than a classroom anthology or workbook.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear alignment with research makes the strategies credible and defensible to administrators and colleagues.
• Focus on adaptations of classics offers a useful bridge for teachers who must cover canonical authors while engaging students.
• Emphasis on multimodal composition equips teachers to expand writing instruction beyond text-only assignments.

Cons

• Not a substitute for ready-to-print lesson plans or a source of full student texts, so teachers will need to create or source materials to implement ideas.

Specifications

Title	Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom
Authors	William Boerman-Cornell, Jung Kim
Audience	Secondary English language arts teachers
Focus	Pedagogies for graphic novels, multimodal composition, literary criticism
Awards	Shortlisted for the UK Literacy Association's Academic Book Award 2021
Approach	Research, surveys and classroom observations

Our Verdict

Using Graphic Novels in the English Language Arts Classroom is a concise, research-grounded resource that helps secondary teachers adopt evidence-based methods for teaching graphic novels and adaptations. It represents good value for educators who want pedagogical depth and classroom-tested strategies, though teachers should plan to supplement it with specific texts and lesson materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include ready-made lesson plans?
The book focuses on methods and classroom practices rather than a bank of ready-to-print lesson plans, so teachers will need to develop or source specific materials.

Is this suitable for middle school as well as high school?
Yes; the strategies are aimed at secondary English language arts classrooms and can be adapted for both middle and high school levels.

What types of texts does it address?
The book covers both original graphic novels and adaptations of classic works by authors such as Homer, Shakespeare and the Brontes, with emphasis on multimodal analysis and composition.