Read Across America with JY: Introducing Hal Schrieve

JY is celebrating Read Across America and the importance of books for kids by highlighting some of our partners and the tremendous work they do! We’re excited to introduce Hal Schrieve, a Children's Librarian at New York Public Library.

Check out what they have to say about graphic novels and reading the Q&A below!

Why are graphic novels/comics good for kids?

First, I will say what we all know. For any new reader, graphic novels and comics can provide scaffolding to understand the story and build confidence in understanding the context to unfamiliar words—and the explosion of kids' comics has helped young kids access complex, exciting, age-appropriate stories sooner. Visual literacy--knowing how to interpret images-- is important today, as many news sources and social media post come in visual formats. Comics also often offer a series format that young readers enjoy: repetition of characters and structure can also improve reading confidence. But understanding graphic novels and comics as being a way to induce kids to eventually read only prose ignores the special qualities of GN as a format: even for experienced readers, graphic novels and comics provide possibilities for complexity, dimensions of storytelling that can't always be found elsewhere: imaginative and inspiring design, visual rhymes, dramatic irony caused by the tension between words and image, visual worldbuilding, and foreshadowing or a feeling of action or involvement with the characters on the page enhanced by the artist's skill. Graphic novels with good design and a story that hangs on both visual and written elements can make kids excited about art, interested in paying close attention to their reading matter, and help shape critical readers. 

Why do you love most about being the children’s books/middle-grade space?

I like seeing kids discover books organically as they grow and feel entitled to the library as a place that is for them. Watching a four-year-old pretend to read to a younger child and then develop, over a year or two, the capacity to actually read is amazing. Having kids come in and be excited to check out books for their friends is amazing. And I will say the enthusiasm for comics is what drives many kids' love of the library. My ideal library would have a lot of space for kids to lounge with piles of books as well as play and draw and game. 

What are your tips to make reading more fun?

Make sure it is never a chore. Parents who make their children read things that the kids don't enjoy reading will ensure their kids hate to read. Finding books that reflect what kids want to be in the world, with exciting stories or information, helps kids develop trust that reading has rewards and encourages them to branch out. I think reading together--parent and child, or children in a group-- can also make it more interesting to discuss what's happening and think about it.

What are some myths you hear about graphic novels/comics and how would you respond to them?

People think that comics dulls kids' intelligence or literary sensibility. It's possible to read comics that aren't very deep and become fixated on the action sequences or potty humor, but you can tell any kind of story with a comic, and often kids' comics are complex, deep and sensitive while also attracting kids who may not have ever read stories like that. Works like Next Stop, Snapdragon and Monster Locker combine fantasy and real-life issues in ways that trust kids' imaginations and empathy and morality.