Graphic Novels & Transliteracy

Rick (2011), states that the most crucial step in incorporating graphic novels in the school curricula is educating teachers about their pedagogical value. Graphic novels construct rich, lively illustrations with a limited amount of text to drive the narrative. They can be especially appealing to young readers who are reluctant to pick up a more traditional book. Graphic novels are a great way to help struggling readers strengthen vocabulary, build reading confidence and stamina, and develop a deeper appreciation of storytelling. 
There are misconceptions about graphic novels, and I have experienced this with parents. They see them as comics. Parents see graphic novels as easy reading and often relate them to superhero stories. I work with the parents and work to help them understand the importance of graphic novels to our young readers. 
Because graphic novels are illustrated, comics are often associated with children. There are some wonderful young adult graphic novels out there, as well as many that are intended for adults.
One of the issues that I have with graphic novels is that the reading level doesn't always match the content. I am in a K-3 school, so I have to carefully select my graphic novels. They can be on a third grade reading level, but content is more specific for a fifth grader or higher. 
I have to be honest, I was not familiar with the term "transliteracy" before this class. Should I be embarrassed? Upon learning and reading this week, I absolutely know what it means. Officially defined as “the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital social networks”, it makes one think about the impact that technology has had on our learning and in our society. 
Does a book need to be made of paper, or can it be digital? Can it contain artifacts or other elements? Does it need to have pages? Must it be linear, or can it be branched or chaotic? These are things that I hadn't thought about prior to this article. I always considered a book to be "a book". The other things I just considered to be digital sources, but my thinking has changed when reading that a book is a published collection of related pages or screens. That certainly makes since. 
After reading the graphic novels for older students, I have come to the conclusion that this genre is not a favorite for me personally. I am not patient enough to dissect the pictures. I would rather see the pictures in my mind. I absolutely understand the relevance and importance of the genre. It’s just not for me in my reading life.

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