Book Talk
Diverse reading allows you to broaden your knowledge and understanding. Exploring genres is one way to read widely, but another is format. You may not think a graphic novel is an informative or educational book. However, there are many benefits to reading graphic novels.
Graphic novels are not just pictures on a page. When you read one, you are activating your visual literacy skills. Think about reading a book. You know to read from left to right, line by line, following along from one page to the next. A graphic novel requires you to actively engage with the layout of the text and images to follow the flow of the story. Some graphic novels keep the same format and are easy to read, others require more thought as the flow of information changes with each page. It is important to read, analyze and interpret images (this is visual literacy) in order to engage with advertisements, infographics, social media, and a plethora of other visuals we might encounter in daily life.
Graphic novels can help us understand complex issues and themes. They aren’t just fun pictures or quick reads. If you are feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by classic novels or a complex theme, try reading the graphic novel version. This can be a gentle way to engage instead of reading a thick or dense book. They can also support and enhance your understanding of complex topics.
Graphic novels are invaluable to education. They utilise and teach visual literacy skills, motivate reluctant readers to explore complex themes, and deepen your understanding.
Check out the selection available at the library!
Macbeth, The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, and more Shakespeare classics
Cannon
By Lee Lai
Cartoonist Lee Lai interweaves friendship, vulnerability and responsibility in her story about two queer second-generation Chinese friends. Cannon won the Stella Award in 2026, the first graphic novel to do so.
llegal
By Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin ; art by Giovanni Rigano ; lettering by Chris Dickey.
Illegal follows the story of Ebo, trying to make his way to Europe and reunite with his sister. A fictional tale based on real life experiences, Illegal evokes powerful and poignant emotions of resilience, hope and desperation.
The Great Gatsby
By Nicki Greenberg
An artistic take on a classic, Nicki Greenburg shares her vision of The Great Gatsby. Greenburg’s version is formatted like a photo album, with each panel a ‘snapshot’ of the scene unfolding.
Sophie’s world : a graphic novel about the history of philosophy. Vol 1, From Socrates to Galileo
Written by Vincent Zabus ; art by Nicoby ; translated by Edward Gauvin.
A visual presentation of the history of philosophy, Sophie’s World is an accessible and engaging way to delve into key philosophers.
New in the library
We are encouraging the diversity of reading through a new reading challenge in the library. Below is an example of the reading challenge that students can now pick up from the library front desk. Mark off each challenge as you go, flip the card over to write a review of your favourite book in the challenge and hand in your completed card to the library for a surprise! They also double up as a bookmark to take with you on your reading journey. Grab one for the school holiday’s and have a go!
