Friday, August 30, 2013

Reading Historical Fiction Graphic Novels

By Amanda Baird


Historical fiction graphic novels consist of both text and illustrations. They are combined to tell a fictional story using events and periods in history as a setting. This genre is becoming more popular all the time as readers enjoy the fast pace and the engaging combination of both vivid pictures and words.

Some people confuse graphic novels with comic books. The difference between them is that a graphic novel tells a complete story and is of the same length as any other book. Illustrations are used to help move the story forward, conveying physical movement and facial expressions. Some even appear in hardcover and are found on bestseller lists just like their more traditional counterparts.

Research is vitally important to a book of this nature and the author has to become very familiar with every aspect of their chosen period or event in order to write an authentic work. It takes skill to combine this research with a fictional story. Readers do not want to be constantly aware of all the detailed research done by the author. Instead, they want to be entertained and be able to imagine what it was like to live in another place and time.

These books deal with topics from ancient history through to modern times. The Grecian Olympic Games, the Roman Slave Trade and the Egyptian pyramids are just some of the topics covered in ancient history. World wars, kings and queens, presidents and their wives, explorations and even serial killers are all brought to life in these books.

Many books in this genre are now available at online stores. There is an increasing interest being shown by readers, from children to adults. Some are written specifically for smaller children, even for those who are just learning to read. Others are written with teenagers in mind, using teenage characters that they can relate to. Many adults enjoy books of this nature and some of them are well written enough to appeal to even the most discerning of readers.

The use of illustrations does not mean that these books are necessarily a lower form of literature. Since the beginning of time pictures have been used to convey stories. Of course, illustrations are helpful for those with difficulty in forming mental pictures and this means that such books are particularly suitable for readers experience difficulty with reading.

Teachers may find that these books are a useful tool in trying to teach their students history. Students often regard history as boring. The use of text and illustrations helps the student to relate to the past more easily. Someone who is reluctant to tackle pure text may be encouraged to read a book with illustrations and get hooked on reading in the process.

Historical fiction graphic novels are becoming more popular all the time. The combination of text and illustrations offers an immediacy, allowing readers to slip into a past world with ease. While reading an intriguing story, they are exposed at the same time to how people lived in other times and places.




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