Last week we learned one of the best ways to learn more vocabulary in English. This post is called “English Vocabulary: How to Learn More Words.” In this post I detailed how graphic novels can and should be used to increase your lexical (i.e. vocabulary) in any language, including English. You can read the full blog post here.
Today
In last weeks’ post I said that I would give you a list of recommended books, which is exactly what you shall have in this post! And, because I believe so much in this, I am developing an online class on developing your vocabulary! Stay tuned. In the meantime, listen to my podcast about my favorite graphic novels thus far for learning vocabulary. So, without further delay, here is a list of 8 graphic novels you can read or listen to today to expand your vocabulary.
*Bonus*
Read this entire post to get 5 BONUS books!
A Recommended List of Graphic Novels for Vocabulary
1) American Born Chinese
2) The Babysitter’s Club: Kristy’s Great Idea
Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey are best friends and founding members of The Baby-sitters Club. Whatever comes up — cranky toddlers, huge dogs, scary neighbors, prank calls — you can count on them to save the day. Baby-sitting isn’t always easy, and neither is dealing with strict parents, new families, fashion emergencies, and mysterious secrets. But no matter what, the BSC have what they need most: friendship.
Raina Telgemeier, using the signature style featured in her acclaimed graphic novels Smile and Sisters, perfectly captures all the drama and humor of the original novel!”
3) The Amulet: The Stonekeeper (# 1)
After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.
Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.”
4) Cleopatra in Space: Target Practice (# 1)
When a young Cleopatra (yes, THAT Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, REALLY far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian. She enrolls in Yasiro Academy, a high-tech school with classes like algebra, biology, and alien languages (which Cleo could do without), and combat training (which is more Cleo’s style). With help from her teacher Khensu, Cleo learns what it takes to be a great leader, all while trying to figure out how she’s going to get her homework done, make friends, and avoid detention!”
5) Rapunzel’s Revenge (#1)
6) Sardine in Outer Space (#1)
The first book in an exciting new series by two of France’s most talented comics authors, Sardine is a feast for the imagination of young readers. Emmanuel Guibert, an outstanding artist and graphic storyteller, takes a turn on the script, while Joann Sfar illuminates the writing with rambunctious, high-energy artwork.”
7) Bird & Squirrel: On the Run!
Join this trio as they head south for the winter in a hilarious road trip. But watch out! Cat is waiting around every bend, and he’s one pesky feline.”
9) Low Riders in Space
8) Goosebumps: Slappy’s Tales of Horror (Graphix)
The talented Dave Roman creates the horrifying drawings for “The Night of the Living Dummy,” the origin story about that most evil of all ventriloquist dummies, Slappy!
In “A Shocker on Shock Street,” Jamie Tolagson captures the chilling tale of a brother and sister doing their dream job: testing rides in a movie studio theme park, where the special effects are REALLY special.
With his shadowy illustrations, Gabriel Hernandez creates the perfect atmosphere in “The Werewolf of Fever Swamp,” a spooky story about a boy and his dog who go sniffing around in a lonely swamp . . . and wish they hadn’t.
Ted Naifeh is at his creepy best in “Ghost Beach,” a scary ghost story about a brother and sister who investigate a local legend and discover a terrible secret about their family.”
*BONUS*
a) The Adventures of Captain Underpants Series
b) Dog Man Series
c) This One Summer
d) El Deafo
e) Wings of Fire
f) Smile
g) Sisters
h) Calamity Jack
Conclusion
I have given you 8 graphic novels to learn more vocabulary, plus 8 more as a bonus! I have recorded a podcast about these 8. Listen to it here.
Have a look this list below to see all books from our list.
Which is your favorite?
Ashley Rhone is the director and English teacher at ParadigmEnglish.com. She is also the host of the Living in English: 365 podcast. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys traveling, playing the harp, reading, and attending church.