Teaching Visual Literacy: Using Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Anime, Cartoons, and More to Develop Comprehension and Thinking Skills

"This book puts into practice what we′ve long known but often ignored: one picture is indeed worth a thousand words! The chapters offer a practical look at how images in all their many forms can be used to motivate reluctant readers."
―Donna E. Alvermann, Distinguished Research Professor
University of Georgia

"Just as vision entails more than seeing, being visually literate means that students can interpret and reflect upon images as well as words. These strategies will help your students develop the literacy they need for this brave new century."
―Carol Jago, Director, California Reading and Literature Project
University of California, Los Angeles

Spark students′ interest in reading and help them become critical consumers of visual information!

Today′s students live in an increasingly visual world where they are engaged not only by words, but also by images. This collection of innovative articles shows classroom teachers and literacy specialists how to use students′ interest in picture books, comics, graphic novels, film, anime, and other visual media to motivate and engage readers in Grades K–12.

Teaching Visual Literacy offers background information, research, practical ideas, and sample lessons to help educators:

• Capture the attention of learners and boost their critical thinking skills
• Support and strengthen multiple competencies in literacy
• Help students comprehend and assess visual information
• Reach students with disabilities and extend their understanding

Visual literacy is an integral part of literacy development, and this much-needed classroom companion helps teachers engage students as critical readers and prepare them for living in the twenty-first century.

Nancy Frey is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Her published titles include The Courage to Learn, The Art and Science of Coaching, How Scaffolding Works, and The Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Frey is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California and learns from teachers and students every day.

Douglas Fisher is a professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Fisher was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. In 2022, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published numerous articles on reading and literacy, leadership, and curriculum design, as well as books such as Your Introduction to PLC+, Welcome to Teaching, How Feedback Works, Teaching Reading, and RIGOR Unveiled. Fisher loves being an educator and hopes to share that passion with others.