Lauren Tarshis's I Survived series is very popular with upper elementary students. I know that personally, my son has many copies of these engaging historical fiction novels. When we heard that Scholastic published graphic novels of this beloved series, we were very excited. Thanks to Scholastic for sending me a copy of the latest graphic novel in this series, I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018, which just came out this month. Immediately, my son quickly read it; he was glued to the pages!
I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018 is not only filled with incredible, colorful visuals that engage readers, but it also offers the same level of storytelling as the original I Survived novels. The plot follows Josh and his cousin, Holly, as they navigate the life-threatening California wildfires that recently devastated the state. I always appreciate Tarshis's novels for their fast-paced plots, strong story elements, relatable characters, and a non-fiction section that provides insights into the real-life disaster, allowing kids to deepen their understanding. The graphic novel version of the story encompasses all this and more.
During my time teaching, I often heard parents express concern that their child was reading a graphic novel instead of a "real book." It's unfortunate that graphic novels are sometimes dismissed in this way, as they are indeed "real books" that serve a valuable purpose. Reading is reading! Both parents and educators can rely on these novels to contain all the elements found in traditional literature, such as theme, strong vocabulary, plot, character development, and story structure. These components all contribute to building reading comprehension. What is particularly heartwarming about graphic novels is their ability to engage reluctant readers. These books can help foster confidence and enjoyment in reading, allowing readers to associate the experience with fun. And isn’t that what reading is all about?
If you have a reluctant reader at home or a fan of the I Survived series, check out Lauren Tarshis's latest graphic novel, I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018, and the other thirteen novels in this graphic novel series. Teachers will also appreciate the book club resources and activities. It's a treasure trove for educators as the site includes worksheets, trivia, a read-aloud section, comprehension questions, and even more engaging activities for each book in the series.
In the comments below, let me know if you are a fan of the I Survived series and if you or your child has enjoyed the graphic novels.
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