The term "Manga" (mahn-ga) means "random pictures" or "whimsical pictures" in Japanese. Manga combine pictures and words to convey a story—in short, they're comics. But unlike American comics, Japanese comics are often first serialized in telephone book-size magazines and then later compiled into complete Graphic Novels. They are also usually printed in monochromatic tones rather than in color. Although some may consider them as "Cartoons" or "Comic Books", Graphic Novels or Manga should be embraced by the School System as an aid.
At first glance most Graphic Novels look complicated to read. I mean, starting at the back and reading from right to left, who does this stuff?! It's backwards! When you walk into Borders, in the Village, through the front entrance you are greeted by a wall of brightly colored books that when you look at them look like advanced comic books. Comic books, as most Americans see it, are what ten year old boys spend their allowances on or what forty year olds who still live with their mothers collect. On the back cover of every book there will be a letter, such as Y, K+ T, T+, or M. These letters represent a rating system much like the ones you see on TV or Movies (Y, G, Pg, PG-13, R, X). Sure all these things are right but there are still many other things about Graphic Novels that are good.
Graphic Novels would help students with poor visualization skills become better at comprehending what they are reading. The plots of Graphic Novels are easier to understand because occasionally the author will add side bar notes to the reader telling what they were feeling or doing while writing that part of the story. The plot breaths more and you get more of a feeling for the characters and what is going on within the story. Nothing is rushed; making the reader feel like they are being bombarded with facts, but the book is still a quicker read. Studies show that Comics and Graphic Novel readers have better vocabularies and many tend to read above their grade level. Another study shows the Comics and Graphic Novels encourage readers to explore other areas of interest and try other forms of fiction.
Many a time when a class is finished reading a book, they often watch the film that goes along with it. Such is the case with Graphic Novels. Most, but not all, Manga are turned into Anime (the animated form of the book). Graphic Novels can be as entertaining as they are educational. Values of right and wrong are strongly emphasized in these books, and many storylines in all age levels of Graphic Novels are designed to reflect strong, positive moral values.
There are so many genres, styles, and subjects available in graphic novels; I can guarantee you that there will be one you like; mainly Shôjo (show-joe) for girls and Shonen (show-en) for boys. These "backwards" books are excellent tools for students who are visual learners and those with short attention spans. One current teacher in the Grosse Pointe Public School System agrees saying, "Manga or Graphic Novels have their place in the curriculum if they meet the criteria of the unit. This type of book would appeal to many reluctant readers because of fewer words and pictures. However, this does not diminish the value of such a book."
In Asia, they are more open to discussing certain subjects, such as drugs, profanities, violence and sex, unlike us prude Americans, so these novels do have special ratings on them. In conclusion, Graphic Novels or Manga should be embraced by the Grosse Pointe Public School System as part of the curriculum.