Research Questions
Students must often find reading materials that meet their needs and reading interests.
Teachers frequently suggest or provide students with books they believe may meet those
interests. Graphic novels have become one such genre that teachers are more frequently turning
to when suggesting reading materials to their students. However, graphic novels are most
commonly recommended to male students. Teachers must be knowledgeable about the
individual interests of their students, as well as the resources available for reading. This study
explores students’ interest and engagement in reading graphic novels and the factors that
contribute to their enjoyment or dissatisfaction with the genre. The purpose of the study is to
examine the characteristics of graphic novels that appeal to male and female students and to
answer the questions, “Do graphic novels appeal equally to male and female students? Do
graphic novels appeal equally to readers and non-readers? What are the characteristics of graphic
novels that appeal to students?” Finally, “Will exposure to graphic novels change students’
interest in reading graphic novels?”