Methods
With the benefits of graphic novels on student reading motivation established previously,
it is necessary to determine student interest in these books. This study was conducted in a fifth
grade classroom with 33 participants in January of 2012. The study’s purpose was to evaluate
male and female interests and perceptions of graphic novels. Specifically, the questions answered
in this investigation were, “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?” This study explored students’ interest and engagement in
reading graphic novels and the factors that contribute to their enjoyment or dissatisfaction with
the text. The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics of graphic novels that
appeal to both male and female students.