Editor’s Note: The Year I Discovered Graphic Novels

Abstract

As a book lover, I always thought it seemed blasphemous when I declared, “I don’t like graphic novels.” In truth, I really hadn’t given them much of a chance. I always had assumed their format would be difficult for me to follow—sensory overload, of sorts.

Of course I had been familiar with their popularity in my library—most pre-teens had asked for them. It made reader’s advisory a bit more challenging if I hadn’t read any, so I finally cracked one open—I started with Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. The story really drew me in; I grew up in the 1970s, when roller derby was televised (and my parents let me watch it!). I was absorbed in the story, and by the time I was done, well, I guess I had read my first graphic novel!