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Panel Pack - Swing

Graphic novels can be the gateway to enthusiastic readers. Read the book on your own, then join us monthly for discussion, games, and activities based on our book of the month.

March's book is The Adventures of Invisible Boys by Doogie Horner. Register in person at the library. Registration opens February 16th. If your student has dietary restrictions that we need to accommodate, please let us know when you register.

About Swing:

Marcus McCalister wants to fit in. So much so that he’s still playing on a soccer team with his childhood friend Ted, despite not liking soccer?or Ted?all that much.

Izzy Briggs wants to stand out. Being labeled the “weird kid” for her bold fashion choices is the price an aspiring designer must pay for a life of greatness?but being confident isn't always easy.

So when Izzy and Marcus are paired together to perform a swing dance routine for a gym project, it’s no surprise that everything goes up in flames, including their grade in the class. Until their gym teacher proposes a deal: if the pair performs the swing routine in the upcoming talent show, they’ll receive extra credit and a passing grade. They accept. . . but Izzy has her own proposal for Marcus: this time, she gets to be the lead.

Benefits of Reading Graphic Novels for Kids
1. Builds Strong Reading Skills

Encourages visual literacy
Helps with sequencing, cause and effect, and plot development
Offers context clues through illustrations
2. Supports Struggling and Reluctant Readers

Less text per page feels less intimidating
Pictures help decode meaning
Great for kids with dyslexia, ADHD, or language-based learning challenges
3. Expands Vocabulary

Exposes kids to rich language in a digestible format
Supports understanding of idioms, slang, and expressive dialogue
4. Develops Critical Thinking

Requires readers to infer emotions, motivations, and tone
Encourages comparing text and image for full meaning
5. Boosts Comprehension and Retention

Engaging visuals support memory
Helps kids recall and retell stories more easily
6. Encourages a Love of Reading

Fast-paced, fun, and often humorous
Builds confidence as kids finish books more quickly
7. Broadens Access to Diverse Stories

Graphic novels often explore unique cultures, identities, and perspectives
Gives kids windows into other worlds and mirrors of their own
8. Inspires Creativity and Artistic Expression

Kids often start drawing or making their own comics
Introduces storytelling elements like panel layout and dialogue pacing

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