Panel Pack (grades 3-5)

Amulet Book #1: the Stonekeeper

Graphic novels are often a 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.

October's book is Amulet Book #1 by Kazu Kibuishi. Register in person at the library. Registration opens September 14th. If your student has dietary restrictions that we need to accommodate, please let us know when you register.

About Amulet Book #1:

After a family tragedy, Emily, Navin, and their mother move to an old ancestral home to start a new life. On the family's very first night in the mysterious house, a strange noise lures them into the basement, where Em and Navin's mom is kidnapped by a humongous, tentacled creature and dragged down behind the basement door.The kids give chase down a twisty spiral stairway and find themselves in a strange and magical world below. Most surprising of all, it seems that their great-grandfather, who was an inventor and puzzle maker, was there before them – and he's left some unfinished business.

Now it's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life!

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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