When a reader can successfully break the code of a text, reading in schools becomes reading to learn. Credit: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Some parents worry if their children only read graphic novels—or even mostly read them. A common question goes something like: how do I get my child to read something other than comics or graphic novels? But the answer might be: you don't have to.

Graphic novel series such as Heartstopper , The Babysitters Club and Amulet fly off school library shelves. And original graphic novels such as Art Spiegelman's Holocaust-themed Maus and To This Day , based on Shane Koyczan's spoken-word poem, are staples of many high-school classrooms.

Rather than hindering or holding back reading skills, reading graphic novels can actually help develop them.

Reading is many things—from breaking the code to understand what you read, to reading for enjoyment and getting "hooked" by a narrative. Debates about the best way to teach reading have been going on for over 80 years.…