Nightlights Graphic Novel Learning Review

Graphic novels are a great way to teach adolescents and adults social communication. Lorena Alvarez’s brilliant graphic novel, NightLights, demonstrates subtle but complex nonverbal language. The novel’s captivating visuals paint a landscape rich with social interactions. Did you know 84% of our communication is non-verbal language? It’s the downfall of using text messages when trying to start a romantic relationship.

From NightLights by Lorena Alvarez

Scenes such as the one above demonstrated the hidden rules of social communication. These are the rules we don’t talk about but are supposed to know. There are a number of distinct social interactions we can pull from this single scene. They range from positive to negative, and some ambiguous ones up for interpretation.
For example, Who is already in trouble? Who is about to get into trouble?
Who has exciting news and how do we know?
Which girl is interested in hearing this exciting news?

This artwork pairs emotion with explicit tone via text.

Nightlights follows a young girl struggling to find confidence and fighting off negativity. There is a distinct similarity yet opposition in the metaphoric character, Morfie. A subtle distinction that introduces internal perspectives. The possibilities for teaching social communication and thinking are endless.

The story is a gripping metaphor. Vague enough for many readers to layer their own personal experiences. There are many graphic novels to choose from for all ages but Nightlights deserves to be highlighted. I have used this one with a wide range of clients. It has captured their attention as well as mine time and time again; allowing for repeated exposure which provides scaffolding opportunities and application of learned skills.

A masterpiece in graphic novel literature and therapeutic materials!

Enjoy!!!!

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