To make classical literature appealing to all, our range provides up to three text versions of each title, the easiest of which and quickest to read is “Quick Text”.
So what’s it all about? What is Quick Text?
Put simply, Quick Text is a much-reduced dialogue version of a classic novel or play. Our Quick Text graphic novels feature the entire play or story but with far fewer words. We recommend it as a quick introduction to the story, or for younger readers, or for reluctant readers, or for students for whom English is not their first language.
The text in a Quick Text speech balloon is usually larger too.
As a comparison, this is text from Shakespeare’s play Romeo & Juliet. In the Original Text, Romeo sees Juliet dancing at a party and says:
“O! she doth teach the torches to burn bright.
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows.”
This is translated in Quick Text to simply:
“She is so beautiful!”
While much of Shakespeare’s original wording is taken out, it helps to initially understand what is being said and allows the story to continue at pace. Plain Text and Original Text versions can be read afterwards to dissect language and for a more authentic reading experience.
Another way to use Quick Text would be to read the graphic novel alongside a play script as a translation of the scene, as and when needed.
In the graphic novel format we can usually see who is speaking and who they are speaking to. We can usually see what they are feeling by looking at their expression and we can understand much of the drama from the style with which they are drawn.
In some scenes , the dialogue remains very similar. These are Original Text and Quick Text panels from The Canterville Ghost, for instance where there is no reduction in text as it is very clear what is being said:
For Younger Readers
Our Quick Text graphic novels can be used from age 10 upwards for classroom work and independent reading from home.
For Reluctant Readers
We believe the fast-paced graphic novel format encourages reading of classic literature in even the most reluctant readers.
For Inclusive Learners
Lesser-able readers can use the Quick Text version, while the more-able readers can use the Plain Text or Original Text versions, giving you a classroom of pupils, of whatever ability, effectively reading from the 'same' page.
For Learners of English
As well as being a quick introduction to the play for everyone, the Quick Text version is also ideal for students where English is not the first language.
So if you didn’t know where to start, we’d suggest start with Quick Text. Look for the green circle on our books. 🟢