As youth literacy declines, comics and graphic novels are being praised as a way to get kids interested in reading. CBC’s Justin Escoto visited a Windsor comic shop to learn about how the art form can feel less daunting and more engaging for some.

Windsor

Comic books are increasingly seen as a helpful resource for encouraging reading among children who may find traditional books daunting. Sean Cusino, owner of Rogues Gallery Comics in Windsor, credits comics with sparking his own interest in reading, noting their accessible blend of art and narrative. 

Recent statistics from the Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation indicate that between 500,000 and a million Canadian children have weak literacy skills, with overall reading performance declining in recent years. Local library consultants and comic enthusiasts emphasize that comics and graphic novels can engage different parts of the brain and offer relatable stories, making them an effective tool for improving literacy.

How Comic books can help reluctant readers

Superman, Spider-Man, The Flash, The Incredible Hulk. You might think of these larger-than-life characters from their record-breaking blockbusters in the last few years, but their original form, the physical comic book, continues to marvel generations of readers. Sean Cusino is the owner of Rogues Gallery Comics in downtown Windsor. He says his connection to the craft is deeply rooted in his childhood, helping him get into reading. I've been reading comic books since I could read. In fact, comic books are the reason I went to novels as a kid. And books, they just felt heavy and daunting to me as a child. Cusino says comics are an accessible form of literature for those who aren't keen on traditional books. The art with the story together, unlike a novel, kind of quite literally paints the picture for you. But then comic books are much like TV used to be in the 80s and 90s. Every issue is a cliffhanger. Countrywide, Canada has seen some alarming statistics surrounding childhood literacy. The Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation estimates between 500,000 and a million Canadian children from zero to 15 years of age have weak literacy skills. Additionally, they report that average reading performance in Canada declined between 2000 and 2018. These youth with reading difficulties are more likely to show higher rates of unemployment, poor health and other negative outcomes. A local library's consultant says comics and graphic novels are an effective way to get kids reading. When a person is trying to interpret a visual image, and especially if it's provocative, if it's beautiful, if it's complicated in some way, and it's juxtaposed to text on the page, I think it's engaging different parts of the brain at the same time, and that's always good. Stu Esho began reading comics in college and says comics have a strong ability to connect with readers. By having more niche storylines, or because it's more of a school production, anyone can sort of express their voice in comic books, and it's easier for different readers to find someone who matches their voice or can create stories that are more relatable. Rogues Gallery Comics is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Cousineau says it's proof of the timeless appeal comics still have. You know, I thought after 20 years that I might be a little out of love with the medium, and I love it more every day. Why do you think that's the case? Because comics are cool. Justin Escoto, CBC News, Windsor.

After allowing National Guard troops in Washington to carry weapons, U.S. President Donald Trump discussed plans to expand the use of the military in cities across the country.

Washington

Trump looks to expand military use in U.S. after arming troops in D.C.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI sued Apple and ChatGPT maker OpenAI in U.S. federal court in Texas, accusing them of illegally conspiring to thwart competition for artificial intelligence.

Texas

Rise of AI

Elon Musk's xAI sues Apple, OpenAI over competition claims

Strikes on the Nasser hospital in Gaza that left at least 20 people dead, including rescuers, journalists and health-care workers are being met with global outrage. The Israeli military is investigating what Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu called a ‘tragic mishap.’

Middle East Conflict

Israeli PM calls deadly strikes on Gaza hospital a ‘tragic mishap’

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in ICE custody and is facing deportation to Uganda, the Department of Homeland Security says, after he was released from criminal custody last week.

Baltimore

Abrego Garcia in ICE custody, court blocks immediate deportation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will meet with the U.S. and other countries this week to discuss a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at reaching a ceasefire.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Zelenskiy say he will meet with U.S., others on potential Putin talks

U.S. President Donald Trump says Chicago could be the next city to see National Guard deployment, sparking strong opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, who argue crime is already falling and federal intervention is unnecessary.

Chicago

Trump threatens to send National Guard troops to Chicago

Four journalists working with Reuters, Al Jazeera and others were killed in explosions at a Gaza hospital. Gaza officials blame Israeli drone strikes, though CBS News has not independently verified the claims.

Jerusalem

Four journalists reported dead after Gaza hospital blasts

U.S. National Guard troops patrolling the streets of Washington D.C. as part of what President Donald Trump said was his crackdown on crime began carrying weapons on Sunday night, two officials said.

National Guard patrolling Washington DC begin carrying weapons

In a visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine and committed to sending soldiers if a ceasefire with Russia is reached.

Carney in Kyiv pledges support, possibly troops for Ukraine

The Pickett Fire is growing in California's Napa County, prompting new evacuations as it threatens homes and wineries. The flames, fueled by scorching temperatures and dry conditions, are being battled by hundreds of first responders.

Napa Valley

Evacuations ordered in California as heatwave fuels wildfire

Democrats are pushing back against President Trump's plan to send the National Guard to more cities, including Chicago, New York and Baltimore, as troops continue to patrol Washington, D.C. State and local leaders say they have crime under control.

Democrats slam Trump's plans to send National Guard to more cities

Beef prices are at record highs with the average price of a pound of ground beef topping $6. Lisa Rozner reports on what's causing prices to soar.

Why U.S beef prices are soaring

A defiant Ukraine marked its independence from the former Soviet Union Sunday amid more fighting with Russia. Chris Livesay reports on how world leaders joined in, voicing their support.

Ukraine marks its Independence Day as war with Russia continues

The boats are produced by unknown Turkish companies and are then sent disassembled in multiple shipments to avoid suspicion in what authorities say is for the sole purpose of trafficking migrants across the English Channel.

Sofia

Inflatable boats used for migrant trafficking seized

Less than 24 hours after he was released from jail, Kilmar Ábrego García was told that U.S. immigration officials plan to deport him to Uganda. The Salvadoran national, who has been living illegally in the U.S. since about 2011, was wrongly deported to his home country earlier this year.

Maryland

Kilmar Abrego Garcia told he may be sent to Uganda

Erik and Lyle Menendez remain behind bars, their hopes for release dashed by two separate parole boards more than three decades after murdering their parents. Elise Preston reports.

Los Angeles

Erik and Lyle Menendez denied parole

Tourism in Las Vegas is slumping this summer, costing the city billions. That could signal trouble ahead for the U.S. economy. Andres Gutierrez has new details.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas tourism slumps this summer, signaling trouble for U.S. economy

Texas Republicans took a victory lap after an early morning vote Saturday that sought to give their party an edge during the 2026 midterms. Democrats in Texas plan to challenge the legality of the new congressional map, saying it dilutes the power of minorities.

Austin

Texas Republicans take victory lap after redistricting vote

Israel has called the United Nations' declaration of famine in parts of Gaza an "outright lie," but multiple U.N. bodies, more than 100 humanitarian groups, and several of Israel's own allies have warned for months that the war is causing starvation among civilians.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Israel denies U.N.'s declaration of famine in parts of Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump says he will impose sanctions on Russia if it fails to reach a peace deal in Ukraine within two weeks. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia’s ongoing attacks on his country show that President Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace.

Putin’s not interested in peace talks, Zelenskyy says

Lyle Menendez was denied parole late Friday night following a day-long hearing in California, just one day after his brother Erik's parole appeal was also rejected. The brothers have been in prison since 1996 for killing their parents in what they say was an act of self-defense.

Both Menendez brothers denied parole

At least five people are dead and dozens are injured after a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls flipped over on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, New York.

Pembroke

Western New York bus crash kills at least five people

Federal agents searched former Trump adviser-turned-critic John Bolton's home on Friday morning. President Donald Trump denied knowing about the investigation, which is related to his handling of classified documents.

Bethesda

FBI raids former Trump adviser John Bolton's home, office

The FBI searched former national security adviser John Bolton's house in Bethesda, Maryland, early Friday morning, the bureau confirmed to CBS News.

FBI raids former Trump adviser John Bolton's home, D.C. office

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland construction worker deported to El Salvador and then returned to the U.S. on smuggling charges, has been released from prison in Tennessee, his attorneys say.

Nashville

Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from jail in Tennessee

A bus with more than 50 people on board rolled over in New York and several deaths are being reported, officials confirm. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.

Tour bus crash in New York causes 'several fatalities'

Attorneys general in 14 states and Washington, D.C., accuse TikTok of designing its app to keep users hooked. Court-released edited video shows some company staff discussing the toll it can take on children and teens.

TikTok faces lawsuits over mental health risks

A parole board rejected Erik Menendez's request for release, saying he has not shown proper remorse for killing his parents 36 years ago. His brother, Lyle Menendez, faces his own hearing today (August 22).

Breakdown