Get the 411On Graphic Novels

What are these Graphic Novel things

anyway?

• A format not a genre

• Consists of sequential art when viewed in order tells a story – Will Eisner

• Books written in the form of comics

• Come in all genres including nonfiction

Just a little History

• The Beginning– Cave drawings– Egyptian Hieroglyphics

1930’s

• Rise of the superhero character

• Entertainment for the common man

1950’s

• Comics Code Authority– Set of codes to censor

comics– Intended to protect – Most comic publishers

cooperated

1960’s

• Underground Comix– Rose from the counter culture– Stage is set for the graphic novel– Purposely included material banned by the

CCA

1970’s

• “A Contract with God” is published– First time term

Graphic Novel is used– Adult audience begins

to emerge

1980’s

• Graphic Novels come of age– Maus wins the Pulitzer Prize– The Watchmen is published to critical

acclaim– The Dark Knight Returns is published

changing the look and feel of graphic novels

Graphic novels become reading for adults

1990’s to today

• Rise of Manga comics from Asia

• Continued success of the graphic novel

• More literary success in novels such as– Persepolis– Fun home– Jimmy Corrigan

Why have them at all?

Reasons to have Graphic Novels • Graphic novels offer fast-paced action, conflict and

heroic endeavors

• Visual learners are able to connect with graphic novels in a way that they cannot with text-only books

• Helps young readers develop strong language arts skills

More Reasons

• Often current, relevant and often complex social issues important to young adults are the topics

• Stimulate readers to explore other genres, they might otherwise pass by

• Many fans of graphic novels become avid book readers

Yet more …

• Are good for the patron who has English as a second language

• And most importantly

Children, tweens and teensENJOY READING THEM!!!!

From Getting Graphic!: Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy for Preteens and Teens by Michele Gorman

Where can I get some?!

• Who do you order from currently?

• Many publishers have a graphic imprint line– Scholastic has Graphix– NBM has Papercutz– Roaring Book Press has First Second

These are just a few examples

Other Publishers

• TokyoPop• Viz/Shonen Jump• DC Comics• Marvel• Random House• Top Shelf

And many, many publishers

How do I know what to get?

Online– No Flying, No Tights

www.noflyingnotights.com

– Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries http://my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/graphicnovels.htm

– Diamond Comics Bookshelfhttp://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com

– YALSAhttp://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/yalsa.cfm

How do I know what to get?

Magazines and Journals

• Booklist

• KLIATT

• Library Journal

• Library Media Connection

• School Library Journal

• VOYA- Voice of Youth Advocates

• Publishers Weekly

Suggested Criteria

• Ask your local public librarian

• Ask your local retailer

• Look for the Comics Code Authority seal

• Don’t judge a comic book by its cover

Suggested Criteria

• Look for a moral

• Look for what you loved

• Look for what kids love

• Search the internet

Taken from The Secret Origin of Good Readers: A Resource Book, edited by Dr. Robyn Hill, 2006

More Advice

• Know your community

• Just because the first book in a series is appropriate don’t assume the others will be

• Be open minded

• Have a review from a reliable source

Good Places to Start

• Archie Comics– Several different series– Kids like them– Safe choice

Good Places to Start

• Papercutz– Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series– Classics Illustrated

Good Places to Start

• Graphix– The Babysitter’s Club– Goosebumps– Bone

A Teaching Guide is available on the website.

Good Places to Start

Babymouse

by Mathew and Jennifer Holmhttp://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm

• Great website, activities for the classroom with printables

• Good for younger readers

Good Places to Start

Owly by Andy Runtonhttp://www.andyrunton.com/index.php

• Great for younger kids

• Website has lesson plans available

• Suggestions for classroom use

Good Places to Start

• Any books on drawing comics

• Comic strip collections like Garfield or Peanuts

• General drawing books

Promoting to Teachers

• Have a binder of classroom activities

• Put out a list of new novels available

• Have a list of graphic novels and possible curriculum tie ins

Promoting to Students

• Start a book club

• Have the collection housed separately for easy browsing

• Listen to student recommendations

• Display student comic art

Listserv

Graphic Novel Yahoo Group

GNLIB-L-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

“The great sorrow of my life is never having done comics.”

Pablo Picasso

The EndGood Luck!

For more recommendations come to my book talk.

Contact Info

Charlotte Pringle, Branch Manager

Delmont Gardens Library

3351 Lorraine St.

Baton Rouge, LA 70805

225/354-7080

cpringle@ebr.lib.la.us