Graphic Novels in the School Library

With Kat Kan

Why graphic novels?Fun to readAttract “nonreaders” and avid readers alike

Text and art work together to help struggling readers understand better

Provide another format for classics, for nonfiction

Graphic novels – more than superheroesNot just X-Men, Spider-Man, Superman,

Batman, etc.Original stories, many genresTrue-life stories such as Smile by Raina

Telgemeier

Graphic novels – more than superheroesGrand adventures such as Bone by Jeff Smith or

Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai

Graphic novels – more than superheroesFun series for younger readers include

Babymouse, Lunch Lady, Pokemon Adventures, Yotsuba&!, Disney Fairies, and Salt Water Taffy.

Graphic novels – more than superheroesNonfiction

Science books, such as Evolution: The Story of Life on Earth by Jay Hosler

Memoirs such as Persepolis by Marjane SatrapiHistory such as Maus by Art Spiegelman

Graphic novels – more than superheroesManga, which covers just about every genrePluto: Urasawa x TezukaLibrary WarsBunny DropHigh School DebutNarutoOne Piece

Graphic novels can supplement classroom textsPersepolis has been studied at West PointUsagi Yojimbo has been used in Japanese

history courses at Portland University (Oregon)

Some Maryland schools use comics to teach writing

Selecting graphic novelsBest way is to read and evaluate them

yourself; this may not always be possibleLocal comics shops – if there is one close to

you, cultivate a friendship with the ownerUse book distributors. Brodart has a working

school librarian as the graphic novel selector.Reviews in journalsH. W. Wilson’s Graphic Novels Core

CollectionListservs such as Graphic Novels in Libraries

Evaluating graphic novelsIf you get a chance to read some graphic

novels, check for the following:How do plot, characters, and literary devices

play out in the story?How well are images and words integrated?How clearly does the story flow through the

panels on the page?How well do the images convey meaning?What is the quality of the artwork’s

reproduction?Does the artwork offer the narrative any

special effects?

More help onlineSince I work for Brodart Books &

Automation, I can only tell you what we offer.You should have received packets from the

company.Website:

http://www.books.brodart.com/Content3.aspx?P=21

Graphic Novel Helpful Resources – websites, books, articles

Brodart’s age ratings – can be used to evaluate graphic novels’ suitability for school collections

For more information …

Contact Kat Kan directly if you have further questions – teenlibn@hotmail.com

Kat is on GNLIB-L, yalsa-bk, Pubyac and replies to posts asking questions about graphic novels

After hearing from Kat, how do you feel about graphic novels?

A. Still really uncertain about reading & selecting them

B. Nervous, but ready to give them a tryC. Somewhat confident, ready to do some more

reading and make some purchasesD. Confident, like you know what you’re doing

Evaluating Foiled Using Kat’s Questions

How do plot, characters, and literary devices play out in the story?

How well are images and words integrated?How clearly does the story flow through the

panels on the page?How well do the images convey meaning?What is the quality of the artwork’s

reproduction?Does the artwork offer the narrative any

special effects?

Take a minute and see if you can find an image of the manga book or series you chose to read for tonight. Copy & paste it on the white board.

Deloris

Next weekDebbie Reese, guest speaker. Please explore

her blog, including the “About AICL” tab. Bring questions about info/posts that most interest you.

Hunter’s Moon discussion postponed (April 28th?)

Database explorationTech Talk: Nann LeakeSKYPE: look for an email from me tomorrow.

April 21stTo add new pages to the wiki, request membership and

I’ll make you an organizer. Make sure it is clear which pages you have created. You

can also email me a copy of your work, but it MUST be posted on the wiki as well.

You’re encouraged to work together to make your section of the wiki appealing & accessible. Please list your group member names & roles somewhere on your wiki page.

I may begin grading April 21st, so be sure your discussion is complete. I will make note of your participation in your group’s discussion as well as the completion of your assignment.