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Graphic Novels in the School Library. With Kat Kan. Why graphic novels?. Fun to read Attract “nonreaders” and avid readers alike Text and art work together to help struggling readers understand better Provide another format for classics, for nonfiction.
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Graphic Novels in the School Library With Kat Kan
Why graphic novels? • Fun to read • Attract “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 superheroes • Not just X-Men, Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, etc. • Original stories, many genres • True-life stories such as Smile by Raina Telgemeier
Graphic novels – more than superheroes • Grand adventures such as Bone by Jeff Smith or Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai
Graphic novels – more than superheroes • Fun series for younger readers include Babymouse, Lunch Lady, Pokemon Adventures, Yotsuba&!, Disney Fairies, and Salt Water Taffy.
Graphic novels – more than superheroes • Nonfiction • Science books, such as Evolution: The Story of Life on Earth by Jay Hosler • Memoirs such as Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi • History such as Maus by Art Spiegelman
Graphic novels – more than superheroes • Manga, which covers just about every genre • Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka • Library Wars • Bunny Drop • High School Debut • Naruto • One Piece
Graphic novels can supplement classroom texts • Persepolis has been studied at West Point • Usagi Yojimbo has been used in Japanese history courses at Portland University (Oregon) • Some Maryland schools use comics to teach writing
Selecting graphic novels • Best way is to read and evaluate them yourself; this may not always be possible • Local comics shops – if there is one close to you, cultivate a friendship with the owner • Use book distributors. Brodart has a working school librarian as the graphic novel selector. • Reviews in journals • H. W. Wilson’s Graphic Novels Core Collection • Listservs such as Graphic Novels in Libraries
Evaluating graphic novels • If 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 online • Since 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? • Still really uncertain about reading & selecting them • Nervous, but ready to give them a try • Somewhat confident, ready to do some more reading and make some purchases • 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.
Next week • Debbie 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 exploration • Tech Talk: Nann Leake • SKYPE: look for an email from me tomorrow.
April 21st • To 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.