Graphic Novels in the Secondary School Library

With Kat Kan

What is a graphic novel?It is a book using the comic book format.

Strictly speaking, a graphic novel tells a complete story in one volume; in the comics/book trade, this is an OGN – original graphic novel. Anya’s Ghost is an OGN.

Most “graphic novels” are compilations of comic book story arcs – including Maus by Art Spiegelman.

Book series, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, are not, strictly speaking, graphic novels; they are illustrated books, hybrid fiction – no one has really come up with a good name yet.

So what is manga?Manga is the Japanese word for comics – this

is the short answer.I prefer to use manga only for comics that

originate in Japan and are published in English translations.

Korean comics are manhwaChinese comics are manhuaAmerican comics in the manga format have

been called OEL (Original English Language) manga; I call them comics, or graphic novels.

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 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 journalsEBSCO’s Graphic Novels Core CollectionListservs such as Graphic Novels in Libraries

Graphic Novels Can Also be Taught in ClassroomsSeveral recent books show how teachers can

integrate graphic novels into their curriculaMaureen Bakis – The Graphic Novel

Classroom: Powerful Teaching and Learning with Images

Michael Bitz – When Commas Meet Kryptonite: Classroom Lessons from the Comic Book Project

Katie Monnin – Teaching Graphic Novels: Practical Strategies for the Secondary Classroom

Review SourcesTeacher Librarian includes graphic novel

reviews aimed at educatorsSchool Library Journal includes graphic

novel reviews aimed at school librariansDiamond Bookshelf is an online newsletter

that includes “Katie’s Korner” by Katie Monnin – book reviews and lesson plans for classroom use. This is a free newsletter – go to http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/Home/1/1/20/163

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.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 Anya’s Ghost 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.

Nonfiction Lit CirclesChange in Discussion Format: discussion leaders,

bring your questions to class on 4/25 for real time discussion rather than discussion board posts

You are all organizers and should be able to add pages to the wiki if you need to.

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. If you have created another product (blog, website, etc.) you must post the link on the wiki. Again, be sure I know it is yours.

You’re encouraged to work together to make your section of the wiki appealing & accessible. Please list your book title (and possible the cover), group member names & roles somewhere on your group’s main wiki page.