Getting Graphic! Comics for Kids Kindergarten – 5th Grade Workshop

 

Monday, August 27, 2007

8 am – 11:15 am

Sponsored by Loudoun County Public Schools (VA)

Presenter: Michele Gorman

www.comixlibrarian.com

 

"The presence of comics in a junior high school library resulted in a dramatic 82% increase in library traffic and a 30% increase in circulation of non-comic books.“

“Spider Man at the Library” by Larry Dorrell and Ed Carroll

School Library Journal, v27 n10 p17-19 Aug 1981

 

Why do graphic novels for kids belong in the library?

 

• Graphic novels and comic books offer fast-paced action, conflict, and heroic endeavors – all things young readers embrace.

 

• Children learn in different ways; visual learners are able to connect with graphic novels and comic books in a way that they cannot with text-only books.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books require readers to be active participants in the reading process, using their imaginations to fill in the blanks between panels.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books help young readers develop strong language arts skills including reading comprehension and vocabulary development.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books contribute to literacy by ensuring that kids continue to read for fun outside of the classroom.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books often address important developmental assets like being true to yourself, the power of imagination, and teamwork. They also address current, relevant social issues for young readers like divorce, bullying, and the age-old problem of confronting monsters in the closet.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books provide a perfect bridge for young readers transitioning from picture books to text-only books.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books often stimulate young readers to branch out and explore other genres of literature including fantasy, science fiction, and realistic fiction as well as non-fiction and myths and legends.

 

• Graphic novels and comic books are good for ESL (English as a Second Language) students and students who read below grade level because the simple sentences and visual clues allow readers to comprehend some, if not all, of the story.

 

• Most importantly, graphic novels are a lot of fun and kids enjoy reading them!

 

 

Collection Development Resources

 

Professional Journals:

 

Book Links

Graphic Novels are occasionally addressed in specialty issues once a year, as well as periodical reviews in the review section. www.ala.org/booklist

 

Knowledge Quest

Librarian Philip Crawford’s column “Thought Bubbles”, which explores and evaluates the world of graphic novels for K-12 school librarians and educators, appears five times a year (the first of which appeared in Volume 31/Number 2 - November/December 2002.) in Knowledge Quest, a publication of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Crawford’s column is also available online at http://www.ala.org/aasl/kqweb/index.html.

 

Library Media Connection

Michele Gorman’s “Getting Graphic” column will begin appearing in every issue of this magazine beginning in October 2007. This professional magazine is primarily for school library media and technology specialists it is the merger of two publications previously published by Linworth, The Book Report and Library Talk. This new expanded version is an integrated information source for print and multimedia, and reviews.

http://www.linworth.com/lmc/

 

School Library Journal

Although School Library Journal has sporadically reviewed graphic novels over the years, “Graphic Novels Roundup," a column written by Stephen Weiner, began appearing quarterly in 2003. Each column includes a thematic bibliography, news about graphic novels and the publishing industry, and a brief cartoonist profile.

http://www.slj.com/

 

 

Websites:

 

Comics in the Classroom

http://www.comicsintheclassroom.net/oo1all_ages_list.htm

Created by a teacher from New Brunswick, Canada, this site includes lesson plans, recommend titles for elementary-aged readers, a list of kid-friendly comic book retailers, a forum for online communication, and news from the comic publishing industry about comics for kids.

 

Diamond Bookshelf

http://bookshelf.diamondcomics.com/public/

This site has a little bit of everything for both school and public librarians including information about starting a new collection, cataloging, lesson plans, reaching reluctant readers, reviews of hot new titles, and more. You can even download a free copy of the "Graphic Novels and Libraries" resource guide here, which includes recommended titles, collection development tips, and lesson plans.

 

The Graphic Classroom

http://graphicclassroom.blogspot.com/

This site is actually a blog, or online journal, created and maintained by Chris Wilson, who is working on his Masters of Science Degree in Education at the College of Education at Missouri State University. The blog highlights graphic novels and comics that can be added to the classroom and/or school library, specifically all age comics that can be used in the Elementary classroom. Chris does very detailed reviews of each graphic novel, as well as content area recommendations for using these books in the classroom.

 

Kid Safe Graphic Novels for Younger Readers

http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/

This site (sponsored by Brodart) includes core lists, guidelines for selecting kid-safe graphic novels, selection criteria, new and notable titles, links to article about graphic novels in libraries, and more.

 

Scholastic Graphix Site

http://www.scholastic.com/graphix/

Graphix is Scholastic’s graphic novels imprint for young readers. This site includes a link to a teaching guide for using comics in the classroom, a message board, a blog, and activities for kids, including a site to create your own comic book by choosing a layout, selecting images, and adding text.

 

Sidekicks!

http://sidekicks.noflyingnotights.com/

A sister site to the very well known “No Flying! No Tights!” website, Sidekicks! contains reviews of graphic novels for younger readers. Created and maintained by NFNT Creator Robin Brenner, this site is a great resource for reviews of recommended titles for young children and preteen readers.

 

Secret Origin of Good Readers Resource Book

http://www.night-flight.com/secretorigin/

This 60+ page resource (free to download as a pdf file) includes lesson plans, core lists, and more. It's worth the download time. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the link to the latest download.

 

Kids Love Comics!

http://kidslovecomics.com/

Founded by Jimmy Gownley (creator of Amelia Rules!) and Harold Buchholz (creator of Apathy Kat), Kids Love Comics is a non-profit organization made up of comic creators, publishers, fans, educators and journalists, as well as those involved in the marketing, promotion, distribution, and retail of the comic book medium. The goal of this site is to provide readers with the latest news, links, and events related to kid-friendly comics!

 

 

Bibliography of Professional Books about Graphic Novels:

 

101 Best Graphic Novels

By Stephen Weiner

Publisher: NBM Publishing

ISBN: 156163283X

 

Building Literacy Connections with Graphic Novels: Page by Page, Panel by Panel

By James Bucky Carter

Publisher: National Council of Teachers of English

ISBN: 0814103928

 

Developing and Promoting Graphic Novel Collections (Teens @ the Library Series)

By Steve Miller

Publisher: Neal-Schuman

ISBN: 15557046161

 

Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with Preteens and Teens

By Michele Gorman

Publisher: Linworth

ISBN: 1586830899

 

Going Graphic: Comics at Work in the Multilingual Classroom

By Stephen Cary

Publisher: Heinemann

ISBN: 0-325-00475-7

 

Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comics, Manga, and More

By Michael Pawuk

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited

ISBN: 1-598158-132-x

 

Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A Definitive Guide

By Allyson W. Lyga and Barry Lyga

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited

ISBN: 1591581427

 

Graphic Novels Now: Building, Managing, And Marketing a Dynamic Collection

By Francisca Goldsmith

Publisher: American Library Association

ISBN: 0838909043

 

Understanding Manga and Anime

By Robin E. Brenner

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited

ISBN: 1591583322

 

 

Discussion List:

 

Listserv Name: GNLIB-L Graphic Novels in Libraries Listserv

This is an electronic, unmoderated discussion list for Librarians who want to share reviews and resources for GN

 

Recommended Graphic Novels (and series) for Kids Kindergarten - 5th Grade:

 

Akiko Pocket Books, Volumes 1-5 by Mark Crilley. Sirius Entertainment

Amelia Rules, Volumes 1-3 by Jimmy Gownley. Renaissance Press

The Baby Sitter’s Club Graphic Novel Series by Ann M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier. Scholastic/Graphix

• Volume 1: Kristy’s Great Idea
• Volume 2: The Truth About Stacey
• Volume 3: Mary Anne Saves the Day

Babymouse series by Matthew Holm and Jennifer L. Holm. Random House Children’s

• Volume 1: Our Hero
• Volume 2: Queen of the World
• Volume 3: Beach Babe
• Volume 4: Rock Star
• Volume 5: Heartbreaker
• Volume 6: Camp Baby Mouse
• Volume 7: Skater Girl

 

Bone series by Jeff Smith. Scholastic/Graphix

• Volume 1: Out From Boneville
• Volume 2: The Great Cow Race Bone
• Volume 3: Eyes of the Storm
• Volume 4: The Dragonslayer
• Volume 5: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border
• Volume 6: Old Man’s Cave
• Volume 7: Ghost Circles
• Volume 8: Treasure Hunters (available in 2008)
• Volume 9: Crown of Horns (available in 2009)

 

Comic Zone: Kid Gravity by Landry Quinn Walker and Eric Jones. Disney Books

Courageous Princess by Rod Espinoza. Dark Horse

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper. Hyperion Books.

The Hardy Boys series by Scott Lobdell and Daniel Rendon. NBM Publishing/Papercutz

Herobear and the Kid: The Inheritance by Mike Kunkel. Astonish Comics

Justice League Unlimited Volumes 1-3 by Adam Beechen, et. al. DC Comics

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table adapted by M.C Hall, illustrated by C. E. Richards. Stone Arch Books/Graphic Revolve

 

Other classic adaptations in Stone Arch’s “Graphic Revolve” line include:

 

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, adapted by M.C. Hall, illustrated by Daniel Strickland
• Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, adapted by L. L. Owens, illustrated by Jennifer Tanner
• H.G. Wells’s Time Machine adapted by Terry Davis, illustrated by Jose Alfonso, and Ocampo Ruiz
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo adapted by L. L. Owens, illustrated by Greg Rebis
• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells adapted by Terry Davis and illustrated by Dennis Calero
• Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth adapted by David Worth Miller and illustrated by Katherine McClean Brevard illustrated by Jennifer Tanner
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein adapted by Michael Burgan and illustrated by Dennis Calero
• Robin Hood adapted by Aaron Shepard and illustrated by Anne L. Watson
• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin, illustrated by Greg Rebis.

 

Korgi, Volume 1: Sprouting Wings by Christian Slade. Top Shelf Comics

Land of Sokmunster by Mike Kunkel and Randy Heuser. Astonish Comics

Leave it to Chance, Volume 1-3 by James Robinson and Paul Smith. Image Comics

Lions, Tigers and Bears, Volume 1: Fear And Pride by Mike Bullock and Jack Lawrence. Image Comics

The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck by Don Rosa. Gemstone Publishing

Little Lit, Volumes 1-3 edited by Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly. HarperCollins Children’s

Nancy Drew Graphic Novel series by Stefan Petrucha and Sho Murase. NBM Publishing/Papercutz

Owly by Andy Runton. Top Shelf Productions

• Volume 1: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer
• Volume 2: Just a Little Bit Blue
• Volume 3: Flying Lessons
• Volume 4: A Time to be Brave

Polly and the Pirates by Ted Naifeh. Oni Press

The Princess and the Frog by Will Eisner. NBM Publishing

Sardine in Outer Space, Volumes 1-4 by Joann Sfar and Emmanuel Guibert. First Second.

Scary Godmother by Jill Thompson. Sirius Entertainment

Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil, Volumes 1-4 by Jeff Smith. DC Comics.

Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures Volumes 1-14 by Haden Blackman, et al. Dark Horse Comics

Teen Titans Go!, Volumes 1-4 by J. Torres, Adam Beechen, et. al. DC Comics

Tellos Gargantua by Todd Dezago and Mike Wieringo. Image Comics*

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. NBM Publishing

WJHC on the Air! Volumes 1 and 2 by Jane Smith and Kirsten Petersen. Wilson Place Comics

Recommended Graphic Non-Fiction for Kids Kindergarten-5th Grade:

 

Alia’s Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq by Mark Alan Stamaty. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Clan Apis by Jay Hosler. Active Synapse

Drawing Comics is Easy (Except When It’s Hard) by Alexa S. Kitchen. Kitchen Sink Press

Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturm and Rich Tommaso. Hyperion Books for Children.

The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr by Nicholas Debon. Groundwood Books.

To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel by Sienna Cherson Siegel and Mark Siegel. Simon & Schuster

UFOs: The Roswell Incident by Jack DeMolay. Rosen Publishing.

 

Capstone Graphic Library:

An extended series of high-interest, nonfiction graphic novels for younger readers that cover a variety of subjects and themes including biographies, historical events, principles of science, disasters in history, and inventions and discoveries. All of the graphic novels in Capstone’s Graphic Library have a professional consultant, or expert in the particular field or topic covered in each book. Each book also contains additional back matter including more information about the book’s subject a “Read More” section with other recommended books about the subject, a glossary, a bibliography, recommended websites and an index. Additionally, each title includes developmentally appropriate educational content aligned to national curriculum standards. All titles are a part of Accelerated Reader. Find out more and read reviews online: www.capstonepress.com

 

Capstone Graphic Library: Graphic Biographies Series (select titles also available in Spanish)

Capstone Graphic Library: Graphic History Series (select titles also available in Spanish)

Capstone Graphic Library: Graphic Science Series

Capstone Graphic Library: Disasters in History Series

Capstone Graphic Library: Inventions and Discoveries Series

Recommended Manga for Kids Kindergarten-5th Grade:

 

Aria series by Kozue Amano. ADV Manga

Astro Boy Series by Osamu Tezuka. Dark Horse Comics

Beet the Vandel Buster series by Koji Inada and Riku Inada

BeyBlade series by Takao Aoki, Viz Media

Card Captor Sakura series by CLAMP. Tokyopop

Gon Series by Masashi Tanaka. DC Comics

Hikaru No Go series by Yumi Hotta. Viz media

Mail Order Ninja series by Erich Owen and Joshua Elder. Tokyopop

Kingdom Hearts series by Shiro Amano. Tokyopop

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volumes 1-7 by Hayao Miyazaki. Viz Media

New Alice in Wonderland (Color Manga) by Rod Espinosa. Antarctic Press

Peach Fuzz series by Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges. Tokyopop

Pokemon Adventures, Volumes 1-7 by Hidenori Kusaka. Viz Media

Warriors series by Erin Hunter, Dan Jolley, and James Barry. Tokyopop

Yotsuba&! series by Azuma Kiyohiko. ADV Manga

 

Manga:

What is Manga?

The literal translation of the term “manga” is “comic book” in Japanese. Generally rendered in black and white, the art in manga has a very distinct appearance that is often referred to as “manga style”.

 

Some of the more common stylistic elements of manga include simple drawings, characters with large eyes, over-exaggerated emotions, and the use of fewer words to tell the story.

 

Why are these books backwards?

One of the most come responses I receive from librarians regarding manga is a lack of understanding about the format. The biggest hurdle for most adults with manga is simply learning to read it. The most important thing to remember about traditional Japanese manga is that it is published as it was intended to be read in Japan and it reads from right to left, back to front. Using the illustration on the right, practice reading manga the way is was intended to be read: start at the top and read according to the numbers in each of the comic balloons. All manga is not set up like it is on the page, but this illustration is a good tool to begin familiarizing yourself with the format.

 

So why do kids like manga?

 

• all kinds of genres, including sports, mecca (robots), action, romance, sci-fi, nonfiction, etc.
• Action
• Fast Pace
• epiction of Daily Life
• Young Romance
• Cute & Sweet characters
• Limited Text

 

What is “manga style”?

 

• Simple, black and white drawings
• Large eyes (Eye shapes and sizes are often symbolically used to represent the character. For instance, bigger eyes will usually symbolize beauty, innocence, or purity, while smaller, more narrow eyes typically represent coldness and/or evil)
• Over-exaggerated emotions
• Use fewer words to tell the story
• Very stylistic, not a lot of text

 

Manga and Age Ratings:

One of the biggest differences between American comics and Japanese comics are that manga are rated.

 

Most manga publishers use a general rating system that looks like the following:

 

A = All Ages

Y = Youth 10+

T = Teen 13+

OT = Older Teen 16+

M = Mature 18+ (usually shrinkwrapped)

The wording or symbols may differ slightly between different publishing companies, but the general categories are the same.

 

Tokyopop has a more detailed rating system that includes content indicators so you know why a certain title received a given rating.

 

Why Wordless Graphic Novels?

• Creativity & Imagination
• Sequencing
• Making Inferences
• Interpreting Non-Verbal Gestures
• Being a Part of the Story
• Ownership

 

Recommended Worldess Graphic Novels for Younger Readers:

The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller

The Boy, the Bear, the Baron, the Bard by Gregory Rogers

Kapow by George O’Connor

Korgi: Sprouting Wings by Christian Slade

Lucky Leaf by Kevin O’Malley

Owly: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton

Owly: Just a Little Blue by Andy Runton

Owly: Flying Lessons by Andy Runton

Polo: The Runaway Book by Regis Faller

Robot Dream by Sara Varon

Traction Man is Here by Mini Grey

 

Glossary:

 

Anime (awn-ee-may)

The Japanese term for animation. The word anime is derived from the French word animé, which means animated or lively.

 

Cartoon

This term is most often used to refer to animated television shows in North America. It can also be used to refer to a (usually humorous) drawing in a newspaper or magazine that is intended to symbolize, satirize, or characterize a person, place, or event (i.e. a political cartoon)

 

Comic

In this workshop the term “comic” is used as a “catch all” phrase for all books created in a comic format.

 

Comic Book

A traditional, staple bound, serialized pamphlet or periodical that tells a story using sequential art.

 

Comic Strip

Varying from one to several panels, this is the comic format that appears in newspapers and magazines. Most comic strips do not have continuing story lines.

 

Graphic Novel

Term coined by artist/writer Will Eisner in 1978. A graphic novel is a book-length story that is written and illustrated in comic book style. It can be an original, self-contained story or it can be a collection of previously published comic books that together tell one story. It can also be an original publication that features traditional comic book characters.

 

Manga (mawn-gah)

Japanese comics in print form that read back to front, right to left.

 

“Manga Style”

A term used to describe graphic novels created outside of Japan that utilize a manga style and format, including traditional manga trim size, black and white art, and stylistic elements common to manga that include simple drawings, characters with large eyes, over-exaggerated emotions, the use of fewer words to tell the story, and the use of symbols to convey emotions.

 

Manhwa (man-wah)

Korean comics in print form that are similar to manga, but read front to back, left to right.

 

Neo-manga

Another name for graphic novels originally written in English that are created in a manga-style format. Neo-manga reads left to right, front to back, like traditional books written in the English language. See also OEL manga

 

OEL manga

Original English Language manga. This term was coined by Tokyopop to differentiate American/English graphic novels created in a manga style format from traditional, Japanese manga. OEL manga reads left to right, front to back, like traditional books written in the English language. See also Neo-manga.

 

Shojo (show-joe)

A Japanese term used to describe manga or anime primarily aimed at a young female audience. These books are typically written by women and usually tend to be more character based. Also spelled Shoujo.

 

Shonen (show-nen)

A Japanese term used to describe manga or anime for boys. These books usually feature strong action-themed stories with male protagonists.

 

Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with Teens

 

Monday, August 27, 2007

12: 15 pm - 3:15 pm

Sponsored by Loudoun County Public Schools (VA)

Presenter: Michele Gorman

www.comixlibrarian.com

 

"The presence of comics in a junior high school library resulted in a dramatic 82% increase in library traffic and a 30% increase in circulation of non-comic books.“

“Spider Man at the Library” by Larry Dorrell and Ed Carroll

School Library Journal, v27 n10 p17-19 Aug 1981

 

Why do graphic novels belong in high school libraries?

 

They contribute to visual literacy, offer an opportunity for escapism, and often address important themes.

 

Visual Literacy

The ability to interpret, use, appreciate, and create images and video using both conventional and 21st century media in ways that advance thinking, decision making, communication, and learning. Graphic Novels help visual learners/readers connect with books.

Escapism

Young people today are growing up in a tough world. Who wouldn’t dream of being a hero or of having some sort of supernatural power?

 

GNs also address themes important to teens, including:

• Acceptance
• Nonconformity
• Personal growth
• Social injustice
• Coming of age
• Prejudice
• Triumph over adversity

 

Need more reasons?

 

Graphic novels often:

 

• Help visual learners connect with comic books
• Spark interest in reluctant or unmotivated readers
• Help students develop strong language arts skills like reading comprehension and language development (vocabulary), and complex reading skills like making inferences, visual interpretation, and sequencing.
• Include literary devices, such as:

Allusion: league of extraordinary gentlemen (Mina Murray from Dracula; Dr, Jeyyll & Mr. Hyde)

Flashback & Foreshadowing: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Allegory: Maus

• Provide teens with a common reading experience
• Stimulate readers to pick up other books in the library
• Help readers expand their vocabulary
• Engage ESL Students and give them opportunities for successful reading experiences

 

Online and Print Resources for Collecting and Managing Graphic Novels (GNs) in Your Library:

 

Print Review Resources:

 

Booklist and Book Links

Graphic novels have been reviewed in Booklist since the early 1990s (check in the “Arts” section of the reviews. The February 2002 issue of Booklist spotlighted graphic novels, including a large number of reviews, multiple core lists, a bibliography of literary graphic novels, and several articles about the role of graphic novels in libraries today. Book Links, the sister journal to Booklist, also contains occasional reviews and articles about graphic novels.

www.ala.org/booklist; www.ala.org/booklinks

 

Knowledge Quest

Librarian Philip Crawford’s column “Thought Bubbles”, which explores and evaluates the world of graphic novels for K-12 school librarians and educators, appears five times a year (the first of which appeared in Volume 31/Number 2 - November/December 2002.) in Knowledge Quest, a publication of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Crawford’s column is also available online at http://www.ala.org/aasl/kqweb/index.html.

 

Library Journal

Librarian Stephen Weiner, author of 101 Best Graphic Novels, reviewed graphic novels for Library Journal from 1997 to 2002. In September 2002, Librarian Steve Raiteri began a bi-monthly column simply titled “Graphic Novels.” Each column includes an introductory paragraph about a topic related to graphic novels and approximately fifteen reviews.

http://www.libraryjournal.com/

 

Library Media Connection

Michele Gorman’s “Getting Graphic” column will begin appearing in every issue of this magazine beginning in October 2007. This professional magazine is primarily for school library media and technology specialists it is the merger of two publications previously published by Linworth, The Book Report and Library Talk. This new expanded version is an integrated information source for print and multimedia, and reviews.

http://www.linworth.com/lmc/

 

Publishers Weekly

This site features a quarterly column entitled "Comics," which provides commentary, new release information, and basic reviews of new publications in the comic book world.

http://www.publishersweekly.com

 

School Library Journal

Although School Library Journal has sporadically reviewed graphic novels over the years, “Graphic Novels Roundup," a column written by Stephen Weiner, began appearing quarterly in 2003. Each column includes a thematic bibliography, news about graphic novels and the publishing industry, and a brief cartoonist profile.

http://www.slj.com/

 

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

Librarian Katharine Kan’s column “Graphically Speaking” appears in VOYA in every bimonthly issue (published on the even-numbered months) beginning in October 2002. From 1995 to October 2002, Kan’s column appeared in the February, June, and October issues of VOYA. Additionally, several earlier columns were also published in 1994. Available online in PDF format at http://www.voya.com.

 

Online Review Resources:

 

No Flying! No Tights! A Website Reviewing Graphic Novels for Teens

http://www.noflyingnotights.com

This site is exactly what it says in its title: reviews of graphic novels for teens. Created and maintained by librarian Robin Brenner, this site provides brief, informative, and entertaining reviews of GNs that are classified by genre as well as age-appropriateness.

 

Sidekicks!

http://sidekicks.noflyingnotights.com/

A sister site to No Flying! No Tights!, Sidekicks! contains reviews of graphic novels for younger readers. Also created and maintained by Robin Brenner, this site is a great resource for those of you who happen to be looking for recommended titles for young children and preteen readers.

 

Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries

http://my.voyager.net/%7Esraiteri/graphicnovels.htm

Created by Steve Raiteri, librarian at the Greene County Public Library in Xenia, Ohio, this site provides good coverage of graphics novels and comics in general. The lists are divided into such categories as superheroes, science fiction and fantasy, comedy, and manga. There is also an opening collection section and links to other comics and graphic novel sites.

 

Diamond Comics

http://www.diamondcomics.com

The URL above will take you to the home page for Diamond Comics. Click on the “librarians” link – this will take you to the section created specifically for librarians where you can find an archive of reviews written Kat Kan (reviewer for VOYA.)

 

Brodart Graphic Novels

http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/

Entitled “Kid Safe Graphic Novels for Your Readers”, this site lists award-winning GNs, new and noteworthy titles, articles of interest to librarian’s in the process of adding GNs to their library’s collection, and core lists of recommended titles.

 

Bibliography:

 

101 Best Graphic Novels

By Stephen Weiner

Publisher: NBM Publishing

ISBN: 156163283X

 

The Anime Companion: What's Japanese in Japanese Animation

By Gilles Poitras

Publisher: Stone Bridge Press

ISBN: 1880656329

 

The Anime Companion 2: More What's Japanese in Japanese Animation?

By Gilles Poitras

Publisher: Stone Bridge Press

ISBN: 1880656965

 

The Anime Encyclopedia, Revised and Expanded Edition

By Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy

Publisher: Stone Bridge Press

ISBN: 1933330104

 

Building Literacy Connections with Graphic Novels: Page by Page, Panel by Panel

By James Bucky Carter

Publisher: National Council of Teachers of English

ISBN: 0814103928

 

Developing and Promoting Graphic Novel Collections (Teens @ the Library Series)

By Steve Miller

Publisher: Neal-Schuman

ISBN: 15557046161

 

Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with Preteens and Teens

By Michele Gorman

Publisher: Linworth, 2003

ISBN: 1586830899

 

Going Graphic: Comics at Work in the Multilingual Classroom

By Stephen Cary

Publisher: Heinemann

ISBN: 0-325-00475-7

 

Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comics, Manga, and More

By Michael Pawuk

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited

ISBN: 1-598158-132-x

 

Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A Definitive Guide

By Allyson W. Lyga and Barry Lyga

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited

ISBN: 1591581427

 

Graphic Novels Now: Building, Managing, And Marketing a Dynamic Collection

By Francisca Goldsmith

Publisher: American Library Association

ISBN: 0838909043

 

Manga for Dummies

By Kensuke Okabayashi

Publisher: Wiley

ISBN: 0-470-08025-6

 

Understanding Comics

By Scott McCloud

Publisher: Perennial

ISBN: 006097625X

 

Understanding Manga and Anime

By Robin E. Brenner

Publisher: Libraries Unlimited

ISBN: 1591583322

 

Webliography - Informational Sites on the Web:

Comic Books for Young Adults

http://ublib.buffalo.edu/lml/comics/pages/

Created and maintained by Michael R. Lavin, Associate Librarian at the Lockwood Memorial Library at the State University of New York at Buffalo, this site is filled with information about graphic novels and their place in libraries. It includes recommended lists of graphic novels for all ages, teens, girls, and more mature readers.

 

BWI Title Tales

http://www.bwibooks.com

Vendor BWI (sister company to Follett) has done a really great job of putting together a GN bibliography. Once you join Title Tales (it’s free and it’s easy) you can access more than 7500 titles. You can check prices on all titles, and you can also read full text reviews and view scanned covers for a large number of titles. It’s worth it to join just to browse through their titles if you cannot get to a comic bookstore to see the actual graphic novels.

 

The Librarian’s Guide to Anime and Manga

http://www.koyagi.com/Libguide.html

This site was created and is maintained by librarian Gilles Poitras, author of the books The Anime Companion, The Anime Companion 2, and Anime Essentials. Here you can find an introduction to anime and manga (Japanese animation and drawn sequential art), discussions of issues related to these topics, and lists of recommended titles, Internet sites, and books about anime and manga.

 

ICv2

www.icv2.com

ICv2 is the top source for information on the business of pop culture products in categories that include anime, manga, graphic novels and comic books.

 

Blogs:

 

“The Beat”

http://pwbeat.publishersweekly.com/blog/

Sponsored by Publisher’s Weekly, this comics blog by Heidi McDonald hails itself as the “news blog of comic culture. ” It has great, up-to-date information about new GNs and the comic industry as a whole.

“Yet Another Comics Blog”

http://yetanothercomicsblog.blogspot.com/

A comics blog by Librarian David Carter, who resides in Ann Arbor, MI. David rates all comics on a scale of 1 to 5 and he also has a plethora of links to others comics blog, both those that are related to libraries and those that are not.

“Manga Blog”

http://www.mangablog.net/

The author of this site, Brigid Alverson, is a freelance writer and editor. She does a good job of keeping track of new titles, manga trends, and links to other blogs and resources about manga.

 

Comic Books and Graphic Novels: Past and Present:

1902

Comics are introduced and become popular.

1938

Superman shows up (Action Comics) and comics become more popular.

 

Late 1940s

Anti-comic sentiment begins to rise in the form of:

• inflammatory articles in magazines & newspapers
• community boycotts
• occasional book burnings

 

1953

Comic sales reach an all time high, with 80% of kids reading them.

 

1954

Book called “Seduction of the Innocent” published. Book claims comics:

• Caused youth corruption and juvenile delinquency
• Promoted illiteracy
• Incited youth to violence

Adults gets upset, threaten publishers, and publishers begin to self-regulate with Comics Code Authority; Comic books are no more fun when overly regulated, and the bottom falls out out of the comics industry.

 

Late 1950s

Dawn of the silver age of comics

rebirth of the superhero genre

Superheroes with real problems are born. Epitomized by Spider-Man

 

1960s

Underground comics on the rise (Zap by R. Crumb)

 

1978

Will Eisner publishes the modern graphic novel - A Contact with God; term is given proverbial birth – changes comic history

 

1986

Art Spiegelman’s Maus: A Survivor’s Tale is published

 

Late 1980s/early 1990s

Comic publishing industry begins to publish non-superhero graphic novels that are considred more “artistic” and literary (sandman series by Neil Gaiman)

 

1992

Maus wins special Pulitzer Prize for Lit. – changes history again b/c now the format is “legitimate” – begins showing up on school reading lists

 

Late 1990s

Japanese animation starts rising is popularity – with Pokemon craze.

 

2000 – 2002

• Librarians start paying attention to graphic novels, begin looking for information, but there’s not much out there.
• 180 Librarians attend ALA Pre-Conference focusing on graphic novels; biggest pre-conference in the history of YALSA

2003-2005

Librarians are buying them, asking for more;

vendors starting to carry more titles + standing order programs

Vendor GN Guides and websites (BWI; Brodart, Ingram)

Publishers’ more in touch with what we want and need as librarians, for example – Dark Horse created a site JUST for librarians.

YALSA GN Task Force – working to create an annual list of the year’s best GNs for teens

2006-2007

comic publishers begin active marketing to librarians

more diversity in material (issue driven GNs, comics for girls)

Mainsteam publishers merge with traditional comic publishing imprints (Harper Collins: Tokyopop)

Most mainstream publishers create GN imprints (Roaring Brook Press: First Second; Scholastic: Graphix)

manga becomes more widely available and accepted

selection list sanctioned by YALSA (Great Graphic Novels for Teens)

Traditional GN award (Eisner Award) include librarians on selection panels

GN begin to win non GN awards for literary merit (American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang wins 2007 Printz award; To Dance selected as 2007 Sifert honor book for nonfiction)

 

Manga

Manga (MAHN-gah ) are Japanese comic books. The art in Manga has a very definite look to it and is often referred to as “Manga Style.” Like graphic novels, manga is a format, not a genre.

Learning how to read manga correctly is the first step towards understanding and appreciating it.

 

Manga Symbols:

• Sweat drops, usually drawn largely on the head region, commonly indicate bewilderment, nervousness and mental weariness. On a sidenote, actual physical perspiration in manga is signified by even distribution of sweat drops over the body
• A round swelling, sometimes drawn to the size of baseballs, is a visual exaggeration of swelling from injury
• A character suffering from a profuse nosebleed indicates sexual excitation when it follows exposure to stimulating imageries or seduction
• Throbbing veins, usually depicted as a cruciform in the upper head region, indicate anger or irritation
• Hatchings on the cheek represent blushing, while oval "blush dots" on the cheeks represent rosy cheeks, usually used when embarrassed
• Tear drops everywhere indicate intense joy or sadness
• An ellipsis appearing over a character's head indicates an awkward and speechless moment
• Parallel vertical lines with dark shading over the head or under the eye may represent mortification or horror. If the lines are wavy, it may represent disgust
• A wavy ghost coming out of the mouth is often a comical representation of depression or mortification
• Cherry blossoms indicate a sweet or beautiful moment
• A fang peeking from the corner of the mouth indicates mischief or feistiness.

 

Manga and Age Ratings:

One of the biggest differences between American comics and Japanese comics are that manga are rated.

 

Most manga publishers use a general rating system that looks like the following:

 

A = All Ages

Y = Youth 10+

T = Teen 13+

OT = Older Teen 16+

M = Mature 18+ (usually shrinkwrapped)

The wording or symbols may differ slightly between different publishing companies, but the general categories are the same.

 

Tokyopop has a more detailed rating system that includes content indicators so you know why a certain title received a given rating.

 

So why do teens like manga?

 

Manga:

• Is fast paced and often emotionally driven
• Focuses on character development
• Offers something for everyone (robots, love stories, sports, humor, history, gambling, boarding school, etc.)
• Provides Americans with a glimpse inside an exotic culture
• Captures daily life/little moments

 

Manga does not:

• Focus on the superhero genre
• Always offer readers a happy ending (characters die, lose, fail)

 

Graphic Novels and Challenges:

When it comes to GNs and challenges – proactive will ALWAYS be better than reactive in fighting the battle!

• Know your stuff, be prepared to defend the format
• Post quotations from leaders in the field along with positive reviews in a noticeable place next to the GN display. This may head off a challenge before it even happens.