Graphic Novel Resources

Here at Children's Literature we see so many new graphic novels coming in for review—our shelves are overflowing with them! We want to know how you use graphic novels in your classroom, library, and at home. The resources below are helpful tools for getting the most out of graphic novels for children and teens. Don't forget that you can use the CLCD database to search for thousands of graphic novel reviews, curriculum tools, plus awards and best book lists. For a free trial go to http://clcd.odyssi.com/admin/form.pl

Recommended Resources:

Cooperative Children's Book Center
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/graphicnovels.asp

SUNY Buffalo
http://library.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl/guides/graphicnovels/

The Comic Book Project
http://www.comicbookproject.org/

Good Comics for Kids - School Library Journal
http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/goodcomicsforkids

Teaching Comics
http://www.teachingcomics.org/

Graphic Novel Reporter
http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/

Get Graphic
http://www.getgraphic.org/teachers.php

No Flying No Tights
http://noflyingnotights.com

Articles:

"Can the X-Men Make You Smarter?" by Drego Little, a graduate student in the Language, Literacy, and Culture program at the University of Washington in Seattle
http://www.parents-choice.org/article.cfm?art_id=140&the_page=reading_list

"Using Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom" by The Council Chronicle, NCTE
http://www.ncte.org/magazine/archives/122031

"Graphic Novels for Kids Make Comic Books Accessible to All" by GeekDad blog at Wired Magazine
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/03/graphic-novels-for-kids-make-comic-books-accessible-to-all/

Best Book Lists:
Great Graphic Novels for Teens - American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/gn.cfm

Selected Book Reviews:

The Readers' Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels
Francisca Goldsmith
     The American Library Association (ALA) adds another excellent and, in this case, much-needed volume to its readers' advisory library with this succinct guide by transplanted (to Nova Scotia) California librarian and graphic novel expert Goldsmith. After dispelling the two main myths that ghettoize graphic novels--they are just for adolescents and they are far less complex than texts without pictures--Goldsmith emphasizes that Graphic Novels (GNs) are a format and not a genre. She suggests active and passive ways to offer readers’ advisory (RA) from face-to-face encounters with patrons to book displays and book groups and offers guidance on helping established GN readers to find new titles they might enjoy. Goldsmith includes lists of "crossover" titles by genre to urge readers' advisors to include the format of GNs when offering RA; and since graphic novels share characteristics with visual media, she includes instruction on advising movie lovers or gamers on graphic format literature they might find to their tastes. There are two separate annotated lists of "books to know." The first is broken down into the usual-suspect genres plus some less expected: science, religion, and health and wellness. The second list includes categories such as adaptations, instruction, and even wordless narratives. For the experienced RA professional, there are lists of print and online resources to offer further assistance. Although for the completely uninitiated professional seeking a foot in the door, the after matter includes a ten-step "short course" with specific title suggestions and pointed questions followed by an abbreviated glossary of manga terms. All in all it is a valuable and quite readable resource that belongs in every library's professional collection. 2009, ALA Editions, 126p.; Glossary. Index. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Appendix., $45.00 pb. Ages adult professional. Reviewer: Timothy Capehart (VOYA, February 2010 (Vol. 32, No. 6)).
ISBN: 9780838910085

Graphic Novels Beyond the Basics: Insights and Issues for Libraries
Martha Cornog and Timothy Perper
     This collection of essays is geared toward the librarian who already knows that graphic novels are a critical part of a library collection. Practical concepts covered include issues with selection and acquisitions, cataloging and processing, and housing the materials, as well as information about censorship and dealing with related problems in a library, which supplements the historical and sociological context in the book. Title lists are featured throughout to aid in the development of collections and displays. Programming suggestions are offered as well. Contributors to this book include librarians, scholars, and publishers, giving the reader a well-rounded perspective from trustworthy sources. The tone is encouraging and empowering, and the information and advice is practical. This title would be an asset to any public library professional collection. Content is useful to library media specialists, academic librarians, and teachers and should be considered by those teaching in library science and media programs at the graduate level. It will serve as a reference resource to those developing a core collection, planning programs around graphic novels, academic libraries considering adding or expanding a graphic novel collection, and those writing policies or dealing with challenges of the format. 2009, Libraries Unlimited, 325p.; Index. Biblio. Appendix., $45.00 pb. Ages adult professional. Reviewer: Molly Krichten (VOYA, February 2010 (Vol. 32, No. 6)).
ISBN: 9781591584780

The Librarian's Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens
David S. Serchay
     Confused about all the graphic novels out there? Wondering which ones are appropriate for young audiences? Asking yourself why graphic novels should be included in your library at all? Youth services librarian and comic book fan David S. Serchay answers all these questions and more in 10 easy-to-follow, yet content-rich chapters. Tracing the history of comic books back to cave paintings and hieroglyphics, Serchay takes readers on a ride that explores how comic books are made, the diverse genres covered by graphic novels and the enormous appeal of Asian manga and other graphic novels from different countries. Newcomers to the world of comic books will be amazed to learn how effective graphic novels can be in teaching English, developing visual literacy and helping reluctant and enthusiastic readers improve their vocabulary. Those wondering which graphic novels to select for their libraries will be happy to know that the book provides three appendixes with lists of recommended graphic novels, further reading and online resources. Practical issues, including the best way to purchase, preserve, and promote graphic novels for libraries, are also covered. And while graphic novels currently enjoy greater respect from librarians, Serchay is aware that prejudices still exist, and devotes an entire chapter to strategies for dealing with potential problems. Given the many misconceptions surrounding graphic novels today, Serchay’s book is an essential primer for any parents, teachers or librarians who would like to expand their own horizons and those of their children, students and patrons. 2008, Neal-Schuman Publishers Inc, $55.00. Ages 17 up. Reviewer: Michael Jung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781555706265


Emily Griffin
CLCD