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GRAPHIC NOVELS A Novel Approach: Using Graphic Novels to Attract Reluctant Readers

Adding graphic novels to a school’s schools pretend does not exist and a the areas of comprehension and library collection is an effective way kind of reading that many children, motivation as traditional skills” to foster students’ love of reading. for economic or ideological reasons, do. (p. 6). Schools that have Over the past few years I have are deprived of. I suspect that light implemented SSR report an increase conducted a variety of workshops on reading is the way that nearly all of in academic achievement and graphic novels and worked closely us learned to read (pp. 47–48). students who developed a love for with a handful of school librarians in reading. When programs like SSR are Young people enjoy reading a wide San Francisco, helping them develop combined with a strong school library range of materials, including collections of graphic novels. Student media program, students obtain the periodicals, series fiction, and comic response to these materials has been requisite materials, encouragement, books—materials some librarians overwhelmingly positive as Kay and environment to help them have shunned. The prevailing Hones, a librarian at John O’Connell develop lifelong reading habits. opinion that comic books hinder High School attests, “My students literacy development is questionable. Recommended Titles love graphic novels. I display them Research shows that comic books This list is designed for school near the periodicals and new books, are linguistically appropriate reading librarians adding graphic novels to grouping them with and material, bearing no negative impact their collection, as well as teachers drawing books, forming a magnet on school achievement or language seeking high-interest materials for area for reluctant readers.” acquisition (Krashen, 1993). Comic their classroom libraries. Grade Graphic novels can also help books and graphic novels are level suggestions have been provided improve language and literacy typically written at a fourth to sixth to help librarians locate age development, including second grade reading level, comparable to appropriate materials. “All-ages” language learners; the illustrations Time magazine, young adult novels, titles are appropriate for grades 3 provide valuable contextual clues to and many adult best sellers. Graphic through 12 and offer younger the meaning of the written novels strongly appeal to teens and readers stories that are free of narrative. Elaine Moskowitz, a are an invaluable tool for motivating excessive violence, profanity, and librarian and literacy specialist at reluctant readers. Betsy Levine, the adult situations. Materials for high James Denman Middle School says, Teen Services Librarian at San school students that contain mature subject matter are indicated with an “Graphic novels have generated a Francisco Public Library says, “The asterisk and should be previewed whole new energy in my patrons. I most requested book for teens (both prior to circulation. have been especially impressed with male and female patrons) is the their popularity among our students , Ranma 1/2.” Humor with limited English proficiency.” Developing Language and Fujishima, Kosuke. Oh My Goddess!: The Fourth Goddess. Motivating Reluctant Readers Literacy Skills Providing students with diverse Translated by Dana Lewis and Toren Addressing literacy has become a Smith. , 2001. No priority in schools; high-interest reading materials promotes their transition into lifelong readers. Jeff pagination. $18.95 trade pbk. reading materials such as graphic 1569715513. novels can play an important factor McQuillan, in “The Literacy Crisis,” Keiichi Morisato befriends three in addressing this issue. In The describes the steps needed for this goddesses as they embark on a Power of Reading (Libraries transition: series of screwball adventures. Unlimited, 1993), Stephen Krashen “…providing a rich supply of Grade 8 & Up discusses the importance of popular reading matter to children of all fiction for young readers: Groening, Matt. Simpsons Comics ages, as well as a place and time Royale. By Matt Groening et al. Perhaps the to read, is the first step to bridging HarperCollins, 2001. 159 pp. $14.95 most powerful the gap between poor and good trade pbk. 006093378X. readers.” (p. 86) way of Based on the popular TV show, this encouraging Programs like “Sustained Silent short story collection focuses on the children to Reading” (SSR) help to create a humorous adventures of Bart, Lisa, read is by schoolwide environment where & Homer. Grade 3 & Up exposing them students can engage in free reading Hartman, Rachel. Amy to light during the school day. In The SSR Unbounded: Belondweg reading, a Handbook (2000), Janice Pilgreen Blossoming. Pug House Press, 2002. kind of finds that SSR provides “the same 208 pp. $16.95 trade pbk. reading that or better benefits for students in By Philip Crawford 0971790000.

26 LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2004 Of special interest to grades... K-5 6-8 9-12 and Promote Literacy

Set during the Middle Ages, this Dixon, Charles coming-of-age story focuses on a and Scott Beatty. summer in the life of 14-year-old Robin: Year One. Robbins, Trina and Anne Amy of Eddybrook Lodge. Grade New York: DC Comics, 2002. 200 pp. Timmons. Go Girl. Dark Horse 6 & Up $14.95 trade pbk. 1563898055. Comics, 2002. 136 pp. $15.95 Smith, Jeff. Bone, Volume 1: Out The earliest days of Robin’s crime trade pbk. 1569717982. fighting career are explored as he from Boneville. Cartoon Books, Lindsay’s life changes dramatically 1995. 142 pp. $12.95 trade pbk. seeks to solve a series of bizarre crimes. Grade 5 & Up when she discovers she has the 0963660993. ability to fly & becomes the Humor and adventure are combined Jemas, Bill and Joe Quesada. , Go-Girl. Grade 5 & Up in this epic about Fone Origin: The True Story of Bone and his cousins as they face . Marvel Books, 2002. 160 Smith, Kevin and . strange and fantastic creatures. pp. $14.99 trade pbk. 078510965X. Green : . DC Comics, 2002. 232 pp. $17.95 trade pbk. Grade 3 & Up Logan’s childhood and early 1563899655 Takahashi, Rumiko. Ranma 1/2, adulthood are explored in an origin Presumed long dead, Oliver Queen Volume 1. Viz Communications, story that reveals the events that 1993. 300 pp. $16.95 trade pbk. transformed him into Wolverine. reappears after ten years of absence 092927993X. Grade 7 & Up in a story that explores ’s history and origin. When teenage Ranma Saotome Loeb, Jeph and Tim Sale. Grade 9 & Up comes into contact with water, he Daredevil Legends, Volume 1: transforms into a girl. Martial arts Daredevil: Yellow. and hijinx blend in this madcap Marvel Books, gender-bending comedy. Note: 2002. 144 pp. Research shows that comic books are Contains brief nudity. $14.99 trade pbk. linguistically appropriate reading material, Grade 8 & Up 0785109692. “ Torres, J. Alison Dare, Little Miss Daredevil’s father bearing no negative impact on school Adventures. , 2002. 104 and girlfriend, achievement or language acquisition. pp. $8.95 trade pbk. 1929998201. Karen Page, figure The St. Joan of Arc Academy for prominently in a ” Girls provides the setting for the story about the adventures of Alison and her best earliest days of his career. Young Adult/Contemporary friends, Wendy and Dot. The trio Grade 6 & Up Fiction *Clowes, Daniel. Ghost World. encounter genies, bank robbers, Morrision, Grant and Books, 1998. 80 pp. and an evil baron. Grade 3 & Up Quitely. X-Men: E is for Extinction. $9.95 . Marvel Books, 2001. 144 pp. $12.95 Superheroes 1560974273. Brubaker, Ed and . trade pbk. 0785108114. Set during the last summer of their : The Dark End of the The X-Men must stop Cassandra Street. DC Comics, 2002. 136 pp. Nova as she attempts to create a adolescence, this coming-of-age $12.95 trade pbk. 1563899086. new world completely devoid of story focuses on the strained, but homo sapiens. Grade 8 & Up tender relationship between two Selina Kyle returns to her young women, Enid and Rebecca. childhood home and becomes a Morrison, Grant and Jae Lee. Note: Contains adult subject matter. defender for Gotham City’s lost and 1234. Marvel Books, Mature Readers/Grade 10 & Up discarded citizens. Grade 7 & Up 2002. 96 pp. $9.95 trade pbk. *Moore, Terry. Stranger in Dini, Paul and . Wonder 0785110402. Paradise: High School! Abstract Woman: The Spirit of Truth. DC Romantic tensions between the Studio, Inc., 1998. 80 pp. $8.95 Comics, 2001. 64 pp. $9.95 trade Sub-mariner and the Invisible trade pbk. 1892597071. pbk. 1563898616. Woman and Reed Richard’s embarks on a compulsive nature are explored This humorous story explores how journey of self-discovery to seek the in a story that focuses on the inner Francine and Katchoo became best true meaning of heroism. This story lives of the Fantastic Four. friends in high school. Mature explores society’s perceptions of Grade 9 & Up Readers/Grade 10 & Up heroism, power and politics. Grade 4 & Up

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2004 27 Soryo, Fuyumi. Mars #1. 2000. 187 pp. $14.95 trade pbk. *Otomo, Katsuhiro. . , 2002. 192 pp. $9.99 0805064036. Translated by Yoko Umezawa, Linda trade pbk. 1591821320. Winick’s story is a loving and M. York, and Jo Duffy. Dark Horse Romance develops between Kira, a poignant homage to the memory of Comics, 2000. 359 pp. $19.95 trade shy art student and Rei, a rebellious his MTV's Real World housemate pbk. 1569714983 motorcycle racer. Grade 7 & Up and friend, Pedro Zamora, who died Set in a violent, post-apocalyptic Neo- Tokyo, two boys, Tetsuo and Kaneda of AIDS. Grade 8 & Up Torres, J. and . develop an enduring friendship. Note: Sidekicks: The Transfer Student. Horror/Supernatural Fiction Contains graphic violence. Mature *Gaiman, Neil and Dave McKean. Oni Press, 2002. 96 pp. $8.95 trade Readers/Grade 9 & Up pbk. 1929998406. The Tragical Comedy or Comical When Terry Highland transfers Tragedy of Mr. Punch: A Romance. Moore, Alan and J.H. Williams. to Shuster Academy, a school for DC Comics, 1995. 96 pp. $17.95 Promethea. DC Comics, 2000. 176 superhero sidekicks, she is trade pbk. 1563892464. pp. $14.95 trade pbk. 563896672. unaware that the school’s focus After visiting a show, Sophie Bangs’s life changes forever is on academics and students are a young boy’s memories of family when the subject of her research forbidden to use their superpowers. violence and abuse begin to surface. project, the mythological Promethea, Grade 6 & Up Mature Readers/Grade 10 & Up literally, comes to life. Note: Contains mature subject matter. Naifeh, Ted. Courtney Crumrin Van Meter, Jan. Hopeless Mature Readers/Grade 10 & Up Savages. Oni Press, 2002. 128 pp. and the Night Things. Oni Press, $13.95 trade pbk. 1929998244. 2002. Tezuka, Osamu. , Vol. 1. Translated by Frederik L. Schodt. Teenage Rat Hopeless takes a Courtney hates her new home and school until she discovers her great Dark Horse Comics, 2002. 222 pp. normal 9-to-5 job as a means to $9.95 trade pbk. 1569716765. rebel against his unconventional uncle’s secret world of goblins, punk rock parents. Grade 8 & Up ghost, and ghouls. Grade 3 & Up In this charming tale, Dr. Teznma creates a robot, Astro Boy, to serve *Rieber, John Ney, et al. The *Watson, Andi. Dumped. Oni as a substitute for his late son. Books of Magic: Reckonings. Press, 2002. 56 pp. $5.95 trade pbk. Grade 3 & Up 1929998414. DC Comics, 1997. 110 pp. $12.95 trade. 1563893215. Russell, P. Craig. The Ring of Set against a backdrop of vintage Timothy Hunter is a lonely, Nibelung, Vol. 1: The Rhinegold and Mary Quant dresses and old Jackie awkward teenager who embarks on The . Dark Horse Comics, Collins novels, a vintage clothing a journey to become the world’s 2002. store owner, Deb, falls in love with greatest magician. Mature This beautifully illustrated Binny, a collector of rare books. Readers/Grade 9 & Up adaptation provides an excellent Mature Readers/Grade 10 & Up introduction to Richard Wagner’s and Fantasy “Ring Cycle” opera. Grade 8 & Up Social Issues Doran, Colleen. A Distant Soil, Kubert, Joe. Fax from Sarajevo. Volume 1. , 1997. WORKS CITED Dark Horse Comics, 1998. 224 pp. Unpaged. $19.95 trade pbk. Krashen, Stephen. The Power of $16.95 trade pbk. 1569713464 1887279512. Reading. Englewood: Libraries Unlimited, Inc. 1993. As Ervin tries to escape war-torn Psionic are a curse and a Sarajevo, his only means of blessing for 15 year-old Liana as she McQuillan, Jeff. The Literacy Crisis: communication is a fax machine. attempts to escape a government False Claims, Real Solutions. Kubert reconstructs these fax facility and the scientists who want Portsmouth: Heinemann, 1998. messages to tell a compelling war to use her for their own Pilgreen, Janice L. The SSR handbook: story. Grade 8 & Up experiments. Grade 7 & Up How to Organize and Manage a Talbot, Brian. The Tale of One Sustained Silent Reading Program. Miller, Frank and . Portsmouth: Heinemann, 2000. Bad Rat. Dark Horse, 1995. 124 pp. Martha Washington Saves the $14.95 trade pbk. 1569710775. World. Dark Horse Comics, 1999. Philip Charles Crawford is the Library Director A teenage runaway, Helen Potter, is Unpaged. $12.95 trade pbk. at Essex Junction High School (Vermont) and can haunted by memories of sexual 1569713847. be reached at [email protected]. abuse as she travels the English One of the few graphic novels to countryside in search of feature an African-American redemption. Grade 8 & Up protagonist, Martha Washington Winick, Judd. Pedro and Me: travels into space to save the Earth Friendship, Loss, and What I from Venus, a global computer Learned. Henry Holt & Company, intelligence. Grade 6 & Up

28 LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2004 Of special interest to grades... K-5 6-8 9-12 HANDS on HANDOUT By Mary Northrup Look It Up

Circle each source of information from the list below. When you are finished, the words that are left will spell out a message.

RUSE A LMAN A C Y almanac directory Internet atlas encyclopedia magazine AETTHE A S E TR R book gazetteer manual dictionary index thesaurus

THES AURUS AMO ______LONTF I KNN AD T ______ASROTXMOG AE C ______. SFEAEE IAOCME

TSTDOTZRA BNR

SWNE C I R A A QU I

EIIINSTIGOND E N C Y C L O P E D I A

E I I I N S T I G O N D N O G I T S N I I I E

I R A A Q U I U Q A A R I

AIDEPOL CY CNE C E N SW

T S T D O T Z R A B N R N B A R Z T O D T S T

S F E A E E I A O C M E M C O A I E E A E F S

A S R O T X M O G A E C E A G O M X T O R S A

L O N T F I K N N A D T D A N N K I F T N O L

T H E S A U R U S A M O M A S U R U A S E H T

A E T T H E A S E T R R R T E S A E H T T E A R U S E A L M A N A C Y C A N A M L A E S U R

Editor’s Note: Each issue we will feature reproducible items that are designed for you to share with your school community. It might be a lesson plan, a worksheet, or game. Each carries Mary Northrup is a Reference Librarian at Maple Woods permission for you to reproduce the material within the building in which you work. Community College in Kansas City, Missouri.

Of special interest to grades... K-5 6-8 LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION FEBRUARY 2004 29