All About Graphic Novels for Teens Full Text All About Graphic Novels for Teens by Lindsey Dunn What are Graphic novels? Graphic novels are stories in print that are told through sequential panels of illustrations. Although most graphic novels include words as part of the narrative, the primary method of storytelling is visual. What separates a graphic novel from collections of newspaper comics is that a graphic novel has one continuous story. Although graphic novels originally received acclaim for their appeal for reluctant readers or children, today many are considered just as literary as text-only novels, with many titles even winning awards previously considered out-of-bounds for graphic novels. What happens in Graphic novels? Technically, graphic novels are a format, rather than a genre. Any genre or type of narrative can be told using the graphic novel format, from historical fiction to realistic fiction to fantasy to romance. In graphic novels, authors and illustrators use a combination of illustrations, speech bubbles, thought bubbles, colors, and occasional narrative sections to tell one continuous story with a beginning, middle, and end. Top themes found in graphic novels Themes are popular, recurring, and recognizable plot elements found in fiction. Themes are now searchable and displayed on title records of books in NoveList. To search for a particular theme, use the field code TH. (Example: TH Chosen one) While graphic novels make use of the same themes that NoveList uses in text-only books, superhero comics now have their own set of themes applied. Some of the most popular are: No power, still super: These heroes make use of gadgets or brain power to save the day, rather than superpowers. Reboots and retcons: Same story; new decade, location, or outfit Assemble!: Superheroes work in teams for a greater cause Origin story: Here's how it all began Sidekick spotlight: Sidekicks get their chance to shine To see all the themes, select "Browse by . Themes," visible in the colored bar at the top of the page anywhere in NoveList. Common characteristics Graphic novels epitomize the saying "show; don't tell." Authors tend to tell more of the story using character's facial expressions, actions, body language, and dialogue instead of textual details. The tone or mood of graphic novels is often made clear by the artist's use of an evocative color scheme or illustration style. Graphic novels have dynamic visual content. They are an excellent format for telling action-packed stories. Even in more character-driven or issue-driven graphic novels, the emotional state of characters is drawn in a compelling way through facial expressions, color choices, and body language. There is always something happening in each panel to propel the story forward. In graphic novels, words and illustration work together in concert, with illustrations sometimes taking the greater role. Though readers need to pay attention to both, a good deal of the story can be communicated through the illustrations alone. Why do teens like Graphic novels? Graphic novels provide a refreshingly different way to read than in traditional novels. The combination of illustrations and words challenges readers to use both parts of the brain. The reader sees what is said and shown and can infer the events that happen between the illustrated panels. All the many fascinating intricacies of how people read graphic novels can be found in Scott McCloud's breakout nonfiction book, Understanding Comics. Graphic novels appeal to visual learners who enjoy art, cartoons, comic books, movies, and video games. Once you learn how to read graphic novels, they are quick and easy to read. They can be helpful for language learners, since the illustrations provide context for the words. Reluctant readers are often drawn to graphic novels, since the combination of illustrations and text – with visual breaks between the comic panels – may appear less intimidating than books with big blocks of text. In general, they are fast-paced, visually compelling, and contain expressive characters. Key Graphic novel titles or series These books are highly popular, well reviewed titles or series that are noteworthy in this genre. Through the woods (2014) Emily Carroll Grades 8 - 12 This graphic novel is comprised of five chilling stories tied together by forests. The format lends itself to reluctant readers, who will embrace the short story format and the illustrations, which manage to be both colorful and dark at the same time. Based on the setting and tone, this will appeal to readers who enjoy the original Grimm fairy tales. Carroll also did the illustrations for the graphic novel adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. Berrybrook Middle School Novels (2015 - ) Svetlana Chmakova Grades 5 - 12 This upbeat, colorful graphic novel series explores the social dynamic of Berrybrook Middle School. Each volume focuses on different diverse, relatable characters (though expect cameo appearances throughout), all of whom are connected by a feeling of not fitting in. This charming, realistic series touches on everything from crushes to bullying to friendship -- believable situations which teens will recognize. I am Alfonso Jones (2017) Tony Medina Grades 9 - 12 The murder of Alfonso Jones, 15-year-old victim of police brutality, has a profound effect on his loved ones and his community. In flashback, readers learn who Alfonso was before his life was cut short. In the course of musings about his circumstance, Alfonso confronts the long and troubled history of blacks and the criminal justice system. The images and text combine to create a harrowing picture of the struggle for justice for many African Americans. Check, please!. Book 1, #Hockey (2018) Ngozi Ukazu Grades 10 - 12 In this upbeat webcomic now available as a graphic novel, a former junior figure skating champion and dedicated vlogger lands on his co-ed college hockey team, where he is challenged to overcome his fear of getting hit at the same time he falls desperately in love with his captain. Eric's love of baking adds an interesting twist to this hockey/coming out story. Series: Check please! The prince and the dressmaker (2018) Jen Wang Grades 7 - 12 Prince Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances -- one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this prince wears dresses. Frances would like to be known for her fashion design, but to protect the prince's secret, Frances works in the shadows. This sweet, whimsical story about unconditional friendship and self-acceptance is heartwarming, with saturated colorful pictures of Frances' designs. Spill Zone Duology (2017 - 2018) Scott Westerfeld Grades 10 - 12 Years after the devastation that killed her parents, scarred her sister, and destroyed her city, Addison accepts a dangerous job opportunity taking photographs of the remnants in the heart of the "Spill Zone". This leisurely paced but suspenseful science fiction comic comes in two parts and becomes more action-packed as the story moves along. Key authors to know John Allison: British writer and illustrator John Allison creates offbeat serial comics, many of which share common characters or take place in the same fictional town of Tackleford, England. Though Allison's stories feature touches of the mysterious or supernatural, they focus mainly on realistic characters, relationships, and situations, with plenty of witty dialogue and snarky humor. Nearly all of Allison's work begins in webcomic form, with two main series (Bad Machinery and Giant Days) also available as books. Start with: Bad Machinery: The Case of the Team Spirit. Hope Larson: Award-winning Hope Larson was first discovered online by Scott McCloud through her webcomic illustrations. Larson's unique, dreamlike style of writing and art has been applied to an impressive body of graphic novels across multiple genres and age groups. Her stories often focus on teen girl protagonists coming of age, supported by strong secondary characters, and include elements of magical realism. Start with Mercury for teens or All Summer Long for tweens. Jeff Smith: Jeff Smith is best known for his highly lauded teen fantasy graphic novel series Bone, in which a group of cartoony characters become involved in an epic fight between good and evil in a mysterious valley. Smith's work combines the timing and comedy of Golden Age animation with a sense of darkness and scale, pitting his innocent characters against more mysterious, fantastic elements. Since Bone's completion, Smith has worked on several other projects in this style. Start with: Bone Vol.1: Out from Boneville. Noelle Stevenson: Noelle Stevenson is the creator of Lumberjanes and Nimona. Her graphic novels feature spunky and spirited females who have great adventures in which they are the heroes, all with plenty of wit and snark. Subtle messages of female empowerment occur throughout her work. Start with Lumberjanes: Volume 1. Mariko & Jillian Tamaki: Canadian cousins and frequent collaborators Mariko and Jillian Tamaki create angst-filled, character-driven stories about the emotional highs and lows of the teenage years: love, depression, angst, cliques, and being true to oneself. Jillian's illustrations tend to be minimally colored or muted, drawing attention to the detail of the drawings themselves. Start with: This One Summer. Tillie Walden: Tillie Walden writes graphic novels featuring characters coming of age in different settings, both realistic and speculative. Many of her works feature queer characters, and themes of identity and family feature predominantly in her comics, as well. Her illustration style leans towards minimally colored, with black and white illustrations accented with one color, depending on the mood of the story. Start with: Spinning. Gene Luen Yang: National Book Award nominee Gene Yang has earned widespread acclaim for his sensitive storytelling, layered narratives and expressive artwork, which employs a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles.