Graphic Novels

Some parents and educators scoff at comic books and graphic novels, but they have merit. We don't all learn the same way and we aren't all entertained by the same thing so when libraries and schools can offer a variety of formats with which to learn or be entertained then they can reach are larger portion of people. In David Rapp's article "Comic books' latest plot twist: Enhancing literacy instruction" Rapp discusses the advantages of comic book and graphic novels. He indicates that these types of resources can enhance inference making skills, encourage reluctant readers, and help develop critical thinking.

Children's graphic novels come in many forms. There are comic books on superheros, Pokemon, and Scooby Doo as well as class literature in graphic novel form like Journey to the Center of the Earth or the Odyssey. There are also graphic novels focused on education such Agnieszka's Exploring Ecosystems with Max Axiom, super scientist which is a non-fiction graphic novel. The variety of graphic novels available provides a plethora of opportunities as to how to use them, whether it be in a school setting or just for fun.

One example of children's graphic novels is Monster Christmas by Lewis Trondheim which I picked up and read in about 15 minutes to help get me in the Christmas spirit. This short graphic novel can be devoured in a small setting and can help those reluctant readers who don't want something to bog them down for a long period of time. This graphic novel is about a duck family, with a monster for a pet, who are going on a Christmas skiing vacation. On their way to the mountains they run across Santa being chased by a big orange monster and though they try to steer clear of the trouble they end up right in the middle of it. After saving Santa they decide to skip the vacation and have a nice relaxing holiday at home.

Another fine example of children's graphic novels are The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Spelling trouble by Frank Cammuso. This is the first in a graphic novel series about a young witch whose parents have no magical abilities. Salem has trouble learning her craft because her parents aren't able to teach her so her witchy aunt suggests that she get a magical animal companion who can help instruct her in the ways of witch craft. Whammy is a cat with 800 years of experience, but initially finds Salem a handful. This introductory novel is funny and has adorable illustrations and can be read in a short sitting without too much commitment. Unless you need to find out what misadventures she gets into next.

Teen and Adult graphic novels serve a similar purpose to those for younger readers. The main difference is that the content is more mature. Parents shouldn't assume that teen and adult graphic novels are suitable for kids simply because they are illustrated because sometimes the content i very mature in nature.

Freshman: Tales of 9th grade obsessions, revelations, and other nonsense is written by Corinne Mucha. This teen graphic novel depicts Richie and Annie's first year as freshmen in high school. While this graphic novel is a cute description of how school can seem to a teen, it does have some adult language and young adult situations such as smoking and drinking. Though the main characters don't always choose the best options, the scenarios seem realistic.

Sand Chronicles Volume 1 is written by Hinako Ashihara. This is another graphic novel where the intended audience is young adults. There's no cursing or terribly mature situations in this novel though it does have to subject of death and suicide involved. Ann is the main protagonist of this novel and she and her mother have to move in with Ann's grandmother because her mother is no longer with her father. Ann hates that she has to move because she moved from the big city to a small village and doesn't like the country as much. She ends up meeting a couple of friends and even finds a love interest, but her life is forever changed when her mother commits suicide.