Graphic Novels - Better than you Think!

While I consider myself a lover of children's literature-especially well-written, character rich fiction-I am beginning to see the many benefits available in the graphic novel.  I recently participated in a group discussion on Twitter with many librarians and teachers on the subject of graphic novels.  We discussed the many benefits inherent in this type of reading and exchanged the many popular titles that we share with students.  The appeal of these books is huge to our kids--the visual appeal and characters instantly draw them in.  While at first glance these books may seem simple, they are actually introducing complex themes, plots, and structures while introducing vocabulary through contextual clues.  I have seen first hand how my most "reluctant readers" and my struggling readers flock to these choices.  The illustrations can actually help to guide a struggling reader through the text.  The appeal isn't only to struggling students though!  My talented and gifted students love them just as much.  The following is a listing of some great titles to try out.  All book descriptions are taken from Amazon.com's website. 

                                         

Meet Babymouse by Jennifer Holm

"The word is out. Kids love Babymouse—star of the popular, award-winning, hilarious, PINK graphic-novel series showcasing the trials and tribulations of elementary school. The sassy mouse with attitude to spare has charmed her way into the hearts of kids, parents, and teachers everywhere! The series has won multiple Children’s Choice awards, and one title was the first graphic novel EVER to be named an ALA Notable Children’s Book."

 Magic Pickle by Scott Morse                                           

"The full-color graphic novel version of the Magic Pickle legend! Magic Pickle, or "Weapon Kosher," as his creator, Dr. Jekkel Formaldehyde likes to call him, is the product of a top-secret U.S. Army lab. Unfortunately, the 1950s experiments to turn vegetables into soldiers went wrong. Sure, they created Magic Pickle, the flying dill soldier, but they also let loose a bunch of rotten vegetables, like the Romaine Gladiator, Chili Chili Bang Bang, the Phantom Carrot, and Peashooter. This Brotherhood of Evil Produce is out to take over the world and they've started!"

Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon

"It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians, especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . ."

Missle Mouse by Jake Parker

"Brimming with sci-fi action and futuristic gadgetry, Missile Mouse comes across as a James Bond meets Han Solo for the middle-grade crowd. The cocky, big-eared rodent is a secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency (GSA) who prefers to do things the quick and messy way. This penchant for disruption has the GSA keeping close tabs on him. When brilliant scientist Ulrich Vondorf is kidnapped by the evil Rogue Imperium of Planets (RIP), Missile Mouse is tasked with retrieving him. Adding importance to the mission is the fact that Vondorf has knowledge of the black hole-creating Star Crusher, which RIP could use to bring the universe to its knees."

(School Library Journal, 2010)                                                 

Other series to look for are "The Hardy Boys" by Scott Lobdell, "Chicagoland Detective Agency" by Trina Robbins, "Bone" by Jeff Smith, "Nancy Drew" by Stefan Petrucha & Sarah Kinney, and "The Baby-Sitters Club" by Raina Telgemeier.

I follow The Styling Librarian Blog and she participated in the #titletalk on Twitter about graphic novels.  Following are some articles she found on graphic novels:

Using Graphic Novels with Chidren and Teens- fabulous article!!  http://www.scholastic.com/graphix/Scholastic_BoneDiscussion.pdf

Great Graphic Novels for  Kids:  http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/goodcomicsforkids/2012/04/24/great-graphic-novels-for-kids/

Justification – beautiful for reading Graphic Novels: http://www.sequart.org/magazine/1084/a-letter-to-the-prospective-comic-fan/

Graphic Novels for Teens: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt

Video on Graphic Novel Creation: http://www.hulu.com/watch/260325/grant-morrison-talking-with-gods
Blog Pages wonderful for promoting Graphic Novels:
Owly Webpage: Some graphic novels and printables available here: http://www.andyrunton.com/owly/

Kids Creating Their Own Comics: http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2011/04/kids-creating-their-own-comics.html

Social Media has made it very easy to have access to many resources including book recommendations.  If you are interested in getting more recommendation from me, you can friend me on Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/) and have instant access to the numerous bookshelves of titles I have read and rated:)  You can also follow me on Twitter at #MichelleMalpas1.  Also, this summer I will be participating in the "Book-a-day challenge" on Twitter which is organized by book guru, Donalyn Miller.  Be sure to tune in to this blog over the summer to see a listing of the books I am reading:)  

Stay Tuned for my next blog post about Miller Elementary's Read S'more Books summer reading club!