This document provides an overview of graphic novels including definitions, how to evaluate them, how they can promote literacy, and how they can be integrated into curriculum. It discusses the key elements of graphic novels like art, layout, and their combination of visual and written elements. It also provides resources for finding and using graphic novels in the classroom.
3. What are Graphic Novels?
The term graphic novel is now
generally used to describe
any book in a comic format
that resembles a novel in
length and narrative
development.
4. The Basics
The following slides come from Get
Graphic: The World in Words and
Pictures.
http://www.getgraphic.org/
Here is the link to the slideshow.
http://www.getgraphic.org/resources/HowtoRead
23. How do I evaluate
Graphic Novels?
Cover:
• Attractive
• Clearly indicates topic/theme of
book
• Appropriate for targeted audience
24. Evaluation Continued
Interior Art:
• Art and text are interdependent and aesthetically
pleasing
• Appropriate and relevant to graphic format and
content
• Use of a variety and appropriate symbolic art, such
as text bubbles and graphical representations of
sound effects and emotions
• Adequate in size and legibility
• Effective use of color and shading
• Skillful use of sequential art, such as panels and
gutters for transitions
26. How do Graphic Novels
promote literacy?
• Motivation
• Reluctant Readers
• Benefits for student with special needs,
struggling readers, and English-language
learners .
27. Can Graphic Novels be
used in the curriculum?
Many educators have reported great success
when they have integrated graphic novels into
their curriculum, especially in the areas of English,
science, social studies, and art. Teachers are
discovering that graphic novels—just like
traditional forms of literature—can be useful tools
for helping students critically examine aspects of
history, science, literature, and art.
28. The Graphic Novel as
Format
Novels speak to us usually in a linear
written narrative; picture books tell a
story with text accompanied by
illustrations; Film does so with
moving images and dialogue; and
poetry can communicate on levels
that no other storytelling can.
29. The Graphic Novel as
Format Continued
Graphic novels combine all these
elements in their own unique way.
They are like prose in that they are a
written printed format, but they are
also like film in that they tell a story
through dialogue, and through visual
images that give the impression of
movement.
30. How do I find Graphic
Novels to purchase?
• Review journals
• Comic book shops
• Review websites (noflyingnotights)
• Student recommendations
• Professional Organizations (YALSA - GGNhttp
://www.ala.org/yalsa/great-graphic-novels)
33. Children’s Discussion
• In small groups
(4 – 6) discuss
the appeal of
Babymouse.
Think of format
and content.
• Be prepared to
share with the
large group.
34. YA Discussion
• In small groups (4 – 6)
discuss the appeal of
Smile and A Wrinkle in
Time. Think of format
and content.
• Will the GN format of
Wrinkle gain more
readers for this title?
Why or why not?
• Be prepared to share
with the large group.