2. Overview
Definitions of “graphic novel”
Myths about the format
Uses in literacy programs and classrooms
Resources for graphic novels and related
content
3. What is a “Graphic Novel?”
The definition is still under debate, but most
are similar…
“a full-length (esp. science fiction or fantasy)
story published as a book in comic-strip
format.” (OED Online)
“a story of some length in comic-strip format,
usually bound as a book.” (Webster’s New
World College Dictionary)
4. “A fictional story that is presented in comic-
strip format and published as a book.”
(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)
“A novel whose narrative is related through a
combination of text and art, often in comic-
strip form.” (American Heritage Dictionary)
5. The term “graphic novel” was popularized
when it appeared in the title of Will Eisner’s A
Contract with God and Other Tenement
Stories... A Graphic Novel (1978).
Eisner also defined graphic novels and
comics as “sequential art.”
6. Elements of a graphic novel
Icons: images used to represent a person,
place, thing or idea. This includes words and
symbols.
Panels: the combined images that compose
one “scene” or concept.
Gutters: where closure occurs (the
phenomenon of observing the parts but
perceiving the whole).
7. Myths about Graphic
Novels…
Graphic novels are only for kids; they’re
basically picture books.
Graphic novels are easier to
read/comprehend.
Graphic novels are “light” reading and don’t
deal with serious themes, issues or topics.
Graphic novels aren’t literature.
8. Graphic novels aren’t just for
kids!
Graphic novels address very adult themes.
The graphic novel is a format, not a genre,
putting it in the same category as, say,
audiobooks.
Graphic novels are some of the most
“challenged” books in libraries.
Often adult graphic novels are shelved
separately from juvenile collections.
9. Graphic novels are different to
read/comprehend.
Require both textual and visual literacy.
Benefit three of Gardner’s seven multiple
intelligences (linguistic, spatial and
interpersonal).
Develop deductive reasoning abilities.
Help illustrate literary devices (simile,
metaphor, exaggeration)
Illustrate sequencing, placement, timing.
10. Graphic novels deal with serious
topics…
The Iranian Revolution
The Bosnian Conflict
Rwanda
Sexual Abuse
Discrimination
Cancer
Hurricane Katrina
Media Ethics
11. …and are not just fiction!
Biography
Autobiography
History
Biology and Genetics
Physics
Statistics
12. “Reluctant Reader” programs
Graphic novels perceived as “less
threatening” by overwhelmed students.
Recreational reading drops in teen years
(esp. boys); graphic novels bring them back.
Reading of graphic novels typically lead
readers to “regular” books.
Benefits for ESL programs.
13. Graphic novels in the K-12
classroom
Frey & Fisher (2004): used graphic novels in
ninth grade writing course.
Brown (2001): paired Maus with Faulkner’s
Light in August.
Carlson (2008) uses Persepolis, The 9/11
Report, Pedro and Me, and American-Born
Chinese in analysis exercises.
14. Print Resources about Graphic
Novels
Selection tools for collection development
librarians
Lesson plans for teachers
History of graphic literature and
communication
Graphic novels and types of learning/literacy
15. Journals
Good sources for graphic novel reviews, articles
and sample lesson plans.
School Library Journal
Knowledge Quest
English Journal
Library Journal
Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy
Publisher’s Weekly
Booklist
16. Indexes and Databases
Sources for journal articles and book reviews
(all in MAGNOLIA):
ERIC
Library and Information Science Source
NoveList
Teacher Reference Center
Professional Development Collection
17. Web Resources
Diamond Comics Bookshelf
Graphic Novel Reporter
More available on the “Graphic Novels in
Education” LibGuide
http://guides.library.msstate.edu/graphicnovel
s
YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt
18. Finding Graphic Novels
Use the Online Catalog:
MSU Libraries
Juvenile Collection
Circulating Collection
Also search public libraries
Mississippi Library Partnership
19. Sites for creating comics:
Strip Creator
ToonDoo
Comic Creator in Read-Write-Think (IRA and
NCTE)
Make Beliefs Comix
