Graphic Novels and Mangas

Last week, I attended a Library Media Connection webinar on the "Best of the Best" Graphic Novels for 2009 with Michele Gorman. Michele is an expert on graphic novels, having published at least 3 books on using graphic novels to promote literacy. As I pointed out in an earlier post, graphic novels are a great way to engage reluctant readers, introduce the classics, and expose children who have difficulty reading to good literature. Graphic books are also tackling nonfiction topics like history, biography, and science. In the books that Michele recommends, the artwork is often exemplary. And besides, graphic novels are just fun to read!

Michele reviewed 10 books each at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Here, I share some of her recommendations. Please keep in mind that I have not yet read any of these books, but they are all on my reading list. (I usually only endorse books I have already read, but given Michele's expertise, I feel fairly comfortable sharing her recommendations.)

"Best of the Best" for Elementary School:

• Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer by Jennifer L. Holm and Matt Holm. Random House Books for Young Readers. Michele's comments: Incorporates Math into the plot. Focus on empowering young girls.
• Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires. Kids Can Press. Michele's comments: Very funny, solid story.
• Fairy Idol Kanon, Volume 1 by Mera Hakamada. Udon Manga. Michele's comments: Manga for kids, especially kids with older siblings who enjoy manga. Theme of empowering girls.
• Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith. Toon Books. Michele's comments: Little mouse gets dressed. Great for toddlers, preschoolers, and beginning readers.

• Sticky Burr; The Prickly Peril by John Lechner. Candlewick Press. You know those sticky burrs that lurk in the grass and get stuck on your clothes? Michele's comments: Smart.

"Best of the Best" for middle school:

• The Chronicles of Arthur: Sword of Fire and Ice by John Matthews and Mike Collins. Aladdin. Based on the King Arthur legends. Michele's comment: Great art and great story.
• A Family Secret by Eric Heuvel, translated by Lorraine T. Miller. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Award winning. Developed in cooperation with the Anne Frank House/Resistance Museum. Jeroen's grandmother believes her father, a Nazi sympathizer, delivered her best friend to the Nazis.

• Gettysburg: The Grahic Novel by C.M. Butzer. Harper Collins. Nonfiction. Michele's comments: Illustrated in shades of blue and gray. Depicts the impact of the battle on the town. Gettysburg addressed told through imagery.

• Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis. Bloomsbury. Michele's comments: Perfect for science and math nerds.

"Best of the Best" for high school:

• Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee, Sam Hart and Artur Fujita. Candlewick Press. Michele's comments: The upcoming Russell Crowe movie is based on this book. Gives the Maid Marian back story and the politics of the time. Well-researched. Realistic drawings.
• The Photographer: Into War-Torn Afghanistan with Doctors without Borders by Emmanuel Guibert, Frederic Lemercier, and Didier Lefevre.
• Pride and Prejudice by Nancy Butler and Hugo Petrus. Marvel Books. Michele's comment: Remarkably true to the original.
• Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Tim Hamilton. Hill and Wang. Authorized and created by Ray Bradbury himself. The classic book about book burnings takes on a new life.

• The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA by Mark Schultz, Zander Cannon and Kevin Cannon. Hill and Wang. Michele's comment: Could be used as a text book.