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February 10, 2009 by Travis Jonker

This Just In: Kids Love Graphic Novels

February 10, 2009 by Travis Jonker   8 comments

graphicnovimg

As I took a look around my school library this afternoon, I spotted no less than five different graphic novels being read by one class of students. Having added all the titles in the past year and a half, I couldn’t help but be happy with what I saw:

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A boy reading X-Men Power Pack.

powerpack1

I reviewed this series back in March of ’08. They’re basically the X-Men comic for a younger audience that features kids as the main characters. They put them in a nice library binding so they’ve held up well to the abuse.

One girl reading Magic Trixie by Jill Thompson.

magtrixiecov

You may have seen this graphic novel for youngsters reviewed by children’s lit blogs A Fuse #8 Production and Pink Me. I read it shortly thereafter and really enjoyed it. The artwork is amazing, and the story about show-and-tell will resonate with young readers.

Two boys reading Bone by Jeff Smith.

bonecovs

This series needs no introduction. Kinda like how “H to the Izzo” was the rap song even your mom liked, Bone is the graphic novel that even G.N.-phobic collections will stock. This series should come in the school library starter pack.

A boy reading Stone Rabbit: Pirate Palooza by Erik Craddock.

stonerabcov

This is a new graphic novel series that will work for about 3-6th grade. I reviewed this one for School Library Journal and I quite like it. It has a crazy plot, frenetic pace, slightly smart-alec humor throughout (see: reluctant reader gold). To give you an idea of the tone, the main character’s favorite expression is “crud monkeys”. I saw the student holding this one laugh and repeat this to himself while reading -always a good sign.

One boy reading Knights of the Lunch Table: The Dodgeball Chronicles by Frank Cammuso.

knightsofthelunchcov1

I recently reviewed this on a tip from the wonderful Bookends blog. It’s great all around – well written with nice illustrations. If you haven’t yet, be sure to pick this one up for your upper elementary crowd.

When it was time for this group to leave, two students had their noses buried in their books as they went out the door. They were absolutely focused on what they were reading. There is no better sight for a children’s librarian.

(Top Image: ‘Maus‘
www.flickr.com/photos/51035747113@N01/10920512)

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About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

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Comments

  1. teacherninja says

    February 10, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Great post and excellent timing. I’m putting together a presentation for my SLM class on graphic novels a/k/a comics. I’ve been using them with great success in my ESOL teaching for years but not everyone is convinced how great these are for kids. I’m aiming to change their minds with this very kind of info.

    Thanks!

  2. nadine says

    February 11, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    I think teachers and parents need to be more open and willing to try new things to encourage the kids they spend time with to get them intersted in reading more. Way to go teacherninja.

    http://www.eloquentbooks.com/TheTreasuredDream.html

  3. Jo Wheeler says

    February 13, 2009 at 7:43 am

    Kids do LOVE graphic novels!

    We launched our range of unabridged Shakespeare and Classic Fiction graphic novels in the US at the end of last year and we hope many schools and libraries will realize that this is an excellent way to teach reluctant readers – especially boys!

  4. stella says

    February 14, 2009 at 8:31 am

    I enjoy reading this post and the comments that followed it because I believe it gave me the final push to read more on this genre. I hear all the “buzz” around graphic novels and especially how it is helping English Language Learners. I am ready to give it a try because I want my students to not just learn how to read but love reading as well. If there are more related posts or articles or more suggestions on graphic novels, please let me know. I need a lot of guidance on this topic!

  5. Richard says

    March 8, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    I recently went to a Manga exhibition, and discovered Manga Shakespeare, what a great combination, see http://gettingreading.blogspot.com/2009/02/half-term-cartoons.html

  6. your neighborhood librarian says

    March 19, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    “This series should come in the school library starter pack.” You are 100% right about that. Makes me think… what else should be in that pack? Hmmm…

  7. katowice says

    December 30, 2015 at 8:43 am

    wzorowe rzetelne dobre t?umaczenia katowice polecam

Trackbacks

  1. ALSC Blog » Blog Archive » Graphic novels are haunting my dreams says:
    February 13, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    […] York Comic Con (such as Elizabeth Bird, Sophie Brookover, and Molly Phelan) or a school librarian blogging about the huge popularity of graphic novels, it’s clear that this is a huge […]

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