Introduction to using graphic novels and comic books in the classroom.

1. Introduction to
Graphic Novels
Beth Downey
Mississippi State University
Research Services

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