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Welcome to Bookshelf T he G raphic N ov el R esource for Educators and Librarians Graphic Novels have a lot to offer as literature, educational tools, entertainment and more! Whether you are a teacher or reading specialist seeking to incorporate graphic novels into the classroom; or a librarian or media specialist looking to add graphic novels to your collection, our mission with the Diamond BookShelf is to provide you with comprehensive information on the latest graphic novel news, reviews and events.
On Our Cover Kids love comics, and many publishers offer a great selection of comics ideal for younger readers. Ape Entertainment brings Sesame Street to comics with the graphic novel I is for Imagination. See a preview on page 21.
Sesame Workshop”®, “Sesame Street”®, and associated characters, trademarks, and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. ©2013 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES 16
21
Special Features Comics For Kids................................................................ 12
A look at resources for finding and selecting kid-friendly comics and graphic novels
Comics Are Magic............................................................. 16
An Interview with My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic writer Katie Cook
C is for Comics.................................................................. 21
A preview of Ape Entertainment’s Sesame Street: I is for Imagination
Educators Comic Books, the Common Core Standards, and the Literary Age.........................................................8 Prof. Katie Monnin examines the role of comics in the new Common Core Standards
Katie’s Korner................................................................. 26
Prof. Katie Monnin reviews Nursery Rhyme Comics and Princeless, with suggestions for how they can be used in the classroom
Librarians Comics Fandom for Kids................................................... 19
HOW TO USE THIS PUBLICATION The BookShelf magazine was created as a compliment to Diamond’s BookShelf website. With this publication, you’ll find articles designed to introduce you to the world of graphic novels and help you learn how to integrate them into your classroom or library. You’ll also find reviews, core lists, reference recommendations and special extras to help you get started. If you want to know what comics and graphic novels are and how or why to use them, or if you are already familiar with graphic novels and are looking for a great resource to improve your collection… Read on!
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A look at comic conventions designed specifically for young readers
DEPARTMENTS Graphic Novels 101.............................................................3 News and Notes................................................................ 6 Review............................................................................ 26 Core Lists..........................................................................28 Resources.........................................................................30
Editor: Mark Banaszak Contributing Writers: Katie Monnin, Caitlin Plovnick Designer: Matt Barham Special Thanks to: Cindy Anderson, Roger Fletcher, Steve Geppi, Allan Greenberg, Kuo-Yu Liang, Dan Manser, Tom Sadowski PRINTED IN CANADA
© 2013 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, Diamond Books logo, Diamond BookShelf logo and diamondbookshelf.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.
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Graphic Novels 101 W h a t A r e Graphic Novel s a nd C omics? GRAPHIC NOVEL can be used to denote both the content and the format of a book. When speaking of content, a graphic novel is a long, self-contained story depicted as a pictorial narrative, often taking the form of a comic book. In terms of format, however, the words “graphic novel” can be used to describe any pictorial narrative that looks like a book, whether it is a self-contained story, a chapter in a longer serial, an anthology of different work or a non-fiction text depicted in comic book form. A COMIC BOOK is the traditional periodical form most people are familiar with. A comic book can stand on its own or be part of a SERIES. A series is also sometimes called a “title,” which refers to the entire series, not a single discrete unit.
DON’T BE. Before taking the plunge and using comic books in your instruction, you may be hesitant about the appropriateness of the content of the comic. Some misperceptions of the comic book medium are that it is rife with graphic depictions of sex, nudity, or worse. But while there certainly are titles that meet that description, it is impossible to pigeonhole the diverse landscape of comics into a single slot. As with any form of literature, comics and graphic novels run the gamut from kid-friendly to adult and represent every kind of genre imaginable. Also like other forms of literature and entertainment, not every comic book or graphic novel may be suitable to your classroom. Remember, the comic book is a format, not a genre. It is just another unique medium used to tell a story.
Sometimes multiple issues of a series are collected into one volume. It can be hardcover or softcover. Softcover editions are often called TRADE PAPERBACKS or just TRADES, regardless of size. A smaller size paperback (the typical size for manga collections) can also be referred to as a DIGEST.
Yes: some comics may contain objectionable language, graphic depictions of violence, or sexual content. However, this is also the case when talking about prose novels, films, television programs, computer games, etc. Your students are most likely already exposed to such thing on television, in the music they listen to, and in the video games they play.
When a story is published in the hardcover or softcover format first (that is, without periodical serialization), it is referred to as a GRAPHIC NOVEL and only a graphic novel. Many of these terms are interchangeable, as you can see. A “graphic novel” can refer to a hardcover or softcover, to a reprint collection or an original story. Similarly, all of the formats referenced can be called “comics” or “comic books.” GRAPHICA and SEQUENTIAL ART are both terms frequently used in the academic community to describe all of these formats.
www.DiamondBookShelf.com
provides more great introductory information about graphic novels and comics, including: • What is Manga? • A Brief History of Comics • A Brief History of the Graphic Novel • A History of Comics in Education • A Glossary of Frequently Used Terms And more! Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DiamondBookShelf and Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DiaBookShelf
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CONCERNED ABOUT COMICS?
“But that doesn’t mean they should be exposed to such things in my classroom,” you may reply. And we agree with you wholeheartedly. Any comic found objectionable should be excluded from your classroom or school library. We ask only that you realize that not all comics — or even the majority of comics, for that matter — should be so excluded. Obviously, when choosing a particular title, some discretion will be involved. But for every objectionable or offensive title in the market, there are many, many more that are not only appropriate, but also critically acclaimed and respected works of art. Even as conservative an organization as the Parents Television Council has endorsed comic books in schools, commenting that they “may be the best thing to happen for kids who resist the written word.”* Your community standards and mores will prevail, as they should: Be sure to investigate a new comic book or graphic novel with the same vigor and critical eye you would apply to any addition to your classroom. Depending on the class and/or lesson you are teaching, a comic’s suitability can vary; preview the graphic novel’s content before assigning it to your students. Taking a few simple steps to educate yourself will prepare you for the concerns of others and alleviate your own as well! * Gustafson, Rod. “Help for Reluctant Readers” (06/29/04)
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Graphic Novels 101
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S t a r t ing a graphic novel collectio n Deciding to include comic books and graphic novels in your collection is the first step into a larger world. Now, you must decide what to do once you’re there. Here are some basic steps on your path to using graphic novels in your collection:
1. Determine Needs
First, you need to ascertain what books you would like to incorporate into your collection. Perhaps you have one or two graphic novels already, or you may be deciding to carry these books for the first time. You’ll need to decide which books would be appropriate for your community of readers, which books they’re hankering for, and which books would delight and surprise them.
2. Find An Expert
You don’t have to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of comics and graphic novels to successfully integrate them into your library’s offerings. There are people out there who can advise you on what books are valuable. For instance, you almost certainly already have readers in your library community with an understanding and love of graphic novels. You can also reach out to the independent comic book retailers in your area who are armed with detailed information about this area of reading they have a vested interest in supporting. (See “How to Order Comics & Graphic Novels” at the back of this publication for information on how to find and work with your local comic book store.) And, of course, you can also feel free to contact those of us at the Diamond BookShelf!
3. Purchase Graphic Novels
Once you have consulted with your readers, experts in the field, and any others who can offer insight, you’ll be ready with a list of titles of graphic novels to acquire for your library.
4. Decide How To Catalog/ Where To Shelve
Now you need to decide where to put them! Diamond provides information on cataloging to make integrating graphic novels into your collection easier. You can find these tools at www.DiamondBookShelf.com. In terms of shelving you have a number of options. See “How to Catalogue Comics” for a comprehensive look at cataloging and shelving options and resources.
5. Promote Your Graphic Novels
You could have the finest graphic novel collection in history, but if no one knows about, it won’t matter. The success of your collection relies on a certain level of promotion. If you don’t get the word out, no one will know the books are there. Start including the news about your graphic novels into your existing newsletters, pamphlets, and other promotional materials. Put up easy-to-read signs at the entrances to your library so that nobody who enters will fail to know about the new additions. Add the news to your e-mail correspondence. Contact your local media and encourage them to do a story about your library’s efforts to expand and enhance readership through this vital art form. Stage contests, offer giveaways, and plan fun events. Coordinate promotions with your local comic book retailer.
6. Evaluate Success/ Circulation Data
After a certain period of time, you’re going to want to crunch the numbers. Measuring the graphic novel circulation at your library indicates the extent to which your readers are using this new library resource and will help you evaluate the success of the program. It will There is no national standard when it comes to the also point you in appropriateness or selection of graphic novels. Therefore, the best the right direction titles to include can vary from library to library. It is vital — once as to which titles and series to snap you’ve decided on a particular book — to read through the book up in the future!
yourself. What might pass muster in some communities may not pass muster in yours. This website and the various resources listed throughout are your best starting points if you are approaching comics from a starter’s perspective.
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THREE CATEGORIES TO KEEP IN MIND:
7. Poll Patrons
Never forget to meet the needs of your readership. Consulting the experts and embarking on your own research into which titles to carry is a necessary element of this program, but asking your patrons what they want is also crucial. Poll your patrons to find out what other titles they’d like to add to the collection. The flourishing graphic novel collection at a library will greatly depend on the actual requests of the readers being served.
8. Make Graphic Novels a Regular Part of Your Ordering Cycle
Once you’ve talked to your readers and assessed your circulation data to see how successful the addition of comic books and graphic novels has been, you’ll want to keep the ball rolling. An established graphic novel program in your library needs to be sustained, and making graphic novels a regular part of your ordering cycle will ensure the vibrancy of your collection. Including these titles in your regular decisions on what books to carry will help make them a significant and popular segment of your library.
1. BESTSELLERS Lists of bestselling graphic novels can be obtained each month from w w w. D i a m o n d B o o k S h e l f . c o m . Additionally, resources such as the New York Times’ weekly Graphic Books Bestseller List and BookScan: www.bookscan.com
can
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similar information for the highest selling graphic novels in the bookstore market.
2. CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TITLES Graphic novels that have received stellar reviews and won literary awards ate
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will attract new readers and also make a great case for having a graphic novel collection. There are a number of
REMEMBER:
As with any collection development, there is a period of experimentation during which you will learn which titles will circulate and which will not. You cannot judge the effectiveness of a graphic novel collection with a handful of titles, any more than you would do so with a handful of DVDs or audiobooks. If there’s no room in your budget to make a large initial purchase, start small and evaluate regularly. Add titles as you can, polling your patrons, reading review sources, and keeping diversity in mind. As time goes on, you will find the right combination for your readership and community. Soon, you’ll come to realize that comic books and graphic novels are an engaging and vibrant form of literature, and the promotional possibilities for your library are endless!
literary publications that review graphic novels, including Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Booklist, VOYA and others. See pages 26-27 for a selection of recent reviews.
3. MEDIA TIE-INS Titles that tie in to hit movies, games, novels and TV shows are sure to appeal to fans of the same. Many Manga titles are also TV cartoons, and many blockbuster movies are adapted from comic books. The BookShelf newsletter stays current with the latest media tie-ins and adaptations.
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News and Notes Congressman John Lewis To Speak At ALA Annual Conference, Launch Graphic Novel Trilogy In August Congressman John Lewis will discuss his new graphic memoir March as an Auditorium Speaker at the ALA Annual Conference Saturday, June 29. Lewis will be joined by co-author Andrew Aydin and comic book artist Nate Powell for the second half of the program to discuss their collaboration on March and how the project developed. Their appearance is sponsored by March publisher Top Shelf Comix. One of the so-called “Big Six” leaders in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Lewis consistently challenged the injustice of Jim Crow segregation and was a key organizer, involved in many important and often violent protest marches. Among many other acts, he helped organize sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, participated in the Freedom Rides, was at the age of 23 an architect of and a keynote speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, led a group of marchers across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Ala. on “Bloody Sunday” in 1965 and was instrumental in voter registration programs which faced dangerously hostile opposition. Now, to share his remarkable story with new generations, Lewis is turning to the graphic novel format, in collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell (winner of the Eisner Award and LA Times Book Prize finalist for Swallow Me Whole, New York Times Bestseller for The Silence of Our Friends). March is a first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights (including his key roles in the historic 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma-Montgomery March), meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. The first volume, March (Book One), will appear in stores everywhere on August 13, 2013.
DC Comics Launches Fan Family Blog DC Comics has maintained a steady publication of kid-friendly comic books and graphic novels, whether their own titles, Cartoon Network tie-in books, or young reader line through Capstone. But recently, the publisher added another resource for younger fans (and their parents) with the DC Comics Fan Family (http://www. dccomics.com/blog/fan_family). According to the web site, the “goal is to help you share the super heroes you love with your kids through cool crafts projects, activity sheets, contests, sweepstakes, merchandise news, quizzes and newsletters.” Activities on the site have included highlights of new kids titles releases, coloring pages, and the “Be a Superhero. Read!” contest. The Fan Family blog also includes a newsletter, which fans can subscribe to on the site.
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Comic Books, the Common Core Standards, and the Literary AgE B y K a t i e M onnin I was sitting in a boardroom-type meeting a few years ago, daydreaming about everything else in the world I could be doing, when I first heard about the Common Core Standards (www.commoncore.org). The word “standards” caused me to come out of my happy place long enough to roll my eyes. Are you serious?, I thought. Just what we need. More standards! After the meeting, I immediately forgot (code: purposefully gave myself amnesia) about these new “Common Core Standards”. Leaving the meeting my thoughts settled down and trailed off with: Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Whatever…” In the last year, however, I have thought much, much more about them. A detail that I just now remember hearing as I rolled my eyes during that boardroom meeting was, “Don’t worry too much about these new Common Core Standards. They won’t hit us for a year or so, and they may not even move forward. It’s probably just a flash in the pan idea or fad term being thrown around due to the election.” The Common Standards are not a flash in the pan idea. They are not a fad. They are the future, and I was absolutely wrong to roll my eyes at them. Actually, they are the best educational reform to date. Reform focused on the reality of reading and writing in the vast 21st century literacy-learning climate, the Common Core Standards embrace what many literacy scholars refer to as the greatest communication revolution of all time. Second to the invention of the printing press, but first in terms of its magnitude and impact, we are currently living and teaching during a time in history when reading and writing is constantly shifting and expanding defining and redefining itself - as a result of new technologies and new advancements. Guided by technologies that embrace reading and writing from screen-like environments our
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current communication calls on us to redefine reading and writing and teach a shared literacy stage. Print-text literacies now share the stage with Image Literacies. In essence, when teachers go to write their new Common Core Standards lesson plans, and are asked to cite the specific Common Core Standard they are addressing, they can take their pick. Every single one of the new Common Core Standards uses the terms “texts,” and in doing so, opens the door for teachers to define texts as any 21st century literacy. In the comic book and graphic novel world this means: Texts = Comics and Graphic Novels. As an advocate of comic books and graphic novels in K - 12 educational classroom settings, the Common Core Standards are the best news like-minded educators have ever received. Emerging from the depths of America’s
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book, film, and television murky-and-mysteriouslyEvery single one of the new Common Core character voice. misunderstood fascination Standards uses the terms “texts,” and in As Yoda may say, with Dr. Fredric Wertham’s doing so, opens the door for teachers to “Deceived, the American 1954 publication of define texts as any 21st century literacy. people have been.” Seduction of the InnoIn the comic book and graphic novel Supported by thorcent those of us who world this means: Texts = ough and new academic understand the literary valComics and Graphic Novels. discoveries and the presue and classroom potential of comic books and graphic novels can allow ourselves to ent implementation of the Common Core Standards feel a bit validated. After almost sixty years of defending comic books and graphic novels have entered a new comic books against Dr. Wertham’s claim that they caused era. Once censored away from the classroom by the juvenile delinquency we now have national standards United States Congress comic books deserve a new that foster encouraging them not only as valuable “texts” term for their new era. We’ve had the Golden Age, for young readers, but also advise us to embrace them the Silver Age, and more. Today, however, we may be in our classrooms. A recent article by Dr. Carol Tilley growing into a term comic books and graphic novels have further hammered what I hope is the last nail in Wer- deserved for a longtime: “The Literary Age.” tham’s research coffin when she published her scholarship and findings of the first academic and and educational Katie Monnin, PhD, is an assistant professor of review of Dr. Wertham’s papers and research documents. literacy at the University of North Florida and author of Jumping to conclusions, sometimes even connecting Teaching Graphic Novels: Practical Strategies for the dots that seemed not to be anywhere near each other, Secondary ELA Classroom (2010) from Maupin House. Dr. Tilley exposes the faulty conclusions about comics To learn more about Teaching Graphic Novels or causing juvenile delinquency (http://ow.ly/iZeLJ). As I Katie Monnin, please go to this link: http://www.maupin read her findings I thought to myself in a popular comic house.com/monnin.php.
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TOP
10 REA S O N S
WHY COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS Promote Literacy
1.
They bring a whole new group of readers into the library.
2.
There’s no dearth of material that appeals to boys, and there’s a growing body of material that appeals to girls too.
3.
They engage the reluctant reader — and appeal to gifted readers, too.
4.
They help increase kids’ vocabulary — studies show, even more than movies, television, or adult books!
5.
They are a multi-modal form of communication (meaning is communicated through visual context, not just words), similar to spoken language, and are thus a great bridge to written language.
6.
Visual literacy is increasingly important in 21st century society.
7.
They stimulate the imagination and model visualization for readers.
8.
They offer dynamic and high-interest supplementary material for a wide range of disciplines -- not just English but also history, civics, science, art, geography, and more.
9.
They appeal to boys’ kinesthenic and visual tendencies, and help girls strengthen theirs.
10.
They create a gateway to literature!
Comics and Literacy: A Powerful Team-Up! “The presence of comics in a junior high school library resulted in a dramatic 82% increase in library traffic and a 30% increase in circulation of non-comic books.” - Dorrell & Carroll School Library Journal
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Comics For Kids
Resources For Finding Kid-Friendly Comics And Graphic Novels B y M ar k B ana sz ak
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s comic creator Katie Cook said in this issue’s interview, kids love comics. Whether it’s to help beginning or reluctant readers grasp the meaning behind the word balloons, or it’s adding a dynamic, colorful element to the stories, comics offer an exciting reading experience for children. But with many graphic novels and comic books seemingly aimed at a teenaged or (often) older audience, finding age-appropriate comics for younger readers can seem to be a daunting task. To help parents, librarians, educators, school media selectors, or really anyone looking for all ages and kid-friendly comics, Diamond BookShelf offers a look at publishers, web sites, and other resources so they can give kids what they want - namely, comics.
Publishers
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n Action Lab Entertainment n n n n n n n n A relatively small publisher, Action Lab Entertainment has released two kids comics of note: the action/adventure series Princeless (see review on page 29), which features a strong female cast and protagonist, and NFL Rush Zone, based on the Nickelodeon animated series. For more information, visit www.actionlabcomics.com n
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n Archaia Entertainment n n n n n n n n Founded in 2002, Archaia has released a number of award winning and unique graphic novels across genre and age ranges. The offer a selection of titles for young readers, including Fraggle Rock (based on the Jim Henson show) Royden Lepp’s Rust and Cow Boy: A Boy and His Horse by Nate Cosby and Chris Eliopoulos (which made YALSA’s 2013 Great Graphic Novels for Teens list) and David Peterson’s Mouse Guard (which also made the GGNFT list). For more information, visit www.archaia.com n
n Archie Comics n n n n n n n n For many, Archie Comics is the flagship of kid-appropriate comics, publishing the adventures of the teenage gang from Riverdale for over seven decades. The company continues to release comics based on their main characters, such as Archie, Betty & Veronica, and Jughead, as well as Kevin Keller, a recentlyintroduced gay character. While maintaining the long-established kid-friendly tone, Archie comics have taken on more contemporary issues in recent years, including crossovers with pop culture icons KISS and the television show Glee. Archie Comics also publishes the long-running Sonic the Hedgehog titles, based on the Sega video game, and recently added Sega’s game Mega Man to the roster. For more information, visit www.archiecomics.com n
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n Bongo Comics n n n n n n n n Home of the Simpsons comics line, Bongo Comics mostly publishes titles based around the iconic television show. As with the on air episodes, the Simpsons comics feature gags that work for kids as well as jokes that will appeal to older audiences. Bongo also teamed up with United Pankton Pictures to release the Spongebob Squarepants comic series, which follows the all ages tone of the Nickelodeon series. For more information, visit www.bongocomics.com n
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n kaboom! n n n n n n n n BOOM! Studios have established a consistent line of all ages comics with their imprint kaboom! Their line of comics series include classic characters, such as Jim Davis’ long-running Garfield and Charles Schulz’ Peanuts, marking the first official comic book format releases for the classic strip. The publisher has also brought modern cartoons to comics with their line based on the widely popular Cartoon Network series Adventure Time, which includes the spin-offs Marceline and the Scream Queens and Fionna and Cake (featuring gender-swapped versions of the show’s characters). For information, visit www.kaboom-studios.com n
n Dark Horse Comics n n n n n n n n One of the longest-running independent comic publishers, Dark Horse Comics produces a younger reader line of its Star Wars titles with its Star Wars: The Clone Wars Adventures series, based on the animated series and aimed specially for grade school age readers, as well as a series continuing the Nickelodeon animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. They have also featured works from independent creators such as Jacob Chabot’s The Mighty Skullboy Army and Rod Espinosa’s adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and A Christmas Carol. For more information, visit www.darkhorse.com n
n DC Comics n n n n n n n n One of the two biggest comics publishers, DC Comics’ iconic characters include Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. While many of the publisher’s main titles are aimed for teens or older, DC offers the DC Kids line of books aimed at young readers. Many of the titles are tied in to the animated series airing on Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros. cartoons Looney Tunes and Scooby Doo, Where Are You? The company offers a blog for families which keeps them informed of the latest in their kid-friendly offerings, www.dccomics.com/blog/fan_family (see News and Notes, page 7). For more information, visit www.dccomics.com n
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n IDW Publishing n n n n n n n n
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The publisher, which has found success with licenses such as G.I. Joe and Transformers (as well as original titles such as Locke and Key) offers several titles aimed specifically at younger readers from their series. Books such as Transformers Prime and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated are comprised of shots from the respective animated series, and are offered in digest size. They also recently released the first trade paperback collection of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, based on the Hub Network animated series whose popularity has crossed age and gender lines. (See the interview with My Little Pony writer Katie Cook on page 16.) IDW also announced in the spring that they will begin publishing comics based on classic Cartoon Network series, including the Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10. For information, visit www.idwpublishing.com n
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n Image Comics n n n n n n n n The independent publisher, which is well known for comics such as the Walking Dead and Spawn, has also produced several all ages series, including the 2012 series Reed Gunther and the ongoing Super Dinosaur from Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman, about the adventures of a boy and his video-game loving Tyrannosaurus Rex. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com n
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n Kids Can Press n n n n n n n n The largest Canadian owned publisher of children’s books, Kids Can Press offers a number of graphic novels and picture books for kids and tweens, including the Franklin the Turtle line of books. Their roster of graphic novels includes Into the Woods by J. Torres (Archie Comics’ Jinx) and Faith Erin Hicks (Friends with Boys) and Claudia Davilla’s Luz series. For more information, visit www.kidscanpress.com n
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n Marvel Comics n n n n n n n n Marvel Comics is well known to comics fans as one of the largest publishers, with a number of well-known characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers. Much like DC Comics, the company’s main books skew toward an older audience, but they maintain a line of all ages books as well, with Marvel Universe: Ultimate Spider-Man and The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes offering adventures based on the Disney XD animated series. The line also includes Eric Shanower and Skottie Young’s adaptations of Roald Dahl’s classic Oz series, which won the Eisner Award in 2010 for Best Publication for Kids and Best Limited Series. For more information, visit marvelkids.marvel.com n
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n NBM/Papercutz n n n n n n n n The all ages imprint of comic publisher NBM, Papercutz offers graphic novels for kids and tweens across a wide variety of genres and styles. They feature a number of titles based on popular television and web shows such as Power Rangers: Super Samurai and Annoying Orange, and bring a classic kids line into the modern age with the Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series. They have also brought popular European graphic novels to North America, such as Emmanuel Guibert and Marc Boutavant’s Ariol and the original comics of the Smurfs by creator Peyo. For more information, visit www.papercutz.com n
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Resources
n Oni Press n n n n n n n n The publisher of works such as Scott Pilgrim and the Sixth Gun features a number of series aimed at kids, including Chris Scwheizer’s Crogan’s Adventures series, which take place in different thoroughly-researched historical eras and have made the YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list. Also published is Ted Naifeh’s Courtney Crumrin series and Joshua Williamson and Vicente Navarette’s Sketch Monsters. For more information, visit www.onipress.com n
n Scholastic Inc. n n n n n n n n While not exclusively a comic publisher, the school/ library mainstay offers a wide variety of graphic novels for kids, from Jeff Smith’s classic series Bone to comic adaptations of the Babysitter’s Club to Raina Telgemier’s Smile. For more information, visit www.scholastic.com n
KidsComics.com
Created by Diamond Comic Distributors, KidsComics. com offers comic readers information on comic books and graphic novels specifically for readers 12 and under. Offering new and upcoming release information, links to publishers and games, and previews, the site aims to be the resource for kid-appropriate comics. The site also features a kid friendly comic shop locater, which uses the Comic Shop Locater service but exclusively lists stores with the Kid Friendly designation, meaning they consistently carry a strong selection of kids comics. For more information, visit www.kidscomics.com
A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics
n TOON Books n n n n n n n n Established by The New Yorker art director Françoise Mouly, TOON Books has released a number of graphic novels aimed at beginning readers, earning rave reviews for the quality of their books. Featuring reading levels as well as teaching guides, TOON Books’ releases are meant to not only entertain kids, but help them develop reading skills. Titles have included Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith (Bone) and Geoffrey Hayes’ Benny and Penny series, which won a Geisel Award in 2010. For more information, visit www.toon-books.com n
n Viz Kids n n n n n n n n The leading manga publisher Viz features a line dedicated to titles both aimed at and popular with younger readers with Viz Kids. Many titles are based on popular game and cartoon series, such as Pokémon (which continues in multiple series) and The Legend of Zelda. Viz has also branched out into series such as Winx Club (based on the Nickelodeon show) and the Mr. Men and Little Miss series of children’s books. Viz recently announced that they will release a series of original Hello Kitty graphic novels beginning in 2013. For more information, visit www.viz.com n
(Krause Publications, 978-1-4402-2994-7)
Librarians Scott Robins and Snow Wildsmith assembled this guide to graphic novels for kids to show parents and selectors just what a wide selection of books are available. Featuring over 100 titles categorized by grade level, with a summary, educational tie-in, and read-a-like list, the book serves as a comprehensive introduction for both new and longtime readers. For more information, the BookShelf interview with Robins and Wildsmith is available at http://ow.ly/j9ZNX
School Library Journal’s Good Comics for Kids
School Library Journal’s blog features several librarians who specialize in kids and tweens graphic novels. The blog offers resources for readers and selectors of kids comics, including reviews, news, previews, and interviews. For more information, visit blogs.slj.com/goodcomics forkids
Comic Stores
Recently, a couple of comic shops opened up which are focused exclusively on kids comics. Long-standing Toronto comic store The Beguiling opened sister store Little Island Comics in 2011, in their words “the first kids comic book store in North America – maybe the world!” In addition to all ages comics, the shop features regular events including creator signings and comic classes. For more information, visit www.littleislandcomics.com In 2012, the U.S. got its own kids comic shop with the opening of Aw Yeah Comics. Founded by comic creators Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani – the team behind DC Comics’ Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures – along with comic writer Marc Hammond the shop, located in Skokie, IL, “celebrates and promotes everything that is wonderful about comics, toys, artwork, and the joy they bring to people.” The store has also hosted events, such as a creator chat featuring a rotating breakfast menu. For more information, visit www.awyeahcomics.com
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Comics Are Magic An Interview with
writer Katie Cook
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ince its debut in 2010, the Hub network’s cartoon My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has become a pop culture phenomenon, garnering kid and adult fans, as well as a large (and vocal) older male audience. A re-launch of Hasbro’s toy line from the 1980s, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has proven a critical and rating success and has been praised for its appeal to girls as well as boys.
IDW Publishing has produced a comic series based on the show, and is releasing My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Vol. 1 ($17.99, 978-1-61377-605-6) in the spring. Written by comic veteran Katie Cook – whose work includes stories for Archaia’s Jim Henson comics The Storyteller and Fraggle Rock – with art by Andy Price, the comic features a mix of humor, action, and adventure that is appropriate for kids and adults. BookShelf spoke with Katie Cook about writing My Little Pony, writing for all ages, and her view of the kids’ comics scene.
t How did you come to write the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series? (Editor) Bobby Curnow tapped me for it… we’d unsuccessfully tried to do something together before, and luckily, he had me in mind when MLP became an IDW property!
t Were you a fan of the show before you started writing the series? Did you like the original Ponies growing up?
Also, I was born in the early 80s, so I remember when ponies were new and I had to have all the toys THEN. Excuse me while I put on my hipster glasses.
t Because the age range of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fans is so wide, is it difficult to write stuff for kids and adults in the same book? I REALLY tried to create an all-ages book for MLP:FiM. I think the strongest part of the show is how it speaks on different levels. There’s plenty there for say, my daughter, to enjoy while still keeping me, a somewhat adult, totally entertained. I
Yes! Fun fact, my older brother started watching it before I did (And I have a young daughter!). He got me hooked and my daughter’s budding obsession turned me into a crazy pony fanatic.
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love that kind of writing and I love the challenge that it presents to create on that level.
t A lot of your work seems to be all ages. Is it easy for you to write this way?
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t What do you think it is about My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic that has made it so popular with such a wide audience?
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Like I said, MLP:FiM has layers… there’s the “we’re here to sell pony toys” layer, but then it goes beyond that to make great stories and relatable characters. They didn’t “cheapen” the show just because it’s also a toy line… I have a lot of respect for that. They created a fun property that a lot of people have become dedicated fans of.
For me, yes… because it’s the way that I write naturally. I think it’s because I’m a “Jim Henson” kid. I grew up on the Muppets, which I think is the definitive standard in all-ages material. My kid enjoys is for flailing limbs and songs… I enjoy it for waaaaay deeper reasons.
t You’ve also done stories for Fraggle Rock and Star Wars (among others). Were these series you enjoyed as a kid, and how did it feel getting to work with these characters? I feel incredibly lucky that the characters that, as a kid, I once said “I’m going to do stuff like THAT when
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make more comics for kids”. Kids LOVE comics. Parents who love comics want to buy comics for their kids… the only way to encourage a new generation of comic readers is to give kids comics they love. I think bigger companies are shooting themselves in the foot when they don’t produce all-ages content, because they aren’t encouraging the new generation of readers.
I grow up” have now become my playground. I get to create new art and new stories for the properties that I grew up with and that influenced me. There’s something deep and profound in there about maybe *I* am now influencing a new generation of creator, but I glaze over that in favor of freaking out that I wrote an issue of Fraggle Rock and got to write dialogue for Boober.
t One of the strengths of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is that it’s a comic that young girls can enjoy. As someone who creates kid friendly comics (as well as being a parent), how do you feel about the current state of comics for kids?
t You’ve written the first story arc of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series. Do you have plans to continue on? As long as Hasbro and IDW let me play in the stables, I’ll be here.
As someone that is a creator AND a parent of a young girl… I am thrilled with the independent comics selection of comics for kids. I can go to a comic convention and find some amazing self published material I can’t wait to get home to my kiddo… but, as far as the selections from DC/Marvel/etc? It’s lacking. I really hope that everyone can look at what IDW has with MLP:FiM and say “well, maybe we SHOULD
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t What do you have coming up next? More ponies! I also have my own comic (www. gronkcomic.com) that I self published. I have lots of plans for my own material this year as well as lots of things I can’t talk about yet!
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Comics Fandom for Kids B y C a i t l in Plov nic k
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any fans know that reading comics is only part of the fun. Fandom also involves participation in a community – discussing and critiquing comics, dressing up as favorite characters, creating and sharing fanfiction with others who share your passions. There are many avenues for comics fans and creators to come together, either in person at conventions or through online forums. But what about the next generation of fans? As more great graphic novels for young audiences become available, a growing number of events and forums now welcome and encourage kids to participate in comics fandom on their own terms. Every spring, Bronx Community College in New York hosts the Kids Comic Con, now preparing for its 7th year. The brainchild of educator, entertainer and comics writer Alex Simmons, Kids Comic Con features a full day of workshops and presentations for kids who love comics. Creators will be on hand to sell books, sign autographs and draw sketches, as well as review portfolios for aspiring comic creators. This year’s theme is “Sci-Tech High” based on a workshop Simmons developed to get kids thinking about the scientific principles behind popular superheroes. Participants are encouraged to design their own superheroes and describe scientifically how their powers work – a fun exercise where imagination enhances the desire to learn. In addition to the annual show, the KCC Road Show has brought a smaller version of the event to communities in other states and even other countries. This year’s Kids Comic Con took place on May 11. More information about Kids Comic Con and the KCC Road Show is available at http:// kidscomiccon.com/. Kids Read Comics is a popular annual show for kids and teenagers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hosted by the Ann Arbor District Library. The event features exhibitors and portfolio reviews, as well as many comics and craft workshops, teaching many different aspects of comics creation, animation, game design, costuming and more. Panels include live “Quick Draw!” games in which artists compete to create the best improvised cartoons.
Kids Read Comics also hosts a professional development track for teachers and librarians, but the primary focus is comics for kids, and kid attendees should find plenty to engage them. Now in its fourth year, the convention will be held June 22-23. More information is available at http:// mlatcomics.com/krc/. Many major comic shows, such as Comic-Con International: San Diego and New York Comic Con also have plenty to offer to young fans. Both shows feature special Kids Days on Sunday, with blocks of programming and special events meant to appeal especially to kids. In the past, these have included dramatic readings of comics, costume contests, comic-making workshops and even petting zoos. Kid friendly programming is also offered outside of Kids Day. Many other shows, including both mainstream and independent comic shows, will make a special effort to provide programming, events and products for kids, so it is always worth doing a little research ahead of time to find out what will be available. Kids don’t have to go all the way to a convention to participate in comics fandom. There are also online resources where they can make themselves heard. is a podcast produced by cartoonists Dave Roman and Jerzy Drozd. Each episode features both professional cartoonists who create kids comics, as well as the kids who read them. Kids and teens talk about their favorite comics on the show, and listeners are encouraged to participate in book clubs by emailing or recording their own thoughts on the featured book. More information about Kids Comics Revolution can be found here: http:// comicsaregreat.com/category/kidscomicsrevolution. Of course, library book groups and afterschool clubs are ideal ways for young fans to get together and enjoy comics and pop culture as active participants. Whether by organizing a local miniature comic con or simply providing kids with a space to read and talk about their favorite comics, efforts to include kids in comics culture pave the way for fantastic new comics and stories to spark the imaginations of future generations of fans.
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Sesame Street: I Is For Imagination By: Jason M. Burns and Amy Mebberson Publisher: Ape Entertainment Format: Hardcover, 32 pages, Full Color, $7.99 ISBN: 978-1-937676-91-9
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n Spring 2013, Sesame Street, the long-running and much-beloved institution of educational programming, makes its debut on the comic rack with Sesame Street: I is for Imagination ($7.99, 978-1-93767-691-9), the first graphic novel based on the show. This volume is the first in a series from publisher Ape Entertainment in partnership with the Sesame Street Workshop. Along with stories for young readers, the comics and graphic novels will also contain educational content, and will feature classic characters including Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch. In I is for Imagination, Elmo decides to become a superhero, but he doesn’t have any powers! It will be up to the always lovable Super Grover to teach Elmo that he can have any superpowers he wants, because he already has the greatest superpower - imagination! Sesame Street: I is for Imagination is suggested for kids, and should appeal to fans of the television program or other kids’ shows.
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PREVIEW S t a r t ing a graphic novel collectio n
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Katie’s Korner:
Graphic Novel Reviews for Schools and Libraries by D r . K a t ie Monnin Some Teaching Recommendations For All Ages Suggested Alignment to the IRA /NCTE Standard(s):* - standard #s correspond to the numbers used by IRA/NCTE
Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes From 50 Celebrated Cartoonists
By: Various Publisher: First Second Books Format: Hardcover, 10 x 8, full color, $18.99 ISBN: 978-1-59643-600-8 Some of the best moments of my childhood involved nursery rhymes. With a hairbrush or spatula in hand (an obvious storytelling-microphone in disguise) my mom acted out every nursery rhyme under the sun. And she was good at it. Magically, she would become a mouse running up a clock. The Queen of Hearts. Mary and her little lamb. Even the London Bridge would come falling down. In short, although my emergent literacy experiences as a child were unique to my mom’s reenactment creativities, they were also pretty common. Most children end up hearing a nursery rhyme or two before they head off to school. With an unknowing nod to my mother and all the other reenactment-inclined loved ones who once taught each of us a nursery rhyme or two, First Second Books offers today’s children an entirely new set of nursery rhyme experiences: Fifty nursery rhymes by fifty noteworthy comic and graphic novel creators. A collection of re-imagined and modernized nursery rhymes in comic book format, Nursery Rhyme Comics breathes new life into some of our favorite stories of all time. From the text to the visuals, today’s young readers and their loved can once again read, act out, and play with Nursery Rhyme Comics. When I brought this conversation-starter with me on a recent trip to visit my mom, for instance, we had a heck of a good time not only remembering, rethinking, and reenacting some of our classical favorites, but also critiquing and discovering some new and now refreshed favorites. English Language Arts Elements of Story for Nursery Rhyme Comics Plot: 50 new nursery rhymes by 50 comic and graphic novel creators. Traditional Literature Pairing Suggestions: Any traditional nursery rhyme
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1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works. 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience. 3. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
Suggested Guided Reading Lesson Plan for All Ages: • Before Reading To begin, ask readers to choose two traditional nursery rhymes and two, similar Nursery Rhyme Comics. Once they have chosen two traditional nursery rhymes and two Nursery Rhyme Comics ask them to read each of them. • During Reading As they read their traditional nursery rhymes and their Nursery Rhyme Comics tell readers to think about or envision what it might look like to reenact each of the four nursery rhymes, without any words. As they think about how they would visually reenact these nursery rhymes offer students two blank sheets of paper. Explain what it means to storyboard and ask each reader to choose one traditional nursery rhyme and one Nursery Rhyme Comic to storyboard; explain that storyboarding involves drawing one panel/box at a time (each panel/box advancing the story). Note: To storyboard students will need to draw an appropriate amount of panels/boxes for each of the important details from their two chosen nursery rhymes. • After Reading After they read and storyboard, allow students to share their reenactments with the class.
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Princeless Book One: Save Yourself
By: Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment Format: Softcover, 5 x 8, 116 pages, Full Color, $14.95 ISBN: 978-1-45079-894-5 Now on my all-time favorites list Princeless Book One: Save Yourself was a more-than-welcome surprise to my reading list. Contacted by its writer, Jeremy Whitley, I was offered an opportunity to read this story. As soon as I opened to the very first page I became happily-addicted. Even if I wanted to or needed to go somewhere I couldn’t; this graphic novel is that good. I know treasure when I find it, and Princeless is a storytelling treasure.
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So impressed by the clever story and the entrancing artwork, I felt as though I couldn’t hold such a hot gem in my own hands for long. Teachers, parents, librarians, and students all need to know about this graphic novel right now. There is no time to loose. It’s really that good. As fast we line up and purchase tickets to the latest, greatest animated film everyone can’t wait to see I suggest we place the same excited interest and need to be in-the-know on Princeless Book One: Save Yourself.
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Rewriting the traditional fairy tale in the most clever and unique storyline I have yet to read, Princeless makes writing a modern fairy tale look simple. Like the greatest athletes, actors, and writers who hold claim to some of our favorite moments in time and stories this graphic novel makes the impressive, the almost-impossible, look simple.
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Princess Adrienne is no ordinary princess. She’s not going to sit around in a small, guarded castle guarded by a dragon waiting… waiting… waiting to be rescued! She’s busting out; and she’s busting the modern fairy tale genre into the 21st century with her. Teamed up with her guard dragon, “Sparky,” who is actually a big softy and loyal to the Princess, Princess Adrienne sets out on a journey no princess has yet to go on. She can’t stop thinking about how silly the Princess gig is. Unlike her sisters she’s not interested in sitting around, waiting to be rescued, singing beautiful songs that seem to endear and enchant forest animals. Princess Adrienne, Sparky, and a spunky new friend named Bedelia are going to rescue and redefine this whole princess business.
English Language Arts Elements of Story Plot: Princess Adrienne is no ordinary princess. This princess is not about to sit around in a dragon-guarded hideaway waiting for Prince Charming. She - and she’s taking the dragon with her - are busting out of that tired fairy tale idea. Setting: the King and Queen’s castle, Princess Adrienne’s dragon-guarded hideaway, the village, the blacksmith’s shop, the forrest Major Characters: Princess Adrienne, Sparky, Bedelia, the Blacksmith, the King, the Queen, the King’s guards, Themes: Coming of Age, Family, Individualism, Fairy Tales and Fables
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Traditional and Contemporary Literary Pairing Suggestions: S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Hamlet by Shakespeare, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Some Teaching Recommendations For Middle and High School Readers Suggested Alignment to the Common Core Standards:* *Standard numbers correspond to the literal common core standards numbers, www.commoncorestandards.com Craft and Structure 4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. 5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole. 6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. More Online For suggested reading and writing ideas using Princeless Book One, check our online Lesson Plans at www.DiamondBookShelf.com Katie Monnin, PhD, is an assistant professor of literacy at the University of North Florida and author of Teaching Graphic Novels: Practical Strategies for the Secondary ELA Classroom (2010) from Maupin House. To learn more about Teaching Graphic Novels or Katie Monnin, please go to this link: http://www.maupinhouse.com/monnin.php.
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REVIEWS:
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MORE Graphic Novel Reviews Avatar: the Last Airbender – The Promise Part One
Mermin Book One: Out of Water
By: Joey Weiser Publisher: Oni Press Format: Hardcover, 6 x 9, 152 pages, Full Color, $19.99 ISBN: 978-1-934964-98-9 Reviewed by: Diamond BookShelf
By: Michael Dante DiMartino, Brian Konietzko, Gene Luen Yang, and Gurihiru Publisher: Dark Horse Format: Softcover, 6 x 9, 80 pages, Full Color, $10.99 ISBN: 978-1-59582-811-8 Reviewed by: Diamond BookShelf
Avatar: The Promise takes place between the wildly popular Nickelodeon television series and its sequel: The Legend of Korra. The creative team consists of awardwinning graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and Gurihiru, the studio behind the Marvel Age Power Pack miniseries. The world of Avatar consists of four nations based on the elements water, earth, fire, and air. Benders have the power to manipulate their nation’s element. Each generation produces one Avatar, a bender capable of manipulating all four elements. The original series followed the adventures of young avatar Aang and his diverse group of friends as they fought to defeat the corrupt ruler of the Fire nation. The Promise takes place immediately afterwards, as Aang is faced with the task of restoring harmony to the four nations. Aang may master all four elements, but the art of diplomacy proves a much trickier challenge. He also must deal with a weighty promise made to his friend Zuko, the new leader of the fire nation: to “end” Zuko if he also becomes corrupt and threatens the balance of power between the nations. Aang is forced to confront this problem sooner than he would like, when Zuko changes his mind and refuses to cooperate with the “Harmony Restoration Movement,” out of a sense of duty to his people, whose long-standing colonies he has been asked to dismantle. Yang does a good job of setting up a conflict with no easy answers. He also provides a nice story balance between drama and fun. The artwork is vibrant and appealing; it looks very similar to the animation style while comfortably accommodating the comic book narrative. With plenty of appeal for fans of both manga and superhero comics and Avatar fans and newcomers alike, Avatar: the Promise lives up to its promise!
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Mermin is a merman from the kingdom of Mer. He is also the titular character of this graphic novel, an actionpacked and humorous book from Joey Weiser, a comic creator who’s worked on several all ages comics. The tale begins with Mermin awaking on a beach, having emerged from the sea. Meeting a group of human children, Mermin is overjoyed to be on dry land, and quickly befriends the kids. But even at the beginning, the question of where he came from and why he’s here looms large. Mermin is taken home by one of the kids, and attempts to join the school, dealing with not only being the new kid (and friend to one of the less popular students), but one who happens to be green. While this happening, the search party seeking to bring Mermin back to Mer – which he ran away from – shows up, and are willing to do whatever’s necessary to bring him back. Mermin is a fun “fish out of water” tale aimed at kids. Weiser deftly blends the humor of Mermin’s unbridled excitement and occasional misunderstanding of human customs with rollicking adventure, particularly when the mercenaries sent to retrieve Mermin show up. The art is appropriately bold and cartoony, but also vibrant and easy to follow, and the coloring is very bright and eye catching. By leaving the reader with a bevy of unanswered questions (literally asked at the end of the story), Weiser sets up a sequel for Mermin, with the promise of more entertaining reading. With only minor cartoon fighting toward the end raising possible objections, Mermin is a fun read for all ages.
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Iron, Or the War After
ABOUT OUR REVIEWS
By: Shane-Michael Viaurri Publisher: Archaia Entertainment Format: Hardcover, 6 x 9, 152 pages, Full Color, $24.95 ISBN: 978-1-93639-328-2 Review by: Eric Campos, special to Diamond BookShelf
Bookshelf presents a list of graphic novel reviews, courtesy of our writers, as well as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and School Library Journal. Eric Campos is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in English at Loyola College in Maryland.
There is a cold, binding sense of winter that prevails throughout S.M. Vidaurri’s Iron, or The War After. Scenes depict a struggle, a fight raging as deadly as a winter maelstrom. Iron takes place in a land whose people are anthropomorphic creatures, such as foxes and rabbits, but all with human features and awareness. Despite the calm story-book style illustration, this graphic novel delves into very deep themes. It takes on the setting of a post war time period, clearly influenced by the post World War II and Cold War eras. The story follows James Hardin, a rabbit, whose father was killed while covertly working against the current regime. Vidaurri’s work is striking in its depiction of the children of fallen soldiers. How they will go on is something that James and his sister struggle with as they must survive without their father in a still war-torn society. The other characters, both on the side of the resistance and of the government are equally as interesting and deep. Giles (a goat) is a strong, stubborn, and resilient veteran who is torn between despair and continuing the fight for a seemingly lost cause. The cold, cunning Captain Engel of the government is depicted as a tiger to match the ferocity of his character. The story follows both sides of the conflict but seems to hint that all war is, at its core, animalistic. There is not much outward violence in the comic, and when there is it is illustrated with little blood (if any at all). It is graphic in the sense that the fictional creatures reflect the acts of humans all too well. The story’s parallel to our own past (and present) makes this a hard look at humanity’s own approach to war and ideals behind it. The color scheme of the comic is stark, again giving the sense of overbearing cold. Primarily using blacks, whites, and blues, this seems to create the idea of a divided world of black and white. Matching the story itself, the style seems to present images that are clear, but not perfectly defined, just slightly obscured. This seems to match a theme of snowfall, blurred vision - oftentimes the views in war times. Enemies, friends, right and wrong, can all become a blur. The style of Iron is well suited to such a complex story. Teens and up will without a doubt enjoy this book, and make them think not only about the past, but where we as a generation are going. With war’s end, is it truly over? How does a country, how do the people, heal? Can they ever?
Caitlin Plovnick is a former editor of BookShelf and graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies. She is currently pursuing her MLS at Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science in Boston, MA.
Publishers Weekly (PW) is “the International News Magazine of Book Publishing and Bookselling.” For more reviews, please visit http://www.publishersweekly.com
Library Journal (LJ) is the oldest publication covering the library field, currently enjoying its 133rd year of publication. For more reviews, please visit http://www.libraryjournal.com
School Library Journal (SLJ) is the leading print magazine serving librarians who work with young people in schools and public libraries. For more reviews, please visit http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com
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CORE LISTS BookShelf pre s e n t s a l i s t o f s e l e c t e d e s s e n t i a l t i t l e s f o r d i f f e r e n t a g e r a n g e s .
Titles for Kids (Age 6+) Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens Vol. 1 By Meredith Gran and Various BOOM! Studios/kaboom! – 978-1-60886-313-6 All-New Batman: Brave and the Bold – Small Miracle By Various DC Comics - 978-1-40123-852-0 Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Search Part One By Various Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-054-7 Barry’s Best Bubby By Renée French TOON Books – 978-1-93517-921-4 Benjamin Bear in Bright Ideas By Philippe Coudray TOON Books – 978-1-93517-922-1 G-Man Vol. 3: Coming Home By Chris Giarrusso Image Comics – 978-1-60706-571-5 Graphic Classics Vol. 24: Native American Classics By Various Eureka Productions – 978-0-98256-306-9 Jinx Vol. 2: Little Miss Steps By J. Torres, Rick Burchett, and Terry Austin Archie Comics – 978-1-93697-541-9 Mickey Mouse: Call of the Wild By Floyd Gottfredson Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-643-0 My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Vol. 1 By Katie Cook and Andy Price IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-605-6 Ninjago Vol. 6: Warriors of Stone By Greg Farshtey and Jolyon Yates Papercutz – 978-1-59707-378-3 Road to Oz By Eric Shanower and Skottie Young Marvel Comics – 978-0-78516-404-3 Sabrina the Teenage Witch: The Magic Within Vol. 1 By Tania Del and Jim Amash Archie Comics – 978-1-93697-539-6
Sonic Saga Vol. 2: Order from Chaos By Ian Flynn, Patrick Spaziante, and Various Archie Comics – 978-1-93697-540-2 Thea Stilton Vol. 1 Secret Whale Island By Thea Stilton Papercutz – 978-1-59707-403-2 Tiny Titans Vol. 8: Aw Yeah Titans! By Art Baltazar and Franco DC Comics – 978-1-40123-812-4 Unico By Osamu Tezuka Digital Manga Publishing – 978-1-56970-312-0 Vader’s Little Princess By Jeffrey Brown Chronicle Books – 978-1-45211-869-7
Titles for Young Adults (Age 13+) The Adventures of Superhero Girl By Faith Erin Hicks Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-084-4 Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller By: Joseph Lambert Hyperion – 978-1-42311-336-2
Iron Man/War Machine: Hands of the Mandarin By Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78518-428-7 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Vol. 1 Activation By Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Yoshiyuki Tomino, and Hajime Yatate Vertical Inc – 978-1-93565-487-2
Smallville Season 11 Vol. 1: The Guardian By Brian Q. Miller and Pere Perez DC Comics – 978-1-40123-824-7
Tiger & Bunny Vol. 1 By Mizuki Sakaibara Viz – 978-1-42155-561-4
Sketch Monsters Vol. 2: The New Kid By Joshua Williamson and Vincent Navarrette Oni Press – 978-1-62010-012-7
Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Vol. 1 By David Tipton, Scott Tipton, Simon Fraser, and Lee Sullivan IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-653-7
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Batman: The Night of the Owls By Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, and Various DC Comics – 978-1-40123-773-8
Darwin: A Graphic Biography By Eugene Byrne and Simon Gurr Smithsonian Books – 978-1-58834-352-9
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R.I.P.D. Vol. 1 2nd Edition By Peter M. Lenkov, Lucas Marangon, and Randy Emberlin Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-071-4
Sunny Vol. 1 By Taiyo Matsumoto Viz – 978-1-42155-525-6
Blood-C Vol. 1 By Ranmaru Kotone Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-097-4
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Barrage Vol. 1 By Kouhei Horikoshi Viz – 978-1-42155-275-0
Batman, Incorporated Vol. 1: Demon Star By Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham, and Frazer Irving DC Comics – 978-1-40123-888-9
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Pathfinder Vol. 1: Dark Waters Rising By Jim Zub and Andrew Huertra Dynamite Entertainment – 978-1-60690-392-6
Avengers Vs. Thanos By Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78516-850-8
Disgaea 3: School of Devils Vol. 1 By Shin Sasaki Udon Entertainment – 978-1-92677-872-3
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Hatter M. Vol. 4: The Zen of Wonder By Frank Beddor, Liv Cavalier, and Sami Makkonen Automatic Pictures – 978-0-98187-378-7
Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness By Roberto Orci, Mike Johnson, and David Messina IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-623-0
Sesame Street: I is for Imagination By Various Ape Entertainment – 978-1-93767-691-9
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Friends with Boys By Faith Erin Hicks First Second – 978-1-596435-568-5
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Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By: Jonathan Fetter-Vorm Hill & Wang – 978-0-80909-468-4 Who is AC? By Hope Larson and Tintin Pantoia Atheneum Books – 978-1-44242-650-4 Wolverine By Chris Claremont and Frank Miller Marvel Comics – 978-0-78513-724-5 Womanthology: Space By Various IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-607-0 World of Warcraft: Dark Riders By Mike Costa and Neil Googe DC Comics – 978-1-40123-027-2
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Titles for Older Teens (Age 16+) 21st Century Boys Vol. 1 By Naoki Urasawa Viz – 978-1-42154-326-0 An Enchantment By Christian Durieux NBM – 978-1-56163-705-8 Astonishing X-Men Vol. 10: Northstar By Marjorie M. Liu, Mike Perkins, and Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78516-180-6 Beautiful Creatures By Margaret Stohl, Kami Garcia, and Cassandra Jean Yen Press – 978-0-31618-271-3 Books of Magic: The Deluxe Edition By Neil Gaiman and Various DC Comics/Vertigo – 978-1-40123-781-3 Crimson Empire: Circumstances to Serve a Noble Vol. 1 By QuinRose and Hazuki Futaba Seven Seas Entertainment – 978-1-93786-723-2 Dark Hunters: Infinity Vol. 1 By Sherrilyn Kenyon and JiYoung Ahn Yen Press – 978-0-31619-053-4 The Demon’s Sermon on the Martial Arts By Sean Michael Wilson, Issai Chozanshi, and Michiru Morikawa Shambhala – 978-1-61180-021-0 Dial H Vol. 1: Into You By China Mieville, Mateus Santolouco, and Various DC Comics – 978-1-40123-775-2 Doubt Omnibus Vol. 1 By Yoshiki Tonogai Yen Press – 978-0-31624-530-2 Elizabeth’s Canvas By Various IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-645-2 Hawkeye Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon By Matt Fraction and David Aja Marvel Comics – 978-0-78516-562-0 Jerusalem: The Story of a City By Boaz Yakin and Nick Bertozzi First Second – 978-1-59643-575-9 Knights of Sidonia Vol. 1 By Tsutomu Nihei Vertical Inc. – 978-1-93565-480-3 Last Day in Vietnam By Will Eisner Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-120-9 The Lone Ranger Omnibus Vol. 1 By Brett Matthews, Sergio Cariello, and Paul Pope Dynamite Entertainment – 978-1-60690-352-0 The Massive Vol. 1 By Brian Wood, Kristian Donaldson, and Garry Brown Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-132-2
Mind MGMT Vol. 1: The Manager By Matt Kindt Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-59582-797-5
Global Frequency By Warren Ellis and Various DC Comics – 978-1-40123-797-4
My Friend Dahmer By Derf Backderf Abrams ComicArts – 978-1-41970-217-4
Great Pacific Vol. 1: Trashed By Joe Harris and Martin Morazzo Image Comics – 978-1-60706-684-2
Red Handed: The Fine Art of Strange Crimes By Matt Kindt First Second – 978-1-59643-662-6
Happy! By Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson Image Comics – 978-1-60706-677-4
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen By Lucy Knisley First Second – 978-1-59643-623-7 The Secret History of D.B. Cooper By Brian Hurtt and Brian Churilla Oni Press – 978-1-61377-653-7 The Silence of Our Friends By Mark Long, Jim Demonakos, and Nate Powell First Second – 978-1-59643-618-3 Superior Spider-Man Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy By Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman, and Giuseppe Camuncoli Marvel Comics – 978-0-78516-704-4 Ultimate Comics Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis Vol. 1 By Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli Marvel Comics – 978-0-78515-712-0
Titles for Adults (Age 18+) Aya: Love in Yop City By Marguerite Abouet and Clement Oubrerie Drawn & Quarterly – 978-1-77046-092-8 Beta Testing the Apocalypse By Tom Kaczynski Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-541-9 Delphine By Richard Sala Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-590-7 The End By Anders Nilsen Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-635-5 Fran By Jim Woodring Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-661-4 The From Hell Companion By Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell Top Shelf Productions – 978-1-60309-303-3 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Vol. 2 By Stieg Larsson, Denise Mina, Leonardo Manco, and Andrea Mutti DC Comics/Vertigo – 978-1-40123-558-1
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How to Fake a Moon Landing: Exposing the Myths of Science Denial By Darryl Cunningham Abrams ComicArts – 978-1-41970-689-9 Husbands By Jane Espenson, Brad Bell, Ron Chan, and Various Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-130-8 The Initiates By Etienne Davodeau NBM – 978-1-56163-703-4 Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me By Ellen Forney Gotham Books – 978-1-59240-732-3 Mumbai Confidentail Book 1: Good Cop, Bad Cop By Saurav Mohapatra, Vivek Shinde, and Various Archaia Entertainment – 978-1-936393-65-7 Nero: Heart of Ice By Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill Top Shelf Productions – 978-1-60309-274-6 New School By Dash Shaw Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-644-7 New Tales of Old Palomar By Gilbert Hernandez Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-625-6 Pepita: Inoue Meets Gaudi By Takehiko Inoue Viz – 978-1-42155-274-3 Raven Girl By Audrey Niffenegger Abrams ComicsArts – 978-1-41970-726-1 Superior By Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu Marvel Comics – 978-0-78515-317-7 Susceptible By Genevieve Castree Drawn & Quarterly – 978-1-77046-088-1 The Walking Dead Vol. 17: Something to Fear By Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard Image Comics – 978-1-60706-615-6 Walrus By Brandon Graham Picturebox – 978-0-98515-959-7 We Can Fix It! A Time Travel Memoir By Jess Fink Top Shelf Productions – 978-1-60309-065-0
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Resources b oo ks a bo ut graphic no vel s Comic Book History of Comics
By Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey The history of comic books is told in the most appropriate format in this graphic novel from the team behind Action Philosophers. Chronicling the inspiring, infuriating, and utterly insane story of comics, graphic novels, and manga, this their irreverent-but-accurate account tells the stories of Jack Kirby, R. Crumb, Harvey Kurtzman, Alan Moore, Stan Lee, Will Eisner, Fredric Wertham, Roy Lichtenstein, Art Spiegelman, Hergé, Osamu Tezuka, and more. SC, $21.99 (IDW Publishing) ISBN: 978-1-61377-197-6
Using Content-Area Graphic Texts for Learning By Meryl Jaffe and Katie Monnin
BookShelf contributor Monnin and Johns Hopkins University instructor Jaffe aim to help middle school educators integrate graphic novels into their classrooms in four main areas – math, language arts, social studies, and science – by laying out the value of graphic novels as well as providing reading lists and Common Corealigned lesson plans. SC, $23.95 (Maupin House) ISBN: 978-1-93670-060-8
When Commas Meet Kryptonite: Classroom Lessons from the Comic Book Project By Michael Bitz
In this book, Bitz relates his experiences running the Comic Book Project, in which kids run through the entire comic creation process from conception to publishing in their classrooms. Bitz shows how the program works, and how the skills taught in comic creation can be applied to other lessons and areas. SC, $24.95 (Teachers College Press) ISBN: 978-0-80775-065-0
The Comic Book Curriculum: Using Comics to Enhance Learning and Life By James Rourke
History teacher Rourke examines a selection of some of the most popular and prominent superheroes in comics, and shows how these characters can be used to illustrate deep themes and subjects, such as the Civil Rights movement, mythology, and the struggle between freedom and security. Also featured is a bibliography of comics, teacher tools, and lesson plans. SC, $45.00 (Libraries Unlimited) ISBN: 978-1-59884-396-5
More Books About Graphic Novels A number of excellent books have been written on the history of graphic novels, their standing among the arts, and the most current academic thinking on their utility today. DiamondBookShelf.com maintains an up-to-date list of the latest books about comics and graphic novels, including those specifically written for librarians or educators.
U S E F U L The Comic Book Project – Center for Educational Pathways
LI N K S
GNLib: Graphic Novels in Libraries
Maryland Comic Book Initiative
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GNLIB-L/
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/ MSDE/programs/recognition-partnerships/ md-comic-book
http://www.comicbookproject.org/
ComicsResearch.org – Academic & Library Resources
Good Comics for Kids (School Library Journal Blog)
http://www.comicsresearch.org/academic.html
http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/ goodcomicsforkids
Eek! Comics in the Classroom! (Education World)
Graphic Novels for Multiple Literacies (IRA – Gretchen Schwarz)
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/ profdev/profdev105.shtml
http://www.readingonline.org/newliteracies/ lit_index.asp?HREF=jaal/ 11-02_column/index.html
NACAE: the National Association of Comics Art Educators http://www.teachingcomics.org/
Expanding Literacies through Graphic Novels http://www1.ncte.org/Library/files/Free/ recruitment/EJ0956Expanding.pdf
The Graphic Novel and the World History Classroom (History Cooperative) http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ whc/4.2/rhett.html
Graphic Novel Reporter http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com
No Flying, No Tights (Graphic Novel Review Site) http://www.noflyingnotights.com/
Using Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom (The Council Chronicle, Sept. 05) http://www.ncte.org/magazine/archives/122031
YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens List Making Curriculum Pop
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt
http://mcpopmb.ning.com
More Links DiamondBookShelf.com maintains an ever-growing database of web resources for educators and librarians. Categories include official Publisher sites, resources for teachers, resources for librarians, graphic novel and comics review sites, resources for kids and more!
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HOW TO ORDER COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS Yo u h a v e m any options – choose the one that works best for you!
1. Buy from your local comic book shop
2. Buy from your usual wholesaler or book jobber
For a variety of reasons, your local comic book shop could be the best possible resource for your purchase of graphic novels. In fact, many local comic shops service both schools and libraries already with the latest comics and graphic novels.
Baker & Taylor, Inc., Booksource, Brodart, BWI, Follett, Ingram, Partners West, and other wholesalers all carry a full line of graphic novels. Most schools and libraries already do business with one or more of these companies, and it’s easy to add in your order through these procurement channels. Why not add graphic novels to your next order?
3. Buy direct from Diamond If there are no comic book stores in your area and your usual wholesaler doesn’t have deep stock on a variety of titles, Diamond does sell directly to educators and librarians. For more information, call Allan Greenberg at (800) 452-6642 ext. 864 or email library@diamondcomics.com or schools@diamondcomics.com
A Great Resource: Your Local Comic Book Shop Quality comic book shops are a valuable resource for libraries and schools seeking graphic novels and graphic novel information. In the past, such partnerships have proven successful for all involved, with increased sales and circulation, as well as the satisfaction that comes with community involvement. As comic book and graphic novel specialists, comic shop retailers have up-to-date knowledge on the most recent and upcoming hits, and a great familiarity with what their customers are reading and enjoying. Many are more than willing to work together on cross-promotional events, reaching out to and expanding the audience of graphic novel fans. So, how do you go about finding and dealing with your local comic shop? Well, it’s easier than you think. By following these easy steps, you’ll be coordinating with your local comic shop in no time!
Research and Choose a Store. Once you’ve located a store, the next thing to do is find out more about it. If you used the Comic Shop Locator, many of the stores have posted brief profiles. The best way to find out more information about a store is to visit it in person. That way, you’ll have the opportunity to browse through the store’s collection and get personal advice from the knowledgeable experts on hand. All stores will have their own unique approach – find one that you feel comfortable with. Introduce Yourself. Going into any new environment can be intimidating, especially when you have preconceived notions. But there’s nothing to fear from comic shop retailers. Many of them are happy to welcome librarians and teachers into their stores because they understand the mutual benefit working together can achieve. Let them know you’re interested in using graphic novels and they will be more than happy to help!
Find a Store. We’ve already done the work for you! To find your closest comic shop, all you have to do is use the Comic Shop Locator Service. Just log on to http://www. comicshop locator.com and enter your zip code. It’s as simple as that! Located on the store listings is the School and Library Partners icon above. Stores with this designation have told us they are willing to partner with schools and libraries to aid with selection, programming, purchasing, and more.
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BOOKSHELF WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! What did you think of this issue of the Diamond BookShelf? Send your feedback, ideas and suggestions for future articles to: Diamond BookShelf 1966 Greenspring Drive Timonium, MD 21093 Email: editor@diamondbookshelf.com We at Diamond have known for years that comic books and graphic novels are excellent teaching and learning tools…we’re pleased that so many educators are starting to agree! We hope you find this publication and our website a useful resource to convince others that comics can make a difference in helping to promote literacy, motivate readers and more. If you find Diamond BookShelf worthwhile, be sure to pass it on and tell your colleagues!
The BookShelf newsletter is designed to inform educators and librarians about the best graphic novels for their schools and libraries!
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Diamond Comic Distributors is the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels and comics-related merchandise. We believe that comics are not only great fun and great art, but also have educational value and are terrific tools for promoting literacy. The BookShelf magazine and website are two of Diamond’s outreach initiatives to support the use of comics and graphic novels in schools and libraries.
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