Readers' Advisory: A Parent’s Guide to Graphic Novels
At the reference desk, I get a lot of questions about graphic novels. Children ask about graphic novels on their summer reading lists, teenagers ask about new graphic novels in our collection, and parents ask, “What is a graphic novel anyway?”
Graphic novels can be described as novels in a visual format. Similar to prehistoric times, graphic novels use sequential art to convey a story. Educator Gail de Vos describes graphic novels as “bound books, fiction and non-fiction, created in the comic book format and issued an ISBN.” (Serchay, 2010).
The term was coined by Richard Kyle in a 1960s issue of CAPA-alpha, an amateur press publication specializing in comics. (Serchay, 2010). Will Eisner, creator of comic series The Spirit, popularized the term with the subsequent publication of A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories in the 1970s. (Pawuk, 2006). While A Contract with God was not the first graphic novel, its influence caused the term to become part of modern vocabulary.
The confusion about graphic novels probably stems from the fact that they are both a type of comic and a type of novel. This means that, although graphic novels have a visual format, they also have elements of a traditional novel such as multiple characters and storylines. There is also confusion about the term itself as it is often used as a catch-all to describe everything from reprints of original comic series to manga. (Serchay, 2010).
The Mercer County Library System has several reference books about graphic novels including:
Graphic Novels : A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, and More by Michael Pawuck
Pawuk explains the popularity of graphic novels stems from the increasing number of titles from other countries – notably China, Japan, and Korea – that have been embraced by American culture. This includes manga, the Japanese style of comics.
The Readers' Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels by Francisca Goldsmith
Goldsmith dispels the assumptions that graphic novels are a format specifically for children and those with poor literacy skills. Many graphic novels, such as Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed Sandman series, are intended for adult readers.
Also, the average age of a graphic novel reader is 30. (Pawuk, 2006). In other countries, graphic novels are widely read by people of all ages. The descriptor “ graphic” simply refers to the format, not the content.
The Library System has graphic novels in all genres, for all ages. (Serchay’s book, detailing the history of comics and graphic novels, is available as well.) Here are a few that I regularly get questions about:
Smile by Raina Telgemaier
Attribution: MCLS
Children and teenagers can relate to Teegarden’s middle school memoir of –ists (dentist, endodontist, and periodontist) and –ings (gaming, scouting, and teasing). Smile has been on summer reading lists at various elementary schools in Mercer County.
Bone by Jeff Smith
This nine-volume series follows on-the-run cousins Fone, Phoney, and Smiley as they explore a fantasy realm of Rat Creatures and Roque Ja alongside their newfound royal friends. All nine volumes are available at MCLS, both individually and as a collection.
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis
A team of unlikely inventors (Julian, Greta, and Ben) compete against an idea-stealing evil genius (Dr. Stringer) in this tale of middle school and museums. Plus, the cleverly-drawn illustrations are fun for both children and adults.
To learn more about graphic novels:
1. Visit the comics and graphic novels section of the MCLS website.
2. Chat with a reference librarian at your local branch.
Remember, we are always here to help you find enjoyable reading material!
- Stephanie, West Windsor Branch
References:
Goldsmith, F. (2009). The Readers' Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels. American Library Association Editions: Chicago, IL.
Pawuk, M. (2006). Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, and More. Libraries Unlimited: Santa Barbara, CA.
Serchay, D. (2010). The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Adults. Neal-Schumamn Publishers: New York, NY.
Graphic novels can be described as novels in a visual format. Similar to prehistoric times, graphic novels use sequential art to convey a story. Educator Gail de Vos describes graphic novels as “bound books, fiction and non-fiction, created in the comic book format and issued an ISBN.” (Serchay, 2010).
The term was coined by Richard Kyle in a 1960s issue of CAPA-alpha, an amateur press publication specializing in comics. (Serchay, 2010). Will Eisner, creator of comic series The Spirit, popularized the term with the subsequent publication of A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories in the 1970s. (Pawuk, 2006). While A Contract with God was not the first graphic novel, its influence caused the term to become part of modern vocabulary.
The confusion about graphic novels probably stems from the fact that they are both a type of comic and a type of novel. This means that, although graphic novels have a visual format, they also have elements of a traditional novel such as multiple characters and storylines. There is also confusion about the term itself as it is often used as a catch-all to describe everything from reprints of original comic series to manga. (Serchay, 2010).
The Mercer County Library System has several reference books about graphic novels including:
Pawuk explains the popularity of graphic novels stems from the increasing number of titles from other countries – notably China, Japan, and Korea – that have been embraced by American culture. This includes manga, the Japanese style of comics.
The Readers' Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels by Francisca GoldsmithGoldsmith dispels the assumptions that graphic novels are a format specifically for children and those with poor literacy skills. Many graphic novels, such as Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed Sandman series, are intended for adult readers.
Also, the average age of a graphic novel reader is 30. (Pawuk, 2006). In other countries, graphic novels are widely read by people of all ages. The descriptor “ graphic” simply refers to the format, not the content.
The Library System has graphic novels in all genres, for all ages. (Serchay’s book, detailing the history of comics and graphic novels, is available as well.) Here are a few that I regularly get questions about:
Smile by Raina TelgemaierAttribution: MCLS
Children and teenagers can relate to Teegarden’s middle school memoir of –ists (dentist, endodontist, and periodontist) and –ings (gaming, scouting, and teasing). Smile has been on summer reading lists at various elementary schools in Mercer County.
Bone by Jeff Smith
This nine-volume series follows on-the-run cousins Fone, Phoney, and Smiley as they explore a fantasy realm of Rat Creatures and Roque Ja alongside their newfound royal friends. All nine volumes are available at MCLS, both individually and as a collection.
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor DavisA team of unlikely inventors (Julian, Greta, and Ben) compete against an idea-stealing evil genius (Dr. Stringer) in this tale of middle school and museums. Plus, the cleverly-drawn illustrations are fun for both children and adults.
To learn more about graphic novels:
1. Visit the comics and graphic novels section of the MCLS website.
2. Chat with a reference librarian at your local branch.
Remember, we are always here to help you find enjoyable reading material!
- Stephanie, West Windsor Branch
References:
Goldsmith, F. (2009). The Readers' Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels. American Library Association Editions: Chicago, IL.
Pawuk, M. (2006). Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, and More. Libraries Unlimited: Santa Barbara, CA.
Serchay, D. (2010). The Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels for Adults. Neal-Schumamn Publishers: New York, NY.
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