Moon, B. (2008). [The Librarian's Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens]. School Library Journal, 54(8), 156. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database
Reflections
Ahhhhh the graphic novel. Both a librarians best friend and worst enemy. I remember when the first graphic novels for kids started coming out and what an uproar erupted on the listserves. Kids reading comics?!?! What is going to happen to books?!?! This is a library, not a comic book store!! These were splashed across the emails daily. I remember having to beg my supervisor to try a few, you know a few Spider-Man, Archie and Friends, and even some Wonder Woman comics for the girls. She agreed, and now three years later, our shelves are packed and ever so popular! Side note: she does still refuse to let me purchase any graphic novels that are based off of classic literature or any non-fiction graphic novels.
This particular book has been a great resource to have because it contains a vast amount of information about the history of graphic novels, how to choose age appropriate graphic novels and an annotates list of great graphic novels that should be purchased for kids. The section that I think is the most useful is the section where the author gives great ideas on tying graphic novels in with programming...what tween wouldn't love a program based off of a superhero or fantasy graphic novel?
I have also noticed that parents have let down their guard a bit when it comes to graphic novels. Before, they didn't think reading comic books at the library was appropriate and many were nervous about the content. When they became more popular, and they saw teachers assigning them in class, their view changed. I used to have a boy patron who hated to read. I mean he would sit at the desk and mop while his siblings selected their books. I asked his mother if it was ok to show him to our graphic novel section and even though she was a bit hesitant she obliged. I handed him the Bone series by Jeff Smith and he begrudgingly took it. When they came back the next week he rushed straight over to the section and his mother thanked me for changing his life. Yes, I was in tears later that night. :) This is why...I am a librarian.
I have also noticed that parents have let down their guard a bit when it comes to graphic novels. Before, they didn't think reading comic books at the library was appropriate and many were nervous about the content. When they became more popular, and they saw teachers assigning them in class, their view changed. I used to have a boy patron who hated to read. I mean he would sit at the desk and mop while his siblings selected their books. I asked his mother if it was ok to show him to our graphic novel section and even though she was a bit hesitant she obliged. I handed him the Bone series by Jeff Smith and he begrudgingly took it. When they came back the next week he rushed straight over to the section and his mother thanked me for changing his life. Yes, I was in tears later that night. :) This is why...I am a librarian.
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