1. With Kat Kan

2. What is a graphic novel? It is a book using the comic book format. Strictly speaking, a graphic novel tells a complete story in one volume; in the comics/book trade, this is an OGN – original graphic novel. Anya’s Ghost is an OGN. Most “graphic novels” are compilations of comic book story arcs – including Maus by Art Spiegelman. Book series, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, are not, strictly speaking, graphic novels; they are illustrated books, hybrid fiction – no one has really come up with a good name yet.

3. So what is manga? Manga is the Japanese word for comics – this is the short answer. I prefer to use manga only for comics that originate in Japan and are published in English translations. Korean comics are manhwa Chinese comics are manhua American comics in the manga format have been called OEL (Original English Language) manga; I call them comics, or graphic novels.

4. Why graphic novels? Fun to read Attract “nonreaders” and avid readers alike Text and art work together to help struggling readers understand better Provide another format for classics, for nonfiction

5. Graphic novels can supplement classroom texts Persepolis has been studied at West Point Usagi Yojimbo has been used in Japanese history courses at Portland University (Oregon) Some Maryland schools use comics to teach writing

6. Selecting graphic novels Best way is to read and evaluate them yourself; this may not always be possible Local comics shops – if there is one close to you, cultivate a friendship with the owner Use book distributors. Brodart has a working school librarian as the graphic novel selector. Reviews in journals EBSCO’s Graphic Novels Core Collection Listservs such as Graphic Novels in Libraries

7. Graphic Novels Can Also be Taught in Classrooms Several recent books show how teachers can integrate graphic novels into their curricula Maureen Bakis – The Graphic Novel Classroom: Powerful Teaching and Learning with Images Michael Bitz – When Commas Meet Kryptonite: Classroom Lessons from the Comic Book Project Katie Monnin – Teaching Graphic Novels: Practical Strategies for the Secondary Classroom

9. Review Sources Teacher Librarian includes graphic novel reviews aimed at educators School Library Journal includes graphic novel reviews aimed at school librarians Diamond Bookshelf is an online newsletter that includes “Katie’s Korner” by Katie Monnin – book reviews and lesson plans for classroom use. This is a free newsletter – go to http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/Home/1/1/20/163 http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/Home/1/1/20/163

10. Evaluating graphic novels If you get a chance to read some graphic novels, check for the following: How do plot, characters, and literary devices play out in the story? How well are images and words integrated? How clearly does the story flow through the panels on the page? How well do the images convey meaning? What is the quality of the artwork’s reproduction? Does the artwork offer the narrative any special effects?

11. More help online Since I work for Brodart Books & Automation, I can only tell you what we offer. Website: http://www.books.brodart.com/Content3.aspx?P=21 http://www.books.brodart.com/Content3.aspx?P=21 Graphic Novel Helpful Resources – websites, books, articles Brodart’s age ratings – can be used to evaluate graphic novels’ suitability for school collections

12. For more information … Contact Kat Kan directly if you have further questions – teenlibn@hotmail.comteenlibn@hotmail.com Kat is on GNLIB-L, yalsa-bk, Pubyac and replies to posts asking questions about graphic novels

13. After hearing from Kat, how do you feel about graphic novels? A. Still really uncertain about reading & selecting them B. Nervous, but ready to give them a try C. Somewhat confident, ready to do some more reading and make some purchases D. Confident, like you know what you’re doing

15. Evaluating Anya’s Ghost Using Kat’s Questions How do plot, characters, and literary devices play out in the story? How well are images and words integrated? How clearly does the story flow through the panels on the page? How well do the images convey meaning? What is the quality of the artwork’s reproduction? Does the artwork offer the narrative any special effects?

16. Take a minute and see if you can find an image of the manga book or series you chose to read for tonight. Copy & paste it on the white board.

18. Nonfiction Lit Circles Change in Discussion Format: discussion leaders, bring your questions to class on 4/25 for real time discussion rather than discussion board posts You are all organizers and should be able to add pages to the wiki if you need to. Make sure it is clear which pages you have created. You can also email me a copy of your work, but it MUST be posted on the wiki as well. If you have created another product (blog, website, etc.) you must post the link on the wiki. Again, be sure I know it is yours. You’re encouraged to work together to make your section of the wiki appealing & accessible. Please list your book title (and possible the cover), group member names & roles somewhere on your group’s main wiki page.