GRAPHIC WORKS

Recently a co-worker and I were supposed to present a discussion of using graphic novels and non-fiction to teach diversity and justice.  Unfortunately, our presentation was cancelled due to lack of participants in the workshop, but I am not about to let my annotated bibliography go to waste so I will present it here.

My people are a bit put off by graphic works, viewing them as too simplistic or silly.  Perhaps people are remembering the many hours that they spent illicitly reading comic books by Marvel and the like under the blankets after being told to go to sleep.  Such memories are generally too pleasant to have possibly been good for a growing mind.  Recent research seems to be pointing to the opposite being true.  There are strong suggestions that reading a work in graphic format actually increases the ability to remember it.  I don't know if this is true, but I do know that graphic works open up worlds to kids that they might otherwise never enter.  Many of the students who use my library gravitate to the graphic works as a jumping off point to reading more traditional formats.

Don't write off these works until you have had a chance to read them and, perhaps, witnessed a young person reading them.  Graphic works have a lot to offer.  Start with some from this list and then go on to read more.  They are addictive.  (P.S.  They are not just for kids anymore either.  More and more adult level graphic works are being published, especially memoires.)


FICTION

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword and Hereville: How Mirka Met a Meteorite by Barry Deutsch—Grades 4-7   This book will capture readers so completely with trolls and magic and adventure that they will not realize how much they are learning about and appreciating Orthodox Judaism and its customs. Mirka wants to fight trolls and dabble in magic but she does not want to forget the meaningful traditions of her faith. This is a good way to look at communities that we may not understand while discussing religion, self-identity, and women’s rights.

Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest by John Lechner –Grades 1-4   This carries an overt
anti-bullying message along with a story of crazy adventure and some facts (and plenty of imagined
information) about burrs. Toss in a generous dose of humor and kids will find that this book sticks to
them like a burr to wild dog.

Take What You Can Carry by Kevin C. Pyle—Grades 7 and up   In 1978, Kyle, a troubled teen, can only take what he can carry when he shoplifts from a convenience store. In 1941, Ken and 110,00 other Japanese Americans sent to internment camps were instructed to only take what they can carry. These two stories are told side by side unit as it gradually becomes evident that Kyle is stealing from Ken. This novel offers both history and compassion.

Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturm and Rich Tommaso—Grades 5 and up   It is not easy to separate fact from fiction in this story of a young man who hopes to follow Satchel Paige into the Negro League. Emmet, the narrator, tries out against Paige in 1929 but suffers an injury that keeps him back home as a sharecropper but always following baseball and his heroes. There are short updates of his life and world affairs until on September 2, 1944, when Satchel Paige and the All-Stars play against the local all-white team of the Tuckwilla All-Stars. With all the excitement of a good baseball game, readers learn about Jim Crow, standing up for your rights, and pride in one’s actions in this powerful story.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan—Grades 7 and up  My co-worker and top-notch 7th grade teacher, Beth Nazario, uses this wordless book to teach writing along with helping students experience what it means to be an immigrant.  The students write about what they are reading and imagine themselves being one of the un-named immigrants depicted inside the front cover.  After much discussion and introspection, the students each experience an imaginary interview with a customs officer who does not speak English.  Older students or adults who are fluent in another language interviews the student with typical questions.  The experience is often quite powerful.  Even without this in-depth study, this is a powerful book.

Lost and Found by Shaun Tan—All Ages   It takes a more sophisticated reading and guidance to get all of the nuances of the short graphic stories in this collection which will be enjoyed by all ages for their quirky humor. For discussing the reception to immigrants (“the immigrant problem”) my choice would be to read and discuss “The Rabbits” (words by John Marsden). It resonates especially if you have seen the documentary movie “Rabbit Proof Fence” which also comes from Australia.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier—Grades 6-9 This novel won a Stonewall Honor Book Award in January 2013 for its balanced portrayal of gays in a middle school setting. The story follows members of a drama department in their budget strapped production of a musical. The protagonist, Callie, is the set designer who dreams big both for the production and for finally finding a meaningful relationship. Will one of the two cute boys be the answer to her dreams? She deals with declarations of sexual orientation in a way that seems very realistic and appropriate.

WORLD FOLKLORE

Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection edited by Matt Dembicki—Grades 5 and up   Dembicki sent requests throughout North America to find Native American storytellers willing to tell their traditional stories and let noted graphic artists illustrate them. The tellers selected the illustrator who they thought would best fit their story. Everyone loves a good trickster tale, making this book an especially good introduction to Native American folklore. Whether you are selecting based on the graphics, the moral, the humor, or the adventure, you are sure to find several here that will be appealing.

The Shark King by R. Kikuo Johnson—Grades 1-5   First and foremost, this is an intriguing telling of the Hawaiian tale of Nanaue. It is also simple enough for emergent readers while engaging enough to keep older readers interested until the final page. Nanaue is the son of a mortal woman and the shark king.  His father disappears before his birth, leaving a cape and instructions that his son will need it. Parental separation is one topic dealt with in the book, but more intense is its discussion of bullying and survival.

The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: The Robin Hood of Korea by Anne Sibley O’Brien—Grades 3-6 Folktales from Korea are not in abundance so you will want to give this award winning graphic novel a try for many reasons. First of all it tells a story little known in this part of the world. Add to that the
comparison to the European Robin Hood and then top it off with the colorful illustrations and you have an enjoyable way to dig deeper into the culture of Korea.

NON-FICTION

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and Andres Vera Martinez—Grades 4-7 China in the 1970s was in flux so being a child in that time and place could not have been easy. The eight short stories in this collection are based on the author’s life and give a unique glimpse into life in China before and after the death of Chairman Mao. The text and illustrations provide a glimpse not only into the life of the author, but also the history of China and the wealth and beauty of traditional Chinese teachings.

Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love by Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack, Jr. Illustrated by Randy DuBurke—Grades 4 and up   This biography uses the writings of Nat Love to follow his life from his 1854 birth into slavery through his life as the most famous African-American cowboy in the Old West. He knew such luminaries as Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, was well known for his skills in roping, shooting, and roping, and was a real character of the time. Love published his autobiography in 1907; his words are mixed with a little bit of creative fiction to make a compelling read.

Around the World by Matt Phelan—Grades 4 – 8    Phelan is an award winning graphic novelist and historical fiction writer who has turned to the true tales three daring adventurers of the nineteenth
century who circumnavigated the globe in ways never seen before. Former miner Thomas Stevens rode his bicycle around the world in 1884 when bikes still had that amazing big wheel in the front; reporter Nellie Bly only needed 80 days in 1889 for her trip; and retired sea captain quietly set sail in a small sloop in 1895 and became the first person to sail around the world alone. This stories encourage bravery, creativity, endurance, and the power of both sexes to do the impossible.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier—Grades 5 and up   Here is a memoir that will resonate with tweens and
teens. When Raina was about to start Middle School, she fell and damaged her two front teeth. To fix
this dental nightmare required that she experience surgery, implants, and most embarrassingly for a
girl trying to fit in with the cool kids, headgear and false teeth. Use this book to begin discussions about disability, bullying, or just trying to fit in when you are obviously very different looking.


 

Non-Fiction is True Enjoyment

Non-fiction is not dull reading. New and beautiful books on topics from poetry to pandas and biographies to ball games come out every month. While I will indicate ages of the intended on audience on this, keep in mind that non-fiction appeals to all ages.

1. Panda Kindergarten by Joanne Ryder is aimed at humans in kindergarten through second grade but everyone will enjoy the photographs of panda babies at play. Learn how panda rescue efforts are keeping these amazing creatures alive.



2. Can You Survive the Titanic? An Interactive Survival Adventure by Allison Louise Lassieur is part of an interesting new series of choose your own adventures. In these historically accurate stories, the reader is asked to make decisions that a person would have had to make in the actual situation. Should a young person on the Titanic go above deck or wait for friends or family? Should he jump overboard and try to swim to safety? A wrong choice can lead to death. A great deal of historical fact is presented in a format that will appeal to readers in grades three and up.



3. Odd Ball: Hilarious, Unusual and Bizarre Baseball Moments by Timothy Tocher helps verify what I have always suspected--part of baseball's appeal is the expectation of the unexpected. With funny drawings to illustrate the many odd facts, this will be enjoyed by baseball fanatics who will surely share the stories with everyone within ear shot. This book will hit a home run with readers in grades three and up.



4. Demi creates some of the most beautiful biographies in any collections. Her illustrations are detailed and intricate and so are the stories she tells. Look for biographies of a wide range of people such as Tutankhamun, Muhammad, Buddha, Jesus, Marco Polo, Gandhi, The Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, and many more. The illustrations make these seem as though they may be picture books, but you will find solid, well researched biographies inside the covers. It will take reading ability at the fourth grade level or above to digest all of the information provided.



5. Lemonade: and Other Poems Squeezed From a Single Word by Bob Raczka with illustrations by Nancy Doniger is a playful exploration of words, anagrams, and poetry that delights those who are able to see how the poem grows out of a single word. The revelation of this trait and the often pun filled nature of the poems are perfectly amplified with simple illustrations. The illustrations in my other favorite poetry book of the year are lush and filled with fairy tale charm. Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer with illustrations by Josee Massee offers two views of familiar fairy tales in poetry that reads up and down to offer differing perspectives. Poetry lovers, aficionados of word play, and those who simply enjoy a fairy tale will all enjoy this unique collection.



6. I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat : History's Strangest Cures by Carlyn Beccia admittedly plays on the gross factor while introducing medical treatments from days gone by. Who doesn't squirm at the thought of swallowing live frogs or sprinkling ground up mummies on a wound? The book's multiple choice quiz format encourages discussion and sharing with others. Many of the cures that may seem crazy are shown to have a sound scientific basis while others are revealed to be more harmful than helpful. Readers in grades two and up will find much to share in this unusual book.
   

Enjoy the facts and fun of a good non-fiction book.

Non-Fiction Not to be Missed

Non-fiction for young readers becomes more interesting and and eye-catching every day. The books on this list are not so much designed for research as for enjoyment. They tell interesting stories that just happen to be true. To add to the pleasure, they are full of fabulous illustrations or, in a couple of the titles, amazing photographs. These are a great way to get younger readers to realize that there is much to enjoy in non-fiction and an ever better way to spark interests that may well lead to deeper investigations.

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill ( grades 2 and up) won both a Caldecott Honor award and the Coretta Scott King Artist Award this year for its amazing illustrations by Brian Collier. With little text, this magnificent work of art tells of an impressive artist who was also a slave known only as Dave the Potter. Dave crafted huge clay pots for the plantation owners but his special touch is obvious in their beauty. Additionally, he added a simple poem to each of his pieces which are still be uncovered today. Even if you don't feel the urge to rush out and make a pot, you will be moved by the stunning book.

Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse by Emily Arnold McCully (grades K-4) tells of another slave who did amazing things. Bill Key was born a slave in 1833 and grew up with a special affinity for animals. After Emancipation, he became a veterinarian who believed in the power of kindness which led him to raise an injured Arabian colt that he taught to recognize letters, identify the primary colors, tap out answers to simple arithmetic, make change, and dance. Key took his horse out on the road, billing it as an "Equine Wonder". When a newspaper questioned the horse's intelligence, Key brought in Harvard professors to confirm that his horse was no a hoax. Do not overlook the final notes that talk about discrimination that Key faced as well as the work of organizations like the SPCA.

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery (grades 4-8) is the latest in the Scientist in the Field series. This one takes the reader to a small island off of New Zealand to meet the flightless, nocturnal Kakapo who, at about nine pounds, weighs in as the world's heaviest parrot. They have cat-like whiskers and a growl like a dog. Although they can live to be 100, there are only 87 of them left in the world, in large part because they have never thought of humans as a threat. Montgomery covers just one short part of the hatching season, showing the ups and downs that are all part of the hard work, scientific methods and pure luck that fill each day. The photos by Nic Bishop beautifully capture both the birds and the scientists who are working to save them.

Nic Bishop also publishes books of his own work. His latest is Nic Bishop's Lizards. If you have not seen Bishop's other books you will be rushing out to find them after seeing the brilliant, colorful, energy packed photos here. Each photo is accompanied by a brief essay filled with fascinating facts. Don't forget to read the author's note at the back of the book which describes the lengths to which Bishop will go to get the perfect picture. Other subjects that have been "shot" by Bishop include Butterflies and Moths, Frogs, Marsupials, and Spiders as well as many more critters in books with other authors.

A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Hutts Aston (grades K-5) features beautiful soft illustrations by Sylvia Long. The illustrations are matched with descriptions and facts that are almost poetic as they lead to new appreciations of butterflies. Equally beautiful and informative are two other titles by the same author and illustrator--A Seed is Sleepy and An Egg is Quiet.

The bright colors of Biblioburro: A True Story from Columbia by Jeanette Winter (grades K-6) will catch your eyes but is the story that will capture your heart. Luis Soriano is a teacher in a remote area of Columbia who decided that people in the villages around him needed access to books. He loaded up his two donkeys, Alpha and Beta, with a small collection of books and set off with stories to tell and books to loan. That collection has grown since he began in 2000 and now even has a building in which it is stored. Students who have easy access to books and libraries can find new appreciation through this simple story that includes not just books and donkeys, but also bandits.

Chris Van Allsburg, a master illustrator best know for fantastic fantasy picture books like Jumanji, now offers us non-fiction that suits his black and white illustrations to a tee. Queen of the Falls (grades 1-5) is the story of Annie Edson Taylor who at 62 became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She hoped for fame and fortune but found little of either. People were skeptical of an elderly woman claiming to be such a daredevil. Van Allsburg captures the magnitude of both her courage and her disappointment.

Pop! The Invention of Bubblegum by Meghan McCarthy ( grades K-4) is as bold and pink as a chunk of Double Bubble and as full of surprises as a bubble that pops just a minutes too soon. Walter Diemer was an accountant at the Fleer family candy factory who could not give up on a project in the next door office to find a gum that made bubbles. His boss had long given up hope, but Walter kept working until, in 1928, he found a recipe that worked. The rest, it could be said, is history, though if you want more history and trivia of gum and bubbles there is plenty of that here too.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

My daughter tells me that when she was in kindergarten or first grade that she kept looking for the crown on the king as they discussed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. That is just one of the many confusions that children find about this day of honoring King and civil rights movement. Adults worry that too much information will upset young children but we want to teach the importance of his words and deeds on the lives they lead today. Then we struggle over when and how to introduce more of the events and people of this time and the issues that still resonate with us in today's world. Whatever the books I share with children on this issue my main purpose is to instill a sense of self-worth and self confidence in the children while helping them shape ideas of how they can work for positive change in their lives and their world.

There are myriad books available about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Some are simple biographies and others are anthems to the man, sometimes making him a king of sorts. Parents looking at these books will want to decide what is the message that they most want to convey.

For me, the words of King are a large part of what inspired people to join him in the cause. These words form the core of the beautiful, awarding winning Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport. Illustrations in watercolor and collage dominate the over-sized pages of this picture book while the sparse text centers around quotes from King's speeches. The story ends not with his death, which is briefly presented
("...(H)e was shot. He died." )but with the promise that his words are immortal. While this book is aimed at children aged four to nine, it will be appreciated by all ages.

Perhaps the most often quoted words of Dr. King come from his "I Have a Dream" speech. King's sister Christine King Farris has written a picture book for slightly older (grades 2 and up) students remembering the days when her brother was writing his famous speech. March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World begins with some facts about Dr. King but its main focus is on the day in 1963 when he gave his speech as well as the work he put into making the speech one that would move every listener. The reader of this book will be carried directly to the midst of the crowd who listened and took the speech to heart. In My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Farris tells more personal details of her brother in a picture book for slightly younger listeners.

Walter Dean Myers is an author whose work spans from picture books to young adult fiction with a generous dose of non-fiction and poetry thrown in for good measure. He, too, has written a picture book biography of Dr. King. I've Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. begins in 1965 with the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ends with King's support of the striking sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968 and the assassination a few days later. The highs and lows of the these turbulent years are both covered with an emphasis on the nonviolence that King preached, a concept made more powerful by the illustrations of the violent response to the marches.

Older readers (grades 4 and up) searching for more information on Dr. King will find a lot to enjoy in Tonya Bolden's M.L.K.: The Journey of a King which primarily employs photographs to supplement the biography. Some readers will be surprised by the reluctance that Dr. King expressed at being drawn into a leadership role. Sidebars and extended quotes add depth to the comfortable writing style.

In future posts I will touch on books that look at other leaders of the civil rights movement. The books here will give you a start for celebrating the birthday of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Some Great Non-Fiction for All Ages

Non-fiction is rarely thought of as a relaxing afternoon's read, but these books could prove that concept wrong. Any of these books, and so many more that are out there, is as interesting and enjoyable as a good novel with the added advantage of offering a chance to learn something new. Non-fiction: It's not just for report writing any more.


Sandy’s Circus: A Story about Alexander Calder by Tanya Lee Stone is a good representative of the popular practice of biographies in a picture book format. By focusing primarily on the youth and early work of Alexander Calder, the author increases the book's appeal to younger readers. The pictures are inviting and do a good job of conveying the energy and whimsy of Calder’s circus people. This is a good start for aspiring artists or those who are writing a report.

The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman makes it immediately clear that this is a biography that, like Twain, may take some liberties with the truth. The end result is a light and airy read with plenty of personality, though I suspect that Flesichman’s respect for Twain results in a character with a little more charm than the original. The text is peppered with quotes from Twain’s shows and illustrated with photos and other memorabilia. Students in grades four through eight will find much to enjoy in this friendly biography.

This is Your Life Cycle by Heather Lynn Miller uses the format of the old TV show “This is Your Life” to teach about the life cycle of the damsel fly. Even second to fifth graders who have never heard of that old show will enjoy the humor of the presentation while gaining a more clear understanding of insect life cycles.

Duel! Burr and Hamilton’s Deadly War of Words by Dennis Brindell Fradin contains much more information than its picture book format might suggest. If you are like me and want to know more about the people and the problems of American history, this is a good place to start. The famous duel was not a new argument and it seems both men had some right to be angry while neither is free of blame for the problems that brought them to face off in a field.

The Night Olympic Team: Fighting to Keep Drugs Out of the Games by Caroline Hatton takes the reader to the basement laboratories at the Salt Lake City Olympics as scientists scramble to find new tests for drugs that athletes might use. Since the use of drugs has become such a part of sports around the world, this is a very pertinent subject. The author worked in those labs at Salt Lake so she knows her stuff. I was glad to see the clear explanation about why performance enhancing drugs are banned and their effects on the human body.

Where Does Pepper Come From? And Other Fun Facts by Brigitte Raab offers creativity, facts, and ideas for research in one attractively illustrated package. Starting with a question that needs some research for an accurate answer, this book first offers a creative and humorous suggestion for an answer. The correct answer is offered in a few short sentences on the next. Here is an opportunity to laugh and learn that will appeal to kindergartens through fifth graders.

Sisters and Brothers: Sibling Relationships in the Animal World by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page contains Jenkins’ trademark collage-style illustrations and interesting facts about nature. Look here for information about animal child-rearing, quirks of birth order, and other idiosyncrasies of families in the wild. Any title by Steve Jenkins is a good bet for learning about nature from a new angle. You can't beat his pictures.

Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport is the most interesting and eye-pleasing book I have found about the Statue of Liberty. The biography of the statue is told through biographical sketches of the people who had something to do with the creation and erection of this powerful symbol. The illustrations are clear and bold, carrying the sense of the immensity of the statue itself.

Close to the Wind: The Beaufort Scale by Peter Malone is much more than a story of the common sense measure of wind speed. It is a story of sailing in the 19th century presented through imagined diary entries along with facts about the realities of survival at sea. The importance of the Beaufort Scale becomes clear as the weather at sea changes and the sailors must respond appropriately.

The Whale Scientists: Solving the Mystery of Whale Strandings by Fran Hodgkins is just one of many in this informative series about scientists working with wild animals. Look for all of them for upper elementary and middle school students interested in a science career. This particular title discusses the whaling industry, whale genealogy, and the current research on whales that seem to beach themselves for no apparent reason.

Eggs by Marilyn Singer goes beyond where most books about end by looking at all of the world’s creatures that lay eggs from birds to the platypus, insects to snakes, and more. The introduction talks about all aspects of eggs including fertilization, hatching, and rearing the young. The illustrations are soft yet detailed. Facts are presented amidst the illustrations in a way that will inspire further investigation.

One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss comes with a clear agenda. Water conservation affects the whole world, it states, because essentially we all share the same well, the same limited amount of water. The author talks about everything that uses water, the water cycle, the abuse of water, and the rescue efforts that are currently under way. I wish that the illustrations were better, but the message is well worth sharing.

Wild Tracks: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints by Arnold Arnosky is just what the budding tracker needs because it contains life-size footprints of animals likely to be found in the woods of North America. There are just enough facts to keep things interesting without detracting from the tracks that will be the top priority for most readers.

Frogs by Nic Bishop is yet another collection of this Michigan author/photographer’s amazing work. He must spend hours and hours just waiting for a frog to leap to get the perfect picture. The facts that are added to every illustration are well presented to provide a wealth of information. Look for Bishop’s Spiders and anything else you can get your hands on by him.