The BIG Island of Children’s Graphic Novels

Janet Weber

Janet Weber, MLIS, is Youth Services Librarian at Tigard Public Library, Tigard, Oregon. She can be reached at: janetw@tigard-or.gov.

Introduction

Juvenile Graphic Novel Collection at the Tigard, Oregon, Public Library

History: 2006

• Unveiled the last week of May 2006 with nearly 100 items in collection, 59 circulationss in one week
• Prize drawing for children who checked out juvenile graphic novels during June
• 306 items circulated in June 2006
• 450 items in collection at end of June (FY06-07)
• 623 items circulated in August 2006
• $4,600.00 allocated for FY2006-07 budget
• 9,394 items circulated during 2006-07 FY

History: 2007

• $6,500.00 budget for FY 2007-08
• Summer months see over 1,000 circulationss
• 1,590 items circulated in July 2007—HIGHEST RECORD TO DATE
• End of 2007-08 fiscal year (June 2008): 17,571 total items circulated
• Over 1,700 items in collection (July 2008)
• Average circulation of each item is 8.22%
• Circulation of collection accounts for almost 1% of entire library circulation (.93%)

History: 2008

• $7,000.00 budget for 2008-09 fiscal year
• 1,923 items circulated in June 2008
• 2,095 items circulated in July 2008
• Over 2,000 items in collection, October 2008
• 22,658 items circulated during FY08-09

Below: Tigard Public Library Juvenile Graphic Novel Collection 10/08

History: 2009

• $8,000 budget for FY 09-10
• 2,395 items in collection (on 3/31/09)
• 47 items on hold for patrons at the beginning of March
• 768 items out at one time at the beginning of March
• 29,287 items circulated during FY09-10
• Circulated 29,287 itmes during FY2009-10

Below: Tigard Public Library Juvenile Graphic Novel Collection 3/09

TODAY: August 2010

• $8,000 budget for FY2010-11
• 2,965 items circulated in July 2010 (NEW RECORD!)
• 3,450 items in collection, 1,328 items checked out (7/30/10)

What is a graphic novel?

Graphic novels are a book format in which a narrative is conveyed with sequential art. Others may describe graphic novels as a book written and illustrated in the style of a comic book, where frames and speech bubbles tell a story.

A Graphic Novel Can Be:

• A collection of previously published comic books that present one story
• An original publication using traditional comic book characters
• An original publication that has nothing to do with traditional comics

What is a comic book?

• A traditional staple bound, serialized pamphlet or periodical that tells a story using sequential art.

Comic Strips

• “Comic strips” are what you see in the funny pages of the newspaper. They can be told in one to several panels.
• Comic strip collections contain serialized newspaper strips that don’t necessarily have a continuous storyline connecting them.

Comic strips are usually included in graphic novel collections because they are now being bound as books into large compilations or collections. Think of them like a full season of your favorite TV show on DVD.

What about books with text and comic style sequences?

This is a new trend called a “graphic novella”. It contains text with comic style sequences periodically placed throughout the book. I don’t consider these full-fledged graphic novels and place them in the juvenile fiction collection.

What is manga?

• Japanese comics in print form, traditionally read back to front, right to left, and typically illustrated in black and white.
• These are not to be confused with anime, which is the Japanese term used for animation.

“Manga style” is used to describe graphic novels created outside of Japan that use the manga style and format such as the traditional manga trim size, black & white art, and stylistic elements common to manga that includes simple drawings and characters with large eyes, over-exaggerated emotions, use of fewer words to tell the story and the use of symbols to convey emotions. This style is also referred to as “American Manga”

Manga series usually have storylines that flow from one graphic novel to the next in the series. So, you’ll need to keep on ordering continuing editions. With ongoing plotlines, having a missing title can be detrimental.

Why Have a Graphic Novel Collection?

• “Comics” are a time-honored American literary art form
• Broadens and strengthens library collections
• Attracts new readers and students of all ages and skill levels to your library
• Popular with avid readers
• Adds to children’s reading pleasure
• Provides another format to a previously published work—like classics
• Appeals to a wide range of religious groups and ethnic and social classes because they can empathize with the newly-empowered characters in super-hero graphic novels
• Appeals to artists and art students
• As an art form, graphic novels stimulate interest in developing illustration skills
• Appeals to television and movie watchers because many graphic novels are based on TV show and movie characters
• Appeals to video and computer gamers because many graphic novels are based on video or computer game characters
• Increases circulation!!!
• They’re great for reluctant readers because:
• They capture and maintain the reader's interest
• Illustrations provide contextual clues to the written text, ideal for remedial reading programs
• Art and text teaches readers to interpret and analyze text
• Relies on reader participation to visualize events between panels, which helps teach reading comprehension and cause-and-effect relationships
• Improves reading comprehension and narration skills
• Reluctant readers receive a non-threatening reading practice experience

Below: Children enjoying graphic novels at the library

What makes it appropriate for Children?

Many individuals are concerned about content in graphic novels such as violence, sex, drugs, etc. What you can consider for a juvenile graphic novel collection is that the books contain much of the same content as they would see in a TV show or Movie geared at their age level

Comics Code Authority (CCA)

Created through congressional hearings in 1954, after the publication of Dr. Frederic Wertham’s Seduction of the Innocent. The CCA is a set of guidelines for regulating the portrayal of sex, violence, and antisocial activity in American comic books. Today, publishers have to go through the Comics Magazine Association of America to make sure every panel in a comic meets the CCA guidelines. After approval, the publisher can place the CCA Seal on the cover of comics. Many publishers choose not to go through the CCA process. There is no one standard system or graphic novel ratings system for age appropriateness. Many publishers choose to develop their own rating system.

Above: Comics Code Authority (CCA) Logo

Publisher Ratings

Most publishers rate their books: “All Ages”, “Everyone”, “Ages 6+”, “Youth 10+”, “Teen”—all of which are usually located somewhere on the book cover. Check print or online catalogs for age rating if it is not located on the book

DC Comics Ratings
http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/

• AR=All Readers: Material sufficient for any age. Little or no violence, no foul language, nudity, or adult situations
• PR=Permitted Readers: Material sufficient for teen or young adults, with parental or guardian permission. May contain violence or sensitive language. Does not contain nudity or profanity.
• MR=Mature Readers: Material for adult or mature readers only. May contain violence, adult language, nudity, and/or adult situations.

Diamond Book Distributors Ratings:
http://www.diamondbookdistributors.com/

• All Ages
• Children Ages 10 and under
• Young Adult Ages 11 to 16
• Mature Readers Ages 16 and up

Marvel Ratings:

• All Ages
• T+ Suggested for Teens 13 and up. Parents are advised they may want to read before or along with younger children
• Parental Advisory Suggested for 15 and up, includes more mature themes and/or graphic imagery
• MAX: Explicit Content Suggested for ages 18 and up

TOKYOPOP Ratings
www.tokyopop.com

• A=All Ages No offensive material
• Y=Youth, Ages 10+ Appropriate for ages 10 & up, may contain violence
• T=Teen, Ages 13+ Appropriate for ages 13 & up, may contain violence, profanity, and semi-nudity
• OT=Older Teen, Ages 16+ Appropriate for ages 16 & up, may contain violence, profanity, semi-nudity, and some sexual themes
• M=Mature, Ages 18+ Appropriate for ages 18 & up, may contain graphic violence, nudity, profanity, sex, and intense sexual themes

Viz Media Ratings

www.viz.com

• A=All Ages No offensive material
• Y=Youth Appropriate for ages 10+, may contain violence
• T=Teen Appropriate for ages 13 +, may contain violence, profanity, and semi-nudity
• OT=Older Teen Appropriate for ages 16+, may contain violence, profanity, semi-nudity, and some sexual themes
• M=Mature Appropriate for ages 18+, may contain graphic violence, nudity, profanity, sex, and intense sexual themes

CMX Media Ratings

http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?cat=CMX

• E=Everyone
• T=Teen
• M=Mature
• Ratings Image Examples

When there are no ratings

Some publishers choose not to rate their books. Sometimes there are ratings on the website or catalog, but not on the book. Be aware that many “cutesie” covers seen on manga series books are geared for 13+. If in doubt, don’t order it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you get books pre-processed, see if you can get them unprocessed in case you need to send it back. If you meet with vendors, preview books before ordering them. Check other library catalogs to see where the item is placed in their collection, such as local public libraries or OCLC. Many publishers are very happy to provide librarians with age- appropriate suggestions. They really know their products! BWI’s Collection Development Department welcomes questions regarding the content of specific graphic novels. 1-800-888-4478 www.bwibooks.com

Evaluating Graphic Novels

Elementary School/Ages 7-12

• Main characters should be younger, either children or animals, or be similar to animated characters such as those in Disney or Warner Bros. Cartoons.
• Story intensity and violence should be at the level of a G-rated movie. Think “Finding Nemo” and “Bambi” -- it must not be too scary.
• The writing should be aimed at the primary audience (some humor may be somewhat more sophisticated).
• The art must be clear, whether in black-and-white or in color, and the format (panel placement) should be easy to follow.
• Owly by Andy Runton is an excellent example.

Source: Brodart Graphic Novels GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING KID-SAFE GRAPHIC NOVELS http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/selection_criteria.htm

Middle School/Ages 10-14

• Main characters can be older, such as pre-teens and teenagers.
• Some superhero titles, such as Teen Titans Go, are fine for this age level; violence is at a minimal level.
• At this age level, stories such as the Star Wars comics are fine; there’s some violence, but no blood and gore, and it must be necessary to the plot.
• Intensity of the story should be at the level of the Star Wars comics which are fairly similar to the intensity of the Harry Potter books. The scare factor should be no more intense than that in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
• Many pre-teens and younger teens have no problems following the Japanese manga format, reading left to right.

Source: Brodart Graphic Novels GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING KID-SAFE GRAPHIC NOVELS http://www.graphicnovels.brodart.com/selection_criteria.htm

• For more detailed information on graphic novels, see Scholastic’s “Using Graphic Novels in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Librarians”
• BWI’s The Public Librarian’s Guide to Graphic Novels is also a fantastic resource which contains a detailed section on “The Essentials of Evaluating Graphic Novels”. It contains info on panel structure, images, words, and text.
• Email me (janetw@tigard-or.gov) if you would like a copy of this pdf—write “BWI PDF” in the subject line.

Developing a Collection

Be sure to have money budgeted for purchasing graphic novels. Write a collection development plan or write something into your collection development policy. (Email me if you would like a copy of mine). Determine what your user group interests and needs are. Preview graphic novel catalogs and publisher websites for ideas on what is available.

Cataloging Your Collection

Determine where you will house the collection. Ask yourself these questions:

• How will they be cataloged?
• Interfile them into the juvenile fiction collection?
• Place them in 741.5 with all comics?
• Interfile your nonfiction titles into non-fiction?
• Catalog non-fiction as fiction titles?
• Have a separate collection just for graphic novels?

Where can I find graphic novels for children?

• School Library Journal
• Publisher’s Weekly
• www.getgraphic.org
• http://www.noflyingnotights.com/sidekicks/
• Children’s GN publishers (catalogs & websites such as Stone Arch Books, Papercutz)
• Check the publisher age ratings for titles

Types of Graphic Novels for Children (and examples)

Book/Novel Adaptations

• Artemis Fowl
• Alex Rider
• Classics (Red Badge of Courage,
• The Hobbit)
• Goosebumps
• Babysitter’s Club
• Hardy Boys
• Nancy Drew
• Time Warp Trio
• Warriors
• The Tale of Despereaux

Christian

• Manga Bible
• Tomo
• Son of Samson
• TimeFlyz
• Kingdom: A Biblical Epic
• Hand of the Morningstar
• Manga Messiah

Television Shows

• Kim Possible
• That’s So Raven
• Lizzie McGuire
• Fairly Odd Parents
• Many Disney titles
• Inside Cinemanga

Comic Book Compilations

• Garfield
• Calvin and Hobbes
• Dennis the Menace
• Little Lulu
• Little Orphan Annie
• Peanuts
• Mutts
• Archie
• Betty & Veronica
• Jughead
• Popeye
• Superman
• Walt Disney Comics

Early/Beginner Readers

• Toon Books
• Phonics Comics
• Jr. Cinemanga (Primarily My Little Pony, Sesame Street & Disney Titles)
• DK Readers

Manga

• Angelic Layer
• Beyblade
• Cardcaptor Sakura
• Di Gi Charat
• Dr. Slump (even though age rating on book is 13+)
• Dream Saga
• Hikaru No Go

• Kamichama Karin
• Kingdom Hearts
• Legendz
• Peach Fuzz
• Spirited Away
• Yotsuba&!
• Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

American Manga/Manga Style

• Manga Metamorphosis
• Manga Bible Series
• Sabrina the Teenage Witch Series
• W.I.T.C.H. Series
• Little Women published by Y.kids
• Zoids Series

Non-Fiction

• Amelia Earhart Free in the Skies
• The Hindenburg Disaster
• Houdini: The Handcuff King
• The Sinking of the Titanic
• Young Riders of the Pony Express
• UFOs: The Roswell Incident

Series

• Babymouse
• Bone
• TinTin
• Asterix
• Mercer Mayer's Critter Kids Adventures

Stand Alone Titles

• Queen Bee by Chynna Clugston
• To Dance: A Memoir by Siena Cherson Siegel
• City of Light, City of Dark: A Comic Book Novel by Avi
• Into the Volcano by Don Wood
• Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon Hale
• Salamander Dream by Hope Larson

Picturebook Style (Bound like Picture Books)

• The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr, by Nicolas Debon
• Around the World by John Coy
• The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller
• The Ant or the Grasshopper? By Toni Morrison
• The Last Knight: An Introduction to Don Quixote by Miquel de Cervantes by Will Eisner

• Spiderman
• Superman
• X-men
• Zorro
• The Incredible Hulk
• Pokémon
• Scooby-Doo
• Sponge Bob
• Star Wars Clone Wars Adventures
• Teen Titans
• Indiana Jones

Wordless Books

• Korgi: Book 1 by Christian Slade
• Owly by Andy Runton, Top Shelf
• A.L.I.E.E.E.N.: archives of lost issues and earthly editions of extraterrestrial novelties by Lewis Trondheim
• Robot Dreams by Sara Varon

Graphic Novellas (Part Graphic Novel/Part Text )

• Abadazad Series by J.M. DeMatteis, Hyperion Books for Children
• The Dopple Ganger Chronicles by G.P. Taylor
• The Fog Mound Series by Susan Schade & Jon Buller, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Twisted Journeys Series by Various Authors, Graphic Universe
• Prince of Underwhere Series by Bruce Hale
• Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon, Dial Books

Collection Concerns

• Content—is it age appropriate for children?
• Bindings—Purchase paperback or hardback ?
• Paperbacks bindings falling apart--due to high usage (Tokyopo Cinemanga paperbacks are notorious for falling apart!)
• Items get mis-shelved—YA graphic novels and Adult graphic novels end up on J Graphic shelves, or in J Fiction

• Book Size--Books are published in many different sizes, leading to books being “squished together”

• Education--Having to educate others on what graphic novels are and what they can do for readers, especially for reluctant readers and reading comprehension
• Discarding of materials—when they are no longer repairable—replace popular items, or buy multiple copies? Follow your library’s policy for withdrawing items from the collection

Preventing Challenges & Dealing With Them

• Educate library users and patrons on what graphic novels are. Explain that graphic novels are a format, not a genre. They can be written on every genre on any topic.
• Be sure your collection is clearly marked for the appropriate age range (Most challenges come from parents who’ve allowed their children to read a graphic novel that is clearly marked for an older audience)
• You may want to sticker/label your collection with age categories
• Don’t mix all different age levels of graphic novels together. If you have adult collections in your library, keep the gn’s for adults far away from the gn’s for kids
• Make sure the gn’s in your collection are clearly appropriate for children
• Follow your library’s policy on book challenges
• Preventing Challenges & Dealing With Them
• Resources for dealing with challenges:
• American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom www.ala.org/oif/
• Comic Book Legal Defense Fund www.cbldf.org

Marketing Your Collection

• Use posters and signage
• Face out books/display books
• Provide handouts/activity sheets
• Offer graphic novels when conducting reader’s advisory or when assisting reluctant readers
• Booktalk titles from your collection
• Show off collection during library tours
• Conduct a prize drawing. At first, I had a prize drawing for children each time they came to the library for a prize drawing, which lasted for a month.
• Include a comic to educate people on what graphic novels are. http://www.artbomb.net/comics/introgndld.jsp
• Have readers create promotional posters to encourage others to read gn’s
• Have students write their own mini-graphic novel
• Invite a graphic artist or cartoonist to visit for a presentation
• Plan a program with a local comic book store
• Comics in the Classroom www.comicsintheclassroom.net
• Boneville Teacher’s Guide http://www.boneville.dreamhosters.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/Bone_Teachers_Guide.pdf
• Publisher websites offer many activity ideas and reproducible items

Questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions once you get back to your library. If you would like to learn more about graphic novels for children, don’t forget about the Fall 2010 ALSC Online Education course, “Introduction to Graphic Novels for Children”

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/edcareeers/profdevelopment/alscweb/index.cfm

• A six-week course using Moodle
• ALSC Members $95
• ALA Members $145
• Non-Members $165