Graphic Novel Primer

Parents, come learn about the latest trend in kids' books -- graphic novels. On Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30, library assistant Dave Burbank, a graphic novel expert, and children's/teen librarian Karen MacPherson will offer a primer on what graphic novels are, why kids are so crazy for them, and how parents can use them to inspire interest in books among reluctant readers. We'll even offer graphic novel reading lists you can take home. Although this program is aimed at parents and other interested adults, school-aged children also are most welcome to attend. Register online

Many kids really love graphic novels, but these books are new territory for parents, who may view them as merely "comics" starring superheroes. The best graphic novels, however, are far more than comics and can offer a richly-textured reading experience, complete with pictures. Even adults familiar with such important adult graphic novels as Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and Art Spiegelman's Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus may not know that graphic novels of similar quality are being published for kids and teens.

In any case, graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing categories in book publishing, book-selling and -- yes -- library circulation. At our library program, Dave and Karen will show how blending words with illustrations creates the unique literary form that we call graphic novels. Dave will illustrate his talk with examples of great, and not so great, graphic novels for kids and teens.

We'll also give a brief overview of the history of graphic novels, including a look at graphic novels that actually are non-fiction. We'll discuss why graphic novels are so popular with young readers and explain why the library's collection of graphic novels for kids and teens is divided among four categories: comics; manga; graphic novels for all ages; and graphic novels for older readers.

In addition, we'll be able to give you a preview of the latest trends in graphic novels, thanks to Dave's April trip to the 3rd annual Comic Con in New York City, where 64,000 publishers, booksellers, librarians and others gathered to discuss graphic novels. Finally, all participants will leave with a reading list of suggested graphic novels for various ages.