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.
Our T(w)een Book Club will meet for the last time this school year on Friday, May 23, from 4-5 p.m. in the Takoma Park Community Center's Rose Room. Our book will be “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. We'll discuss the book and then have a "make your own ice cream sundae" party. Registration is limited to 12 students in the 6th, 7th or 8th grade. Thanks to the Friends of the Takoma Park Md. Library, we'll have copies of the book available for check-out for every participant. Register online
Come eat pizza and discusss Stormbreaker, the first volume in the Alex Rider, Teenage Spy series by Anthony Horowitz.
The program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library, is for middle-schoolers only. You must register, and you must read the book before the program. Copies of the book are available for check-out at the front desk. Register by calling 301-891-7259 or emailing library-programs@spambob.net (put tween in the subject line please).