Gorman, Michele. Getting graphic! Using graphic novels to promote literacy with preteens and teens

GORMAN, Michele. Getting graphical Using graphic novels to promote literacy with preteens and teens. Linworth. 100p. illus. bibliog. index, c2003. 1-58683-089-9. $36.96.

This book's target audience is YA librarians who need help starting a graphic novel collection. Michele Gorman is the Wired for Youth librarian at the Austin Public Library, who has written before on the topic of graphic novels. The book's contents include a brief history of graphic novels, their role in libraries, school media centers and classrooms; suggestions on how to develop a collection; bibliographic control issues; promotion and programming ideas; and a selection of title lists.

Getting Graphic! also tackles the big question: are graphic novels, aka comic books, "junk literature for children," or do they have a "cultural and educational value and belong on the shelves of libraries across the nation"? It's amazing that this debate still persists, what with the preponderance of alternative forms of media in libraries, but persist it does, which is why the author devotes two chapters, as well as a "Comics in the Classroom" title list, to extolling the literary and artistic merit of graphic novels.

The best part of Getting Graphic! is the title lists. There is a good mixture of genres; books intended for a mature audience are so marked; and many of the titles are fairly current. My main quibble is that I'd like to see more emphasis on buying new material. The audience for graphic novels is a young one, and classic titles such as The Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns are almost 20 years old. Why not spend limited budget dollars on newer titles? Teens will recognize the titles, characters and storylines, and chances are your collection will circulate better. Overall, Getting Graphic! is an informative read, and it will serve as a fine resource for YA librarians. George Galuschak, YA Libn., Montvale P.L., Montvale, NJ

COPYRIGHT 2004 Kliatt
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group