Graphic Novels

Here's a subject which required some research by this Book Review Mom. The term graphic novel is appearing more and more online, in bookstores, classrooms and libraries. What is a graphic novel? It sounds like something I DON'T want my kids reading, right?

Wrong. If your kids have read The Adventures of TinTin , or Geronimo Stilton, you're already entering this new territory. The term graphic novel has created controversy and misunderstanding, especially as it is increasingly seen in our bookstores. Think comic book with a plot. Comic books are like short stories that involve the same characters, week after week in our newspapers. The COLLECTION of comics, such as Calvin and Hobbes, does NOT make a graphic novel, although C&H is a favorite in my home! Graphic novels are hard-bound books that tell a complete story with a beginning, middle and end.

What does this mean for parents? Expect your kids to start coming home with graphic novels. This new genre is exploding for children, but just like internet safety, it is really important to figure out what is appropriate for your kids, and what is either intended for a more mature audience or is simply just poor quality. A few recommendations:

The Adventures of Polo by Regis Faller. For ages 3 8. Comic book squares provide a wordless story that takes this little dog and puts him in the ocean, on the moon, in a monkey band and even more mischievous places! The story seamlessly moves from one adventure to another, with bright, cheerful images. A sweet book.

Babymouse Series by Jennifer Holm & Matt Holm. This little mouse is a grown up version of Kevin Henkes Lilly, according to Publishers Weekly. I couldnt agree more. Shes a vibrant, saucy, dramatic and self-conscious bundle of energy trying to make her way through the battlefields of growing up. Similar to Captain Underpants, but better, this series is great for elementary school aged girls.

To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel. A memoir of a little girls dream to become a professional ballerina. This book also illustrates the history of Balanchine and the American School of Ballet. This years Sibert Honor Award for Informational Books.

American Born Chinese, by Gene Luan Yang. Selected as this years Printz Award for Young Adult Literature. Yang has blended three separate stories together in this absorbing novel. There's the story of a Chinese boy in an all white school, the legend of the monkey king, and a Caucasian boy who is embarrassed by a stereotypical Chinese cousin. The reader is unaware of how these stories are tightly related until the end of the book. Issues of alienation, identity and race are all explored in a fully engaging way. Combined with beautiful artwork, this novel is for readers 10 and up.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick. With 500+ pages, this book may seem imposing to some middle grade readers. Dont let that stop you. This book is stunning and captivating. The first thing you notice is black pages, straight from silent films. The story unfolds like a movie storyboard, with double spread pictures that quickly engross you the storyline. The artwork is done in charcoal but the black and white pictures have amazing depth and light. The story is about a boy, his father, an automaton, clocks and a toy store owner with a past. Dont miss this one!

Wander over to this section at your favorite local bookstore. Youll be amazed at the size of this section and you might even have to step over a bunch of kids to get there!

Julie Hubble lives in Leawood and has just begun introducing the graphic novel to her two kids at home.