What sizzling reading trend is causing circulation rates to skyrocket through the roofs of school media centers across the nation? It is graphic novels, of course. By adding just a couple dozen graphic novels to her collection, Sara Stevenson was able to double the circulation of books in her media center from one year to the next (School Library Journal - May, 2005). When Florida media specialist Will Heckman added about 600 graphic novels to his high school's collection, he was amazed to discover that these books made up half of all the titles students were checking out of the library! Two years later, graphic novels still comprise one-third of Heckman’s circulation (Florida Online Reading-Professional Development Literacy Newsletter - November, 2006).
The variety of popular titles listed in my bibliography further validates the notion that graphic novels are a major trend in reading material for children from elementary through high school and beyond. American Born Chinese (2006) by Gene Luen Yang is one of the titles on this list (2007 Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature, and finalist for the 2006 National Book Award in the “Young People’s Literature” category). Even younger students have made the graphic novel format quite popular. Over 60,000 graphic novel and 100,000 comic book fans have fallen in love with the all-ages Owly series by Andy Runton (2006 Eisner Award for "Best Publication for a Younger Audience," 2006 Ignatz Award for "Outstanding Series," 2005 Harvey Award for "Best New Talent," and the Howard E. Day Memorial Prize). Not only does the graphic novel medium draw a large and diverse following of readers, but it also has literary value that merits prestigious awards.
Graphic novels also incorporate a new type of literacy which requires the skill of reading between panels. The comic book layout appeals to young patrons who comfortably function as citizens of a multimedia culture. As a media specialist, instilling a love for reading will be the foundation for all the other roles inherent to my job. If the graphic novel format is a hot trend that ignites a spark for reading, then I will not hesitate to earmark funds to augment my collection with books that keep students visiting the media center again and again.
OBJECTIVE: Literacy & Reading
