Louisville Collegiate School:
Library Learning Commons Newsletter- October 7, 2016
The construction on the new Dan and Frances Street Learning Commons is well underway!
AAARGH YOU READY
Talking to us about the importance of gesture in drawing.
Some of his books
Taking questions
Ben Hatke Visit
Graphic Library from Capstone Press
Jennifer Holm
Raina Telgemeier
WHAT IS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT GRAPHIC NOVELS?
No doubt: the popularity of graphic novels has skyrocketed in the last decade. Is it a legitimate genre of literature? We’ve been investigating!
A brief history of the graphic novel includes its evolution from the cartoon or comic book. The comic format has a long history, but the first time the comic became more like a novel started in the mid- 80's with the publication of Art Spiegelman's Maus series and Neil Gaiman's Sandman series. Until the early 2000's, however, it remained a male dominated genre, and more cartoon and action hero than literature with a message. Japanese manga soared in popularity during the 90's and then in the early 2000's, writers and artists like Marjani Satrapi entered the scene. She created the graphic novel Persepolis (2004), a memoir about growing up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. American Born Chinese (2006) by Gene Luen Yang* was another seminal publication in the genre, depicting what it is like to grow up in America as a second generation immigrant. As interest grew, classic literature was published in graphic novel form, from Treasure Island to The Odyssey. The format has always appealed to the young reader, therefore publishers such as Capstone Press created a series called Graphic Library that published non-fiction in graphic novel format. Writers and illustrators such as Shannon Hale, Brian Selznick, Jeff Kinney, Dav Pilkey, Kazu Kibuishi, Jeff Smith, and Lincoln Pierce have contributed to the growth and popularity of the genre combining the image with a story that appeals to children. Two authors, however, stand out today, having propelled the genre into a true art of storytelling: Raina Telegemier and Jennifer Holm (and her brother Matt Holm). Raina Telgemier, artist and writer, has skyrocketed into the world of children's literature with her books, Smile, Drama, Sisters and now Ghosts. Jennifer Holm and her illustrator brother created the popular Babymouse series and last year published Sunny Side Up, a memoir of growing up in the 1970's. Both of these artists have created graphic novels that entertain and educate children about poignant life experiences as every children's author is expected to.
*Currently the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
When browsing for a book to read often we are drawn to what is familiar. However, that doesn't necessary lead us to learning about others or ourselves. Gene Luen Yang, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature has issued a challenge to students, educators, and parents to; read a book about a character who doesn't look or live like you, read about a topic you don't know much about, and read a book in a format you don't normally read for fun (a chapter book, a graphic novel or a book in verse for example).
National Book Award 2016 Longlist Announced
The National Book Awards includes an award for the best in Young People's Literature, and it's a great place to find recommendations. Check out all the titles at nationalbook.org, and stop by the Library to request the books!
National Book Award Longlist for Fiction
National Book Award Longlist for Young People's Literature
Another Knock-out Voice for Young People's Literature
MS Drop Everything and Read Blog Now Published
To start up conversations about books, to share what we're reading and to give kids a taste of what's new in the Library and the reading world, we've now started a DEAR blog! We're asking MS students to get creative and start submitting projects and reviews. MS faculty and the Librarians will be adding new content regularly as well.
Check it out, and see what's trending!: dearatcollegiate.blogspot.com
Ms. Franks Recommends: Adult Books for Young Adults
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
**This was chosen as the new Upper School Book Club Book!**
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Scholastic Book Fair is coming!
Louisville Collegiate School
Email: fmoore@loucol.com
Website: www.loucol.com
Location: 2427 Glenmary Avenue, Louisville, KY, United States
Phone: 502-479-0340