Why Graphic Novels?

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes
edited by Kazu Kibuishi
Amulet Books (Abrams), 2012

Why Graphic Novels?
Because they're not always easy, and they're not always fluff.
The seven stories in this book all answer the question, "What's in the box?" but they all do it VERY differently.
Graphic Novel readers will enjoy finding the art and story telling of favorite authors Kazu Kibuishi (AMULET) and Raina Telgemeier (SMILE), and discovering the new styles of other graphic novelists.

Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest

by John Lechner

Candlewick Press, 2007

Sticky Burr: The Prickly Peril

by John Lechner

Candlewick Press, 2009

Why Graphic Novels?

Because there are text structures like a prologue and an epilogue, a newspaper, a map, a song, journal entries and diagrams in a story that features a SEED as the protagonist!!

Giants Beware!

written by Jorge Aguirre

art by Rafael Rosado

story by Rafael Rosado & Jorge Aguirre

color by John Novak

additional color by Matthew Schenk

First Second, 2012

Why Graphic Novels?

Because the characters stay with us and make us hope for a sequel. (Franki's review here.)

Quarterback Scramble (Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels)

written by Brandon Terrell

illustrated by Gerardo Sandoval

colored by Benny Fuentes

Stone Arch Books, 2011

Why Graphic Novels? 

So we can talk about stereotyping, and stated vs. implied themes, and how books are marketed.

Earthling!

written and illustrated by Mark Fearing

created by Mark Fearing and Tim Rummel

Chronicle Books, 2012

Why Graphic Novels?

Because they are not always quick reads. Sometimes they are 245 pages and 9 chapters long.

They make us think again about our Earth-centric view of the universe.

They give the terror of missing your bus and being the new kid at school a whole new dimension.

Why Graphic Novels?

Why not? They're FUN!!