Page Turner Bibliography
Low-Tech Media Literacy: Manga and Graphic Novels
By: Lori Ragsdale
From Volume 3, Issue 4
The other articles in this issue of Page Turner focus on video production as a means of fostering media literacy. If you don’t have access to the latest video production tools—or even if you do!—consider another medium popular among kids today: the graphic novel. From Japanese manga to American history and biographies, graphic novels are the hottest reading format for kids of all ages. Translated into English from Japanese, manga is read in the Japanese fashion, right to left. The mixture of graphics and text presents the storyline in a fast-paced and exciting way. Even reluctant readers will find the stories appealing and fun. Once a novelty, graphic novels are finding their way into public library collections and will surely be in demand in your afterschool library.
Transitional Readers
Amelia Rules: The Whole World’s Crazy
by Jimmy Gownley
Fiesty Amelia is similar to Judy Moody in many ways, so those who enjoy the Judy Moody series will enjoy this series, as well. Readers can follow the comic book stories of Amelia, who is making her way through fourth grade in a new town after her parents’ divorce and her move from Manhattan.
Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2
by Akira Toriyama
Kids will enjoy the many books in the Dragon Ball Z series. The series, in the right-to-left manga format, follows the adventures of martial arts expert Goku as he travels to different planets and saves his friends from danger. The Dragon Ball Z series, a favorite of many 9-12 year olds, may be just the springboard kids need to try their hands at writing their own manga.
Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book Stories
by P. Craig Russell
Russell has adapted the Jungle Book stories into graphic novel format. Included in this novel are the last three chapters of Kipling’s classic work: "The King’s Ankus," "Red Dog," and "The Spring Running." Kids will enjoy the exceptional graphics and may be inspired to adapt a classic in their own graphic novel style.
Spider-Man: Return of the Green Goblin
by Paul Jenkins
This graphic novel is one in a series of Spider-Man stories. Spider-Man fans will enjoy the superhero’s adventures as he consistently finds a way to keep his archenemy, Green Goblin, at bay. Perhaps your Spider-Man readers will make up their own action adventure for "Spidey."
Tommysaurus Rex
by Doug TenNapel
After Ely’s beloved dog dies, Ely’s parents send him to his grandfather’s farm for the summer to help him cheer up. When Ely discovers a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a cave, he adopts this new pet and tries to convince the town that the dinosaur is not dangerous.
What’s Michael? Sleepless Nights
by Makoto Kobayashi
Michael the Japanese cat is a cross between the American Garfield and Krazy Kat. This manga series is produced in a mirror-image of the original Japanese manga, so that it’s read left-to-right like a book in English. This series about Michael and his friends could be a great kickoff for a unit on animals or animal stories.
Independent Readers
Autobiographix
by Frank Miller
This interesting mix of stories shows a whole different side of the graphic novel. Many different artists tell their own stories, which are sure to inspire your kids to tell and illustrate their own autobiographies.
Graphic Classics: Bram Stoker
by Bram Stoker
Several different illustrators have lent their styles to Bram Stoker stories including "Funeral Party" and "Lair of the White Worm." There are also three vampire stories for Dracula fans. Kids might enjoy drawing their own graphics to illustrate the stories.
Marmalade Boy (#1)
by Wataru Yoshizumi
This manga series is printed right-to-left in Japanese style. Follow the saga of Yuu and Miki as they try to work through family problems and romance.
Queen Bee
by Chynna Clugson-Major
Middle-schooler Haley Madison is determined to be popular, despite her sometimes uncontrollable psychokinetic powers. Kids will be able to identify with Haley in this graphic novel series about school and friends. Perhaps the students could turn their own school adventures into a graphic story.
Superman: Birthright
by Mark Waid
Mark Waid has put his own slant on the story of Superman’s early years. Readers will recognize the story and characters, such as Lois Lane and Lex Luther, but can decide for themselves how Clark Kent really became Superman.
Tales of the Dead: Ancient Egypt
by Stewart Ross
This story, which takes place in 1795 BCE, includes maps and factual information about life and death in Ancient Egypt. This format would be an interesting way to present a research topic.
