GET GRAPHIC: The World In Words and Pictures

Graphic Novel Resources for Librarians

NYLA Get Graphic Powerpoint Presentation

Librarians can utilize the Get Graphic! website to learn more about graphic novels, investigate booklists, explore graphic novel news and information, and learn about graphic novel related events around Western New York. Our Get Graphic! blog offers a place to exchange ideas and see what others are reading, and our Contact list allows direct communication with individuals from the Get Graphic project for assistance in how to best utilize the website and materials.

The average 15-24 year old American spends almost 2 hours each day watching TV, but only 7 minutes of their leisure time reading.
As many as 6.3 million secondary school students are reading below grade level.
As reading scores for 12th graders continue to drop, the most significant declines are among low-level readers.
The WNY drop out rate increased 47.8% from 1998-2003.
Locally, 30% of adults operate at minimal literacy. Countywide, 20% of adults operate at minimal literacy.

Graphic Novels can be an important part of both educational and leisure reading for patrons of all ages. Graphic novels are astoundingly popular and can be as simple or complex as any other literature.

Reading graphic novels:

Engages reluctant readers & ESL patrons.
Increases reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Can provide a bridge between low and high levels of reading.
Presents an approach to reading that embraces the multimedia nature of today’s culture, as 2/3 of a story is conveyed visually.
Provides scaffolding for struggling readers.
Presents complex material in readable text.
Helps patrons understand global affairs.
Offers another avenue through which individuals can experience art.

In addition, Graphic Novels are wildly popular!

In 2001 graphic novels were a 75 million dollar industry, In 2006 sales had grown to 330 million dollars.
Graphic novels have surpassed comics as "the most popular format".
Scholastic Book Fairs have sold over 4 million graphic novels since the introduction of the category in 2004.
Many mainstream writers have crossed over to graphic novels (Eric Jerome Dickey, Cecil Castellucci, Anthony Horowitz, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Laurell K. Hamilton). There have also been graphic novels created by musicians, including Avril Lavigne, Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and Neil Young.

Graphic Novel Workshop Resources

Additional Resources

Graphic Novel Classroom Kits

Teachers/Librarians: To find out how to borrow graphic novels to use with your students, click here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events.

Fetured

I Kill Giants
Joe Kelly (Author), J. M. Ken Niimura (Illustrator)
Barbara is an angry elementary-school girl who is known as a freak and claims to be a killer of giants. She faces bullies and storms with no fear, but cannot face what she hides from at home. The story is heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time. This work is an example of why comic books are not only art, but a necessary medium to tell a full story. The art blends so well with the writing you will find yourself thinking “Did I just read a comic or a small beautiful novel ?” Truly an example of why comic books/graphic novels are great.