Popular Trends in Library Media:

CensorshipGraphic Novels

Street Literature

ISTC 615Sarah SchollKaitlin BryantKatie Dutton

Introduction Discussion

CENSORSHIP

GRAPHIC NOVELS

What are graphic novels? KWL

forbiddenplanet.co.uk

http://www.jenniferholm.com/

02_mybooks/11_babymouse.html

http://www.hillcity-comics.com/graphic_novels/new_graphic_novel734.jpg

childlitbookclub.blogspot.com

http://www.artbomb.net/comics/introgn.jsp

http://www.artbomb.net/comics/introgn.jsp

Basic Definitions

Graphic Novels• Graphic = In Pictures• Longer• Bound in book form• For kids or adults• Series or Individual

Manga or Anime• “Shakespearean

quality”• Japanese comics• Backwards• Sailor Moon• Dragonball Z• *Warnings*

http://www.starstore.com/acatalog/ai_yori_aoshi.jpg

Graphic Novels are Great For:

• Addressing Multiple Intelligences

• Students incapable of visualization– Helps create visual images that

contribute to comprehension

• Reluctant readers– Helps with constructing meaning

• Visually dependent students– Develops visual literacy

http://www.scholastic.com/Bone/books_p1.htm

Develop Visual Literacy

• Analyze facial expressions

• Build plot in their minds

• Understand how the images and text create a story

• Attention to detail

Student Testimonials

“I like Kingdom Hearts because it tells a long journey in story terms.”

“One Piece is the only manga that I read, for the simple reason that it is very interesting.”

“I enjoy them (manga) because the art style is very good, they have great stories and they are great in total. My favorites are Bleach, Full Metal Alchemist and M.A.R”

“I like graphic novels because I can read them fast and it helps me understand the stories by showing me what's going on.”

“I like manga because they are a great way to see Japanese culture. I would recommend these books to anyone.”

Cataloging and Shelving

• 741.5• Separate• Maintain by age group

Collection Development: How do I Select Graphic Novels?

• Is the book physically well produced and attractive?

• Is the storyline coherent, imaginative, interesting and well written?

• Is the language accessible and appropriate?

• Use the same guidelines as you would for regular fiction book selection.

Misconceptions and Controversy • Graphic = “dirty”• Not books of literary merit• Fancy comic books• Only for adults• Only for boys• Only Sci-Fi and Fantasy

Reality

• Multiple topics for multiple genders

• Classics have been converted

• Builds visual literacy• Helps reluctant readers• Move forward with

caution• Get reviews

My Recommendation

• Give them a try• Include them in your

library• Use them in your class,

you may be surprised with the level of student engagement

Bibliography• Gorman, Michelle. "Graphic Novels Rule!." School Library Journal

54.3 (2008): 42-47. • Ireland, Kerry . "Build It and They Will Come: Graphic Novels for

Your Collection." School Libraries in Canada 23.3 (2004): 18-23. • Kan, Kat. "Getting Graphic at the School Library." Library Media

Connection 21.7 (2003): 14-19. • Lyga, Allyson A. W., and Barry Lyga. Graphic Novels in Your

Media Center: A Definitive Guide. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, 2004.

• Lyga, Allyson. "Graphic Novels for (Really) Young Readers." School Library Journal (2006). 8 Nov. 2008 <http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6312463.html>.

• Poitras , Gilles . "The Librarian's Guide to Anime and Manga." Gilles' Service to Fans Page. 21 Dec. 1996. 8 Nov. 2008 <http://koyagi.com/Libguide.html

• Rudiger, Hollis Margaret, and Megan Schliesman. "Graphic Novels and School Libraries." Knowledge Quest 36.2 (2007): 57-59.

STREET LITERATURE

Also known as…

• Urban Fiction

• Street Fiction

• Ghetto Lit

• Gangsta Lit

• Hip-Hop Lit

What is it?

• Setting – Inner Cities of United States

• Protagonists – Young African-American or Latino men or women

• Fast paced morality tales

• Deal with sex, violence, crime, and drugs

History of Street Lit

• Donald Goines and Robert “Iceberg Slim” Beck 1960s and 1970s

• Omar Tyree and Sister Soulja

• Rap music

• 1970’s mafia films

Teen Street Lit

• Tamer version of Street Lit

– Brushes topics of sex, violence, crime, etc. in passing

– Contains warnings of consequences for actions

Criticisms

• Violence, drug dealing, sex and language are inappropriate for teens.

• Depicts African-Americans in a negative way and has misogynistic and homophobic content

• Sexual and violent depictions on covers

Responses to Criticisms and Why We Should Include it in our Libraries • Some of today’s classics

were once controversial (ex. Jack Kerouac)

• Relates to students’ lives – appeals to reluctant readers

• Helps build teen fluency

How to meet Street Lit Readers’ Needs (Honig, 2008)• Respect the genre• Provide satisfying

alternatives• Provide access• Collect street lit• Use street lit in library

programs• Broaden your collection

Top Street Lit Titles (Pattee, 2008)

Adult• The Coldest

Winter Ever (Souljah, 1999)

• Push (Sapphire, 1996)

• Let That Be The Reason (Stringer, 2001)

• A Hustler’s Wife (Turner, 2003)

Teen• “Bluford High”

series (Townsend, Scholastic)

• Tyrell (Booth, 2006)

• The Sista Hood: On the Mic (E-Fierce 2006)