Janet Hibun NCTE Orlando, FL November 21, 2010 Janet Hilbun

When evaluating graphic novels, keep in mind the unique qualities of graphic novels as well as their literary quality. The evaluator must take into consideration: Cover Panel Structure or Format Images or Illustrations Content and Words Text and Art Together Age Appropriateness Janet Hilbun

◦ Interesting ◦ Correctly depicts content Janet Hilbun

 How are the panels arranged on the page? Are they easy to follow? Can the reader easily follow the sequence?  How are they shaped and does the shape affect the story?  Do the gutters (spaces in between the illustrations) aid in comprehension or distract the reader? Janet Hilbun

How do the panels break up the artwork? Do these breaks slow the reader down, speed the story up, or complicate the story? Is the text clearly readable with an appropriate font or font size? Does the white space help readers move through the story or are the pages too busy? Do the panels provide the necessary information for readers to follow jumps? Janet Hilbun

Does the style of art fir the type of story or information or does it seem disjointed and out of place? Is the art “cartoony”—cartoony art often makes it easier for readers to identify emotions. Does the use of color help the reader understand the tone and mood of the story? Is there a contrast between darks and lights to create balance and establish tone? Janet Hilbun

 Has both the positive space (objects in the illustration) and the negative space (space between the objects) been used to create a visually pleasing appearance?  Do the illustrations provide enough of the context of the story and action events to keep the reader moving through the story? Janet Hilbun

 Do the word balloons contain too much text? Too little? Does the dialog flow naturally when read aloud?  Do the characters have different voices? Are the characters multi-dimensional?  What is the ratio of text to art? Does the text overpower the art or crowd it out? Janet Hilbun

 Literary Quality: ◦ Plot ◦ Narrative style ◦ Theme ◦ Characterization ◦ Conflict and conflict resolution Janet Hilbun

 Elements of nonfiction ◦ Organization ◦ Interest ◦ Visual aids ◦ Details ◦ Relevance ◦ Accuracy Janet Hilbun

 Good graphic novels find a balance between dialog and illustration to present a story. ◦ Do the style of the text and the style of the art complement each other? If not, does it work? ◦ Do the tone of the art and the text match? ◦ How does the art relate to the story? ◦ Is there a mismatch between the art and the text or are they equally compelling? Janet Hilbun

Is the theme and subject matter appropriate for the age group? Consider the age of the protagonist and how the theme fits with your students’ development. Is the conflict interesting to your readers? Examine both illustrations and text for appropriateness. Will the language offend readers or parents in your community? Janet Hilbun

 Binding—will it hold up to repeated readings? Can it be rebound? Do you have a choice of bindings?  Who is the audience you are purchasing the graphic novel for or why are you purchasing them?—Is it to support curriculum? Is it for your ELL or visual learners? Is it because your students are asking for graphic novels? Is it because you love graphic novels and want to share? Janet Hilbun

 Lists of “bests”—ALA YALSA, Texas Maverick, etc  Catalogs of “mainstream” publishers— Macmillan, Hyperion, Penguin, etc  Blogs—good one is Terri Lesesne’s Goddess of YA Literature  Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Follett’s Titlewave, Bowker’s Books in Print—all have multiple reviews  Go to your public or school library Janet Hilbun

 Ask your readers—especially your teens  Conference exhibits Janet Hilbun

 All illustrations from: novels.com/graphic.htmlhttp://free-online- novels.com/graphic.html Janet Hilbun