Popular Trends in Library Media: Censorship Graphic Novels Street Literature ISTC 615 Sarah Scholl Kaitlin Bryant Katie Dutton

Introduction Discussion

CENSORSHIP

GRAPHIC NOVELS

What are graphic novels? KWL forbiddenplanet.co.uk ooks/11_babymouse.html comics.com/graphic_novels/new_graphic_novel734.jpg childlitbookclub.blogspot.com

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* 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

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 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): Ireland, Kerry. "Build It and They Will Come: Graphic Novels for Your Collection." School Libraries in Canada 23.3 (2004): Kan, Kat. "Getting Graphic at the School Library." Library Media Connection 21.7 (2003): Lyga, Allyson A. W., and Barry Lyga. Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A Definitive Guide. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, Lyga, Allyson. "Graphic Novels for (Really) Young Readers." School Library Journal (2006). 8 Nov Poitras, Gilles. "The Librarian's Guide to Anime and Manga." Gilles' Service to Fans Page. 21 Dec Nov < Rudiger, Hollis Margaret, and Megan Schliesman. "Graphic Novels and School Libraries." Knowledge Quest 36.2 (2007):

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)