1. Selecting Graphic Novels

2. Selection Policy Check your school / county selection development policy on including graphic novels in your collection. Determine why you want to include graphic novels in your collection. Update your selection policy before challenges may arise. Source: Mooney (2002 )

3. Criteria for Selecting Graphic Novels Appropriate content Visuals & Graphics Physical form & Aesthetics Reputation of author, seller, publisher, reviews Arrangement & Organization

4. Appropriate Content Are the story and illustrations appropriate for the intended audience? What is the scope? Are there any treatment issues? Are there any special features available? How does the graphic novel add value to your collection? Does the content pose any safety or health concerns for your students?

5. Visuals & Graphics Are students able to follow the art format? Does the novel have visual impact that showcases the artistic ability of the creator? Does the graphic novel blend text and art? Does the use of color add to the graphic novel or is it unnecessary?

6. Physical Form & Aesthetics How is the book designed physically? Does the book have aesthetic quality and is appealing to students? Is the book durable and will hold up to multiple users and high circulation?

7. Reputations of Author, Seller, Publisher, Reviews What are the reputations of the author, illustrator, and publisher? Are you able to locate a review of the title? Is the title one that will be popular with students? Is the book a part of a series? What is the cost of the book?

8. Arrangement & Organization Does the story have the best qualities of the literature genre (i.e. mystery, nonfiction, biography) it represents? How is the graphic novel arranged? Will students have trouble understanding the organization? (ex. does it read right to left instead of left to right?)

9. Resources to Aid Selection Professional journals – Booklist – School Library Journal – VOYA Kat Kan’s column - “Graphically Speaking”Graphically Speaking Local comic book stores – What is your community reading? Listserv “Graphic Novels in Libraries” (GNLIB-L) Listserv “Graphic Novels in Libraries – You have to become a member (free) Source: Mooney (2002)

10. Resources to Aid Selection Alternative Comics – A comic book publisher Diamond Bookshelf - Reviews Diamond Bookshelf – Contains reviews of many graphic novels of all age categories Diamond Bookshelf – Core list Diamond Bookshelf – Contains the “Top 10” Graphic Novels for all age groups. A great place to begin a collection!

11. Resources to Aid Selection Maryland Comic Book Initiative – Details about Maryland’s plan No Flying, No Tights – A website reviewing graphic novels The Harvey Awards – Awards given to comic books

12. Resources to Aid Selection Squidoo – Graphic Novels in Libraries – Links to articles and discussions on graphic novels Bella Online – How to Begin your Graphic Novel Collection Bella Online – How to Begin your Graphic Novel Collection – Discussion on beginning a collection Graphic Novel Guru Graphic Novels: Resources for teens and librarians Graphic Novels: Resources for teens and librarians

13. Sources Used Mooney, M. (2002, November/December). Graphic novels: How they can work in libraries. Book Report, 21 (3). Retrieved on October 23, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database.