Teaching Graphic Novels

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:14:00 +0000

Katie Monnin's new, innovative resource, Teaching Reading Comprehension with Graphic Texts: An Illustrated Adventure, is now available for purchase on the Capstone Classroom and Maupin House websites. In this engaging professional book, written in graphic novel format, Dr. Monnin shows K-12 teachers how to read, understand, and teach the unique vocabulary and anatomy of the graphic text format alongside traditional, print-based literature and content-area selections. Graphic texts are not only loved by students, they address today's reading standards for teaching multi-modal texts that combine print and images. Now you can make the most of the graphic text-driven format in your reading program today!

Register for the AASL graphic novels webinar with Katie Monnin

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:51:00 +0000

From ALA.org:

KQ Webinar: Aligning Graphic Novels to the Standards

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 | 7:00 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT/4 p.m. PT

Register Now

Presenter: Katie Monnin
One of the most exciting opportunities facing today’s teachers and librarians is how to dualistically teach contemporary literature to both the standards and the real world applications students face each and every day in a more and more diverse literacy world. Fortunately, graphic novels offer one possible answer. Deemed by contemporary literacy scholarship to be one of the most viable and popular contemporary literary formats, graphic novels can be aligned to both the standards and the real life applications facing today’s students. This webinar will focus on how to not only align graphic novels to the Common Core State Standards, NCTE/IRA Standards, and the AASL learning standards, but also to the real world, contemporary reading and writing literacy realities.

Katie Monnin is an assistant professor of literacy at University of North Florida in Jacksonville. She has presented nationally at conferences on teaching graphic novels in the classroom, image and print-text literacies, and new media. Katie is co-editor of Florida Reading Quarterly. Her book, Teaching Graphic Novels, was a finalist for the 2009 ForeWord Education Book of the Year! She was selected to be a judge for the 2013 Eisner Awards.

Note: Webinar is open to AASL members and eCOLLAB subscribers only. Registrations will be accepted until 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 12. A seat in the webinar is guaranteed to the first 100 attendees. As a webinar registrant, you will receive follow-up correspondence from AASL.

Katie Monnin named one of six 2013 Eisner Awards Judges!

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:43:00 +0000

Maupin House is proud to announce that author Katie Monnin is one of six comics experts selected to judge the 2013 Eisner Awards, which take place at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Katie is the author of Teaching Graphic Novels (2010, a finalist for ForeWord's Educational Book of the Year Award), Teaching Early Reader Comics and Graphic Novels (2011), Using Content-Area Graphic Texts for Learning (2012), and Teaching Reading Comprehension with Graphic Texts (2013). According to the Comic-Con website, "The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, considered the 'Oscars' of comics, turn 25 in 2013. The most prestigious of the industry’s awards, the Eisners are given out at a gala ceremony on the Friday night of Comic-Con International: San Diego." There are more than two dozen awards categories for both creators and works, and the judges choose the nominees to appear on the 2013 Eisner Awards ballot.

Comic-Con International is "a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular artforms. primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of comics to art and culture."

To read more and browse bios for all six judges, click here.

A mighty book list from A Mighty Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:01:00 +0000

A Mighty Girl is "the world's largest collection of books and movies for smart, confident, and courageous girls." It's no surprise that this collection includes graphic novels featuring girls and women--one of the largest compilations, in fact, of nearly 60 graphic novels. Learn more about this collection by reading A Mighty Girl's blog post, "Clever Mice and Resilient Chicas: What Mighty Girls Can Learn From Graphic Novels."

Let them wear capes: The benefits of superheroes in kids' lives

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:18:00 +0000

We've all heard the negative superhero stuff: too much violence, stories not based in reality, and scary villains. But Heather Turgeon at parenting website Babble.com brings up some of the lesser-heard positives when it comes to the presence of superheroes in kids' lives:

"In the world of superheroes, anything is possible — and this idea does more than make for a fun afternoon. All that dreamed-up play is great exercise for the brain; it boosts skills in executive functioning, or the ability to plan and focus. And more symbolic play in preschool has been found to correlate with higher reading abilities in early elementary school. One recent study even found that wearing a Superman cape and hearing about his fantastic abilities (one of them being his 'patience,' for the purpose of the study), made children better able to wait and delay gratification."

There are so many great comics and graphic novels to choose from these days--including many for younger kids. So go ahead and let your kids wear their capes to school, role-play at home, and choose a comic for bedtime reading. And, hey, let's remember that non-fiction is often scarier than fiction! As long as you're helping them make age-appropriate choices when it comes to both books and movies/TV, their imaginations can fly high.

Graphic Novel Giveaway on Carol Baldwin's Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Thu, 31 May 2012 19:11:00 +0000

Today, Carol Baldwin, author of Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8, is giving away THREE great books on her blog. Now is the time to learn more about choosing and using graphic novels at home and in your classroom. Carol is giving away two of Katie Monnin’s e-books (Teaching Graphic Novels and Teaching Early Reader Comics and Graphic Novels), as well as a personally autographed copy of the new book, A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kid’s Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love, by Snow Wildsmith.

Hurry though. Giveaway ends on June 4!

Katie Monnin helps teachers explain the U.S. Constitution

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Dr. Katie Monnin, respected authority on how to use the graphic novel format alongside traditional literature to teach to the standards, wrote the teacher's guide to a new graphic novel on the U.S. Constitution coming out soon from Round Table Companies. Read more about it on The Huffington Post!

Maupin House and Katie Monnin work with Round Table Companies to develop curriculum for comic book adaptation of The Constitution

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:11:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Emily Gibbs
Allison+Partners
EmilyG@allisonpr.com

The U.S. Constitution brought to life in graphic novel adaptation from Round Table Companies

New comic book features 100 percent of the document’s original text along with additional narrative and detailed illustrations that further clarifies the founding fathers’ work

CHICAGO (Jan. 9, 2012) – Round Table Companies, a publishing and storytelling company that works with thought leaders to inform, educate and inspire, announces the release of The United States Constitution: A Round Table Comic, a graphic novel adaptation of the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution comic launches in bookstores nationwide, on Amazon.com, and all digital formats in March 2012 for $12.95 (print) and $6.99 (digital).

Scripted by adapter Nadja Baer and illustrated by Nathan Lueth, Round Table Companies created an original storyline to showcase the making of history and communicate concepts from one of the United States’ most important documents. Narratives and illustrations of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Thomas Paine and James Madison, among other historical figures, allow readers to understand and engage with the process and development of each article in The Constitution.

“Whether you are a student or just need a refresher, the illustrated format allows readers to better understand and retain the concepts in the Constitution,” said Baer. “The powerful illustrations coupled with effective narrative and the complete text from the original document helps capture and relive an important part of our country’s history.”

Dr. Katie Monnin, an assistant professor of literacy at the University of North Florida, and Maupin House, a publisher specializing in K-12 teacher resources, developed a tailored curriculum to supplement the comic book in classrooms. The curriculum will be readily available to teachers at no cost in March, when the book launches.

“While the comic book adaptation of The Constitution can be enjoyed at any age, we developed the free curriculum to work together with the comic book to help teachers get students more interested in the framework of our government,” said Dr. Monnin. “The comic itself is fun and easy to read, but students will be able to further comprehend the concepts with the supplemental material.”

Round Table Companies believes in the power of story to impact lives and brings others’ visions to life. For more information about the company, visit www.roundtablecompanies.com/.

###

About Round Table Companies

Round Table Companies (RTC) uses a filmmaker’s approach to storytelling to inform, educate, and inspire readers. Founded in 2006 as a writing company, RTC quickly evolved into a storytelling company that uses the talents of artists all over the country to deliver entertaining content that demands attention. RTC’s approach to creating high quality content eliminates the traditional publishing gatekeepers and allows thought leaders to engage in a fully collaborative team approach to distilling their ideas into either word based or illustrated formats. Author partnerships include WIRED magazine founder Chris Anderson, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, childhood cancer survivor Alesia Shute, and Latino author and humanitarian Robert Renteria.

New York City Comic Con 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:10:00 +0000

If you are in NYC this upcoming weekend, please join me in celebrating the astounding accomplishments of one of the comic/graphic novel greats, Jeff Smith's 20th anniversary of Bone panel! I am so personally stoked and humbled to be asked to moderate this panel, for I wrote my dissertation on Bone and in my lonely dissertation studies and post-doctoral work have studied the impact of Jeff Smith and Bone's impact on reading in the 21st century. And, trust me, the impact is seismic. I can't wait to hear what Jeff and the other panelists have to say about the past, present and ongoing future of this graphic novel's already legendary story.

Take care everyone and safe travels, katie :)

Celebrating 20 years of BONE with Jeff Smith!
Date: Saturday, October 15
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Location: 1A23

Speakers: Cassandra Pelham, David Saylor, Dr. Katie Monnin, Jeff Smith, Tom Sniegoski

Description:
Join Jeff Smith as he discusses the incredible journey of the BONE saga, which was named one of the Top 10 graphic novels of all time by TIME magazine. Learn about the past, present, and future of this epic, bestselling graphic novel series! Dr. Katie Monnin, a professor at the University of North Florida and author of educational resource books about graphic novels and readers, will lead the conversation about the BONE series. Panelists include Jeff Smith, author and creator of BONE; Tom Sniegoski, author of BONE: QUEST FOR THE SPARK, a trilogy of illustrated novels, and TALL TALES, a BONE companion; David Saylor, VP Creative Director and Editorial Director of the Graphix imprint of Scholastic; and Cassandra Pelham, Associate Editor for Scholastic Press and Graphix. This session will cover the beginnings of the BONE series in the underground comic book scene and its development into an internationally bestselling series. Panelists will also discuss what’s next for BONE and what lies in store for its beloved characters. Attendees will receive a complimentary BONE tote bag!

Join Jeff Smith as he discusses the incredible journey of the BONE saga, which was named one of the Top 10 graphic novels of all time by TIME magazine. Learn about the past, present, and future of this epic, bestselling graphic novel series! Dr. Katie Monnin, a professor at the University of North Florida and author of educational resource books about graphic novels and readers, will lead the conversation about the BONE series. Panelists include Jeff Smith, author and creator of BONE; Tom Sniegoski, author of BONE: QUEST FOR THE SPARK, a trilogy of illustrated novels, and TALL TALES, a BONE companion; David Saylor, VP Creative Director and Editorial Director of the Graphix imprint of Scholastic; and Cassandra Pelham, Associate Editor for Scholastic Press and Graphix. This session will cover the beginnings of the BONE series in the underground comic book scene and its development into an internationally bestselling series. Panelists will also discuss what’s next for BONE and what lies in store for its beloved characters. Attendees will receive a complimentary BONE tote bag!

American Library Association, New Orleans, LA

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:12:00 +0000

hi everyone!

i hope your summer is going well, and you are finding time to catch up on all the amazing graphic novels that came out in the spring. one of my recent-release favorite's is vera brosgol's Anya's Ghost (published by First Second Books).

today, however, i find myself posting because i am super-stoked to let you know that i will be attending this year's american library association (ALA) conference in new orleans, la. just next weekend (june 24 - 26, 2011), i look forward to the conference, and, most especially, seeing all of you, my comic and graphic novel friends (and perhaps some soon-to-be-new-friends). :) :) :)

safe travels everyone and see you in new orleans! :) katie

It's Here . . . Teaching Early Reader Comics and Graphic Novels now available!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

I hope you are all well and enjoying the spring weather. :)

I am super-excited to let you know that Teaching Early Reader Comics and Graphic Novels (2011) is now available, complete with a Foreword by the amazing children's author Jane Yolen.

Take care and best wishes, Katie :)

Introducing Book 2: Teaching Early Reader Comics and Graphic Novels

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:23:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying the first signs of spring. :)

And with your new and fresh spring-minded thoughts for life and learning in mind, I want to introduce you to my new book: Teaching Early Reader Comics and Graphic Novels (2011), with a Foreword by Jane Yolen.

Take care everyone, Katie :)

Calling All Parents!!! Dr. Katie Monnin talks about an upcoming event at the JAX downtown library!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:16:00 +0000

Click on the above link to learn more about the event: "Calling all Parents! Why Comics and Graphic Novels are Really Reading"

Date: January 15th, 2010
Time: 3 - 4pm
Place: JAX downtown library

Hope to see everyone there! Best wishes, Katie

Sequential Art Narrative in Education Journal: Call for Manuscripts

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 02:32:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

The deadline for the special call for manuscripts for SANE (sequential art narrative in education) journal is coming up. So i just wanted to repost a reminder to all graphic novel artists, writers, and scholars that the deadline is coming up and Bucky and I are really looking forward to receiving your submissions.

Best wishes and happy writing, Katie

ps - below is the special call. :)

Essays on Why Teachers Should Care About Graphic Novels:

Teaching IRA’s Emphasis on “Visualizing” and “Visually Representing”

Sometime between May and December of 2009, I contacted many of you about participating in a preconference institute at the 2010 IRA annual convention. The purpose of the preconference institute was to address why teachers should care about and teach graphic novels in their classrooms. Generated by an IRA policy statement that asks modern grade-level educators to teach students to “visualize” while reading and “visually represent” while writing, this preconference institute aimed to set new theoretical and practical precedents for using graphic novels in the classroom.

To my humbling-delight you replied positively and with enthusiasm. You were going to join me in Chicago! As our list of amazing speakers grew, I couldn’t help but feel as though we were quickly becoming one of the best and most talented groups of graphic novel experts ever to be assembled. However, due to circumstances outside of our control, the preconference institute was cancelled. It was easy to slip into a thought pattern that concluded that there might not be an audience that wanted to hear about teaching graphic novels in the ELA classroom.

I simply do not believe this to be true. One of the only areas of the publication industry to experience growth during a national economic downfall was that of graphic novels. Young adults were and are buying graphic novels. For these young adults, and their teachers who may not understand the graphic novel format, we must carry on with our message. Thus, the guiding questions for this special of the SANE journal are:

· If you are a graphic novel creator you may want to closely consider these questions: “From a creators perspective, why should teachers care about graphic novels? What about the creation of a graphic novel makes them a valid literary format (that can be both read and written)?”

· If you are a scholar or educator you may want to consider these questions: From your area of expertise with graphic novels, why do you think teachers should care about graphic novels, and, once they do, how can they implement them into their language arts curriculum? In other words, in what ways are you successfully using graphic novels to teach students to “visualize” while reading and “visually represent” while writing?”

Intended Audience (the top 3):

1. Language Arts teachers

2. Literacy scholars

3. Language Arts curriculum decision-makers and stake-holders

Deadline for Manuscripts:

January 15, 2011

Submission Process:

When you submit your manuscript, please go online to http://www.sanejournal.net

and register as a reviewer and as an author. This will help in the review process.

Fantagraphics Books

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:28:00 +0000

Looking for some new comics and graphic novels that really make you think? Check out Fantagraphics Books. According to their website: "Fantagraphics Books has been a leading proponent of comics as a legitimate form of art and literature since it began publishing the critical trade magazine The Comics Journal in 1976. By the early 1980s, Fantagraphics found itself at the forefront of the burgeoning movement to establish comics as a medium as eloquent and expressive as the more established popular arts of film, literature, poetry, et al." Browse their online comics, blog, Facebook page, The Comics Journal, gift guide (to start your holiday shopping), and more.

NCTE: Orlando, FL November 19th

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:57:00 +0000

I am super-stoked and looking forward to seeing all of my NCTE friends tomorrow in Orlando, FL.

If you are at NCTE Friday morning, please join myself and the always magnificent Dr. James Bucky Carter (along with other cool graphic novel people) at 9:30 a.m. at the Coronado/Fiesta Ballroom Salon #5 for a discussion of graphic novel rationales in the English language arts classroom.

Best wishes and safe travels,

:) katie

Happy (belated) anniversary, Comic Book Project!

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:28:00 +0000

Just want to wish the Comic Book Project a happy (although slightly belated) tenth anniversary! In case you're not familiar with it, the project is part of the Center for Educational Pathways and promotes literacy and social awareness by publishing kids' creative comic endeavors. Visit www.edpath.org to learn more, and check out the center's Facebook page! Congrats, Comic Book Project, founder Dr. Michael Bitz, and all the kids and adults involved with this exceptional program.

New York City Comic Con

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:25:00 +0000

New York City Comic Con was great. Here are some cool highlights... :)

With the super-cool and brilliant storyteller Jane Yolen

With Jimmy Gownley of Amelia Rules! fame

With Peter Kuper, of contemporary Spy vs. Spy and retold Kafka graphic novel awesomeness

with Gus Fink (aka, Dr. Krinkles), one of my favorite new artist i met. here's a link to his website. :)

Gus' significant other, Emi Boz, was also really impressive. here's a link to her website.

Thank you to everyone, with special outs to John Shableski of Diamond Comic Books, John Hogan of graphicnovelreporter.com, Maureen Bakis (awesome graphic novel teacher extraordinaire), and First Second Books, especially Gina Gagliano.

- Katie :)

New York City Comic Con

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Just an update: I am super-excited to announce that I will be going to New York City Comic Con this October, the 8th through the 10th.

Official presentation date is yet to be announced, but, most likely, it will be on Saturday October 9th. Of course, the topic will be Teaching Graphic Novels.

Hope to see all my comic-graphic-novel friends there!!! :)

Katie

Kids Love Comics!

noreply@blogger.com (Emily Raij) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:09:00 +0000

This is not just a fact, it's the name of a non-profit organization "dedicated to the development and growth of children's comic books in North America."

KLC is comprised of comics educators, creators, publishers, fans, journalists, marketers, distributors, and retailers looking to share age-appropriate comics with parents, educators, creators, the media, and businesses. The organization takes both a grassroots and national approach to making quality comics available to kids through a national media campaign, creator tours, and an online clearinghouse.

For more information or to recommend a graphic novel, visit www.kidslovecomics.com or email klc@sky-dog.com.

Awesome new graphic novel: Belle Yang's Forget Sorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Ok, so once in awhile I read a graphic novel that I just can't put down, literally. Usually, such a graphic novel has captured my heart, my mind and my soul. Such is the case with Belle Yang's new graphic memoir Forget Sorrow.

Ashamed and embarrassed to return home after an abusive and dangerous relationship with a boyfriend Belle and her parents nickname "Rotten Egg," Belle longs to better understand her family history, especially on her father's side. Thus, in listening to his stories and drawing them she not only learns about the generational complications and recursive patterns that not only link us together, but also teach us how to empower ourselves and our families into closer relationships.

Reminiscent of Spiegelman's Maus, Bechdel's Fun Home, and Satrapi's Persepolis, Belle's Forget Sorrow is sure to become a well-known and respected name in the graphic novel memoir elite.

Although the above link takes you to Belle Yang's home page, here is also a link to Forget Sorrow's amazon.com page.

Interviews with Booth's C.C. Colbert and Tracy White's How I Made it to Eighteen on graphicnovelreporter.com

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:49:00 +0000

The awesomely talented story-writing-historian C.C. Colbert discusses her new graphic novel, Booth.

Tracy White talks about her new and graphic novel, How I Made it to Eighteen, one of my favorite graphic novels of 2010 for its delicate, smart and sensitive handling of complicated teenage issues.

Katie Monnin

An Interview with Trickster's Matt Dembicki

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:31:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

Recently, I read Trickster: Native American Tales, a Graphic Collection (2010). Trickster is not only one of my favorite graphic novels of this year, but also a much needed addition to the multicultural graphic novels currently on the market. I strongly recommend this graphic collection to middle school and high school teachers. :)

Matt was awesome enough to do an interview for TGN readers as well. Here's what he had to say!

1. If I were asked to pinpoint the most significant area of need in the graphic novel world, it would center on the need for more multicultural graphic novels. Trickster: Native American Tales, A Graphic Collection (2010) is an amazing new graphic novel that certainly responds to that need. What is the origin behind this collection of graphic tales?

I have always had an interest in fairy tales, folk tales and mythology. My parents are Polish immigrants, so growing up I was privileged to hear many Eastern European tales not often heard in the U.S., in addition to stories popularized by the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. But it was “Little Trickster the Squirrel Meets Big Double the Bear”—a children’s book by Ken Kesey—that put Native American trickster stories on my radar. Then one day when I was at my local library, I was in the Native American section and I saw a copy of “American Indian Trickster Tales (Myths and Legends)” by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz. The wonderful stories and spot illustrations in that book inspired me to test whether the stories could work in a sequential comic format. As I started to do some thumbnail layouts, I could see that it would make a great comics project, especially if contemporary Native American storytellers would provide their own trickster stories.

2. This collection of graphic novel tales highlights the talents of many artists and writers. Each tale is extremely powerful, both verbally and visually. How did you get this amazing group of contributors together?

It took a long time to gather this group of storytellers and artists. To find storytellers, I contacted universities, storytelling groups, museums and events that featured Native American storytellers. I also wanted to make sure there was a balance of geographic area among the storytellers, as well as a variety of trickster animals/being. Most people are familiar with rabbit and coyote as trickster animals—probably from watching the Warner Brothers cartoons—but there are other less-known but just-as-intriguing trickster animals, such as raven and raccoon. I also looked for a variety of styles among the artists, so each story could have a distinct look but fit within the overall feel of the book. Most of the artists I already knew or at least I was familiar with their works. I did make an effort to reach out to Native American artists as well and a handful did participate. Since the project didn’t offer payment up front—I started on the project before finding a publisher—it was harder to get artists to participate because of the time commitment to illustrate the stories. I was fortunate to find a good group of creators who found the project exciting and had faith in the book.

3. As the title indicates, this graphic collection focuses specifically on the role of the Trickster figure in Native American storytelling. How do you think the Trickster figures compares and/or contrasts to the Trickster figure from other cultural stories?

The common element is that most trickster stories have a lesson to them or explain the origin of something. They differ in the manner that they are told and the settings of the stories. What I think is unique to Native American trickster stories is that they are conveyed orally and often in a nonlinear way.

4. Do you have a particularly favorite Trickster tale?

I really enjoyed reading all the stories in this anthology. I guess my favorite story was the one I had the privilege of illustrating because I grew in the Northeast and have had a fascination with raccoons—they have such a unique look and are so crafty. Growing up, there was a large raccoon in the woods abutting our home property that would wash its food in the birdbath in our backyard. That captivated me. I also liked that the story I drew had crayfish, which was great from an artistic perspective because I could draw land and underwater scenes. It was a lot of fun.

5. From an English Language Arts teaching perspective, this graphic collection presents a wealth of literary opportunity. If you were asked to speak to a teacher and his or her class about Trickster, what would you want to make sure you told them?

I would stress that Native Americans have a strong oral storytelling tradition. Comics are another way to present the stories, but I believe it’s a substitute for the wonderful experience of hearing someone tell a story that has likely been told largely the same way for generations. Also pay attention to how the story is told. Often, the stories have certain cues that are repeated, and sometimes they tend to be parts of a much larger story.

6. Instead of being predictable and obvious with the moral at the end of each Trickster tale, this collection really does an amazing job of asking modern readers to think and reflect at the end of each story. Was this an intentional decision?

It wasn’t intentional on my part. The storytellers contributed stories that they wanted to present, so it was a personal decision on their part.

7. What can GNR readers look forward to reading from you in the near future?

I’m finishing up an ecological tale told from the perspective of a great white shark. It has an edge to it. I’ve been publishing the story as 20-page mini-comics and hope to soon find a publisher to pull them into a collection for 2011.

Introducing Cognito Comics

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:17:00 +0000

Daniel Burwen, Stephen Kinzer,
and Mike de Seve

present Cognito Comics!!!

Press release: "Cognito Comics is creating a new genre of narrative nonfiction for the iPad with an immersive graphic entertainment experience. Cognito partners with world-renown authors, prestigious institutions and unique causes to tell their stories using emerging technology, top rate art, compelling narrative nonfiction writing and entertaining visual experiences. With the goal to educate on the pressing issues we face as a global community, the company is producing graphic novels that address a wide range of research-rich topics previously inaccessible in traditional print media."

I had the good fortune to speak with Daniel Burwen on Skype this week, and Cognito Comics is a tremendously exciting development in the graphic novel and literacy worlds, especially for teachers...

Responding to the need for modern literacy educators to use contemporary literacy technology in the classroom, Cognito Comics launches a new genre of narrative nonfiction. Capable of being accessed via the iPad, Cognito Comics offers online graphic novels that educate readers about pressing, contemporary, and socially conscious nonfiction stories, like Operation Ajax (which is informed and advised by the well-known journalistic work of Stephen Kinzer).

"So what's the big deal?", you may ask.

For teachers, this means that students can not only read a Cognito Comic graphic novel both in and out of the classroom, but also conduct scholarly research. Just by clicking on a character or an event, students will have access to all kinds of endless information about anything that interests them.

My recommendation to teachers - check out Cognito Comics, for sure!

Katie

ALA Update

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Anne Lukowski) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:12:00 +0000

The annual American Library Association Conference (Last week of June, 2010) ended up being one of the greatest trips of my life!

Here's how I explained it to my significant other: "I am not sure if I was more excited the day I received my doctorate or the day I met amazing Art Spiegelman and Francoise Mouly."

I was also fortunate enough to meet the talented and award-winning children's author Geoffrey Hayes.

Certainly something I will tell the grand-kids about. :) katie