Module 13: Graphic Novels

Module 13/SLIS5420

The Skeleton Key

By  Anthony Horwitz

Summary:

The Skeleton Key is the third book in the Alex Rider series following the adventure of the orphaned teenager Alex Rider and teenage spy.  In this book Alex is once again needed by MI6 and the CIA.  Through a series of events he ends up at Skeleton Key Island where he ends up fighting to stop Alexei Sarov from trying to unleashing a nuclear bomb. 

Citation:

Horowitz, A., Johnston, A., Damerum, K., & Takasaki, Y. (2009). Skeleton Key: [the graphic novel]. New York: Philomel Books.

Beyond and Between:

When it comes to the graphic novels of actual books, it is hard to do justice to a graphic novel review when you liked the actual novel so much more.  However, for reluctant readers this graphic novel of The Skeleton Key will keep their attention as it moves quickly, gets the plot line going with typical conversation bubbles, and graphic color pictures following each action and reaction in the book.  In graphic novels, where you can’t spend a paragraph detailing the emotions, scenery, and action/reactions of the main character, you have to rely on the visual cues.  Overall, this graphic novel tells the story of The Skeleton Key in the typical engaging comic book read.  With the main character being a teenage boy and the action/suspense storyline this book is sure to be popular with the boys.

Reviews:

Children’s Literature

This graphic novel adaptation of one of Anthony Horowitz's popular "Alex Rider" series books finds British teen spy Alex working with American spies in Cuba to hunt down an insane Russian general, who has deadly plans for a nuclear bomb. But as Alex gets closer to his target, he learns the general has additional plans to adopt Alex and make him part of his new world order. Though popular among kids, this particular Alex Rider book is littered with unflattering caricatures and stereotypes of various ethnic groups and cultures--especially the Russian general, whose overwhelming hatred of American capitalism would be laughable if it were not so offensive. Other countries do not fare much better as the CIA spies Alex works with are arrogant and condescending, while virtually all the Cubans are cast as the villains' mindless cronies. Even the British end up looking foolish for trusting a young teen like Alex--who constantly runs stupidly into dangerous situations and blurts out sensitive secrets under the threat of torture--with such important missions. While some readers may be able to suspend their disbelief long enough to be entertained by the story's action, the poorly-drawn characters and paper-thin plot make most James Bond movies seem like Oscar-worthy dramas by comparison. 2009, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $14.99. Ages 8 to 12.

Michael Jung, PH. D (2013). The Skeleton Key Review.  Children Literature Comprehensive Database, Retrieved from the University of North Texas  from http://www.clcd.com/

School Library Journal

Gr 5-10- Alex is back for the third time in Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider Adventure Series (Philomel, 2003) as the reluctant 14-year-old spy, getting into his share of James Bond-like adventures. This time he travels to Wimbleton and dodges an evil-doer in the strawberry refrigerator, then to the coast of Cornwall for some surfing and bad-guy avoiding, and finally to the Cuban island of Skeleton Key, as the son of two CIA operatives who are investigating a Russian general's planned nuclear comeback. Following in the tradition of his uncle, the famous spy, Alex wholeheartedly takes command of his adventures and manages to save the world, yet again. Reluctant readers, particularly boys who can't find anything that interests them, will flock to this audiobook. Simon Prebble's reading is flawless; we forget we're being read to, and we find ourselves on the Cornwall coast with Alex. He moves between characters easily, and listeners won't find his British accent bothersome. There is all of the requisite spy intrigue and adventure, even a beautiful young lady as Alex's admirer (sans the frequent sexual encounters). The excitement easily equals a Bond story.

Evarts, L., & Mandell, P. (2003). Skeleton Key. School Library Journal, 49(9), 76.

Suggested Uses:

Depending on your library, graphic novels may be shelved in a different area then the original book. For this graphic novel I would like to start monthly by pulling both versions of the novel out for the teens to see.  Likewise, in the book club offering either version to be read.  This accomplished two things, first it brings in the reluctant readers, but then in the book club it can reveal difference between the original the graphic novel adaptation of the book.

Module 12: Biography and Autobiography

Module 12/SLIS5420

The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary

By  Deborah Hopkinson

Summary:

The Lincolns is a beautiful pictorial and essay focused biography of Abraham and Mary Lincoln.  The format is like a scrapbook broken up between pictures, stories, and newspaper like articles following the Lincoln’s life and relationship as a couple.

Citation:

Fleming, C. (2008). The Lincolns: A scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.

Beyond and Between:

Once again the book industry has found a way to convey historical information in an engaging and accurate fomart.  The Lincolns, chronologically and thematically follows Abraham and Mary through their life, Abraham’s career, United States war, and so forth.  The reader easily can just browse where interested or get in depth and follow the book as if reading a school text.  At the back of the book the reader can follow the author’s research through the end notes and or look for specific information from the index.  However, because of the nature of the written text, long paragraphs, more text then pictures, and a higher level reading level this text would be more appropriately fit for high school aged readers.

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews

The Lincolns was five years in the making and it shows. Candace Fleming's book exudes an easy familiarity with Abraham and Mary's lives and times due to her choices of telling details and the merry pleasure of its design. "The scrapbook technique…remains fresh and lively," wrote Kirkus, "a great way to provide a huge amount of information in a format that invites both browsing and in-depth study." The sweep of graphic material is impressive and beguiling--photographs, engravings, documents, posters--while antique typefaces lend a period quality to the proceedings, which extend to Mary's death. Fleming's comfort with the material comes from more than pure research. "This summer I returned to central Illinois and my hometown fair," she says. "As I strolled along the midway, I glanced down, and there lay a stone marker, reading 'The spot where Lincoln debated Douglas, September 18, 1858.' I grinned. As a child, I played in his parents' log cabin, slept in his bedroom and lived in a house on the Lincoln Heritage trail. Mr. Lincoln had simply been a natural part of my everyday life. So, I wasn't surprised to bump into him at the fair. I was, however, delighted. I felt as if I'd just run into an old friend."

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. (2008). Kirkus Reviews, 76(23), 6.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-- Through sound scholarship and engaging storytelling, Fleming presents side-by-side portraits of the famous first couple, combining telling anecdotes and large and small details to reveal aspects of the Lincolns' personalities and temperaments. Primary sources and high-quality archival photos and reproductions add significantly to this impressive American scrapbook. BOOK

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. (2009). School Library Journal, 5527.

Suggested Uses:

This book would be a good book to use for a school library session about research and information, because of its visual appeal and unique way of writing the book would be good to present to a class of 15- 20 to show elements to look for in a research project.  If this type of opportunity is not available,  having a display with other biographies marked with sticky notes to point out key information and sources for research would be a neat way to use it in the library.  Maybe even tie in the online databases/journals for the students to find more information.

Module 11: Informational Books

Module 11/SLIS5420

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster

By  Deborah Hopkinson

Summary:

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster is an informational chapter book with a unique perspective on the events leading up to the sinking of the Titanic.  It follows unique historical accounts of different passengers that were on the Titanic when it sunk, including upper class, lower class, servants, and boat employees.  All given in a chronological manner that allows the reader to follow the timeline of what happened to the Titanic

Citation:

Hopkinson, D., & Scholastic Press. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the disaster. New York: Scholastic Press

Beyond and Between:

This was an amazing informational book. From the bat I would suggest this book for older readers 5^th to 7^th because it had fewer pictures and maps that younger grades are drawn towards.  However, this book is a real informational resource with proper indexes, statistics, timeline of events appendix, and a list of research resources so the reader can do their own research.  Also, due to the fictionalized style of writing, along with the historical accounts, the book is an easier read then compared to a lot of informational books that I’ve read in the past.  It was easy to follow the storyline and yet get accurate information at the same time.

Reviews:

Booklist

(1) 4-6 Hopkinson provides young readers with a basic introduction to the event without overdramatizing, drawing unwarranted conclusions, or prolonging the ordeal. Her "characters," real survivors whose voices relay many of the subsequent events, include crew members as well as travelers in first, second, and third class. Chapter notes, sources, archival photos, a timeline, short biographies of those mentioned, and more are included. Bib., glos., ind. Review 3/12. bc

HISTORY. (2012, Fall). The Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adult Books, 23, 179-185. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1111788652?accountid=7113

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Hopkinson offers a thorough account (Scholastic, 2012) of the April 15, 1912 sinking of the Titanic. Background information is interspersed with stories of survivors and witnesses, including primary source quotes. The author weaves together the voices of children, passengers in all classes, the captain, and crew members to provide a unique account of the tragedy. What makes this chronicle of events unique is the direct quotes from survivors which are seamlessly inserted throughout and successfully handled by talented voice actors Mark Bramhall, Peter Altschuler, and others. Listeners will be enthralled by the effective use of personal details. Have the print version available so listeners can peruse the photos, art work, diagrams, and maps.

Medinsky, M. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. School Library Journal, 58(12), 77.

Suggested Uses:

I would love to use this book as a tie in to current events.  For example, that boat that crashed this last month in South Korea.  Having a current events webpage/ mini display in the non-fiction including similar events in the past.  In this case using the Titanic information books, with other books about ship sinkings, including the current sinking of the passenger boat in Korea.  This would help bring the present and the past together and hopefully bridge a gap between books that students don’t identify with present events that they do connect to.