Graphic Novels were a popular item in our media center this year. We had a collection of about 49 books at the beginning of the year and I was able to add about 75 more. I collaborated with an English teacher who is "into" graphic novels and visits his local "comic book" story weekly as well as the Literacy Facilitator and another English teacher who wrote her thesis about the use of Graphic Novels in encouraging boys to read. We worked together to make a list of books that the high school students would most likely enjoy the most. The books were ordered and the redecorating of the media center began! I chose the corner of the library that the students loved to head to, the sofa and TV area. I moved all the graphic novels to the shelves and an old fashioned magazine rack that are in that area. Then we hung up some graphic novel posters and other paraphernalia decorated the display case. The Literacy Facilitator ordered a giant Spiderman for the big bulletin board, it was a big hit with the kids! The students were anxious for the books to come in; we covered the shelves with black paper to increase the suspense! Posters were hung around the school telling the students about the new books, announcements were made over the intercom, and several English teachers brought their students in to look at and check out graphic novels. I noticed that these books were mostly favored by the Hispanic boys(ESL). The English teacher who wrote her thesis on the topic explained that they like them because they can see the gestures and facial features of the speakers, it makes it easier for them to understand the context of the story. This promotion was a huge success!! The principal bragged on it to the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent brought several tour groups through to look at it too. (We have the Apple One to One program at our school and other school systems often come to see how it works for us.)

Re_ graphic novels-note from principal and asst. super.pdf

Re_ more freebees-email between me and Bradley Sasser discussing graphic novels.pdf

Graphic novels-list from Bradley Sasser.pdf

These are a couple of the posters I made to hang around the school. I also did a series of banners that read:

IT'S A BIRD

Then further down the hall:

IT'S A PLANE

And finally near the library door:

IT'S GRAPHIC NOVEL WEEK@ YOUR LIBRARY!