Sometimes its all about the art!

This Falcon was always an avid reader but I do realize not everybody can find a book they really get into. Sometimes it is hard to read chapter after to chapter, especially if the book is assigned and not one of your choosing. Yet who out there has no problem opening a Superman comic or Pokemon? You are guaranteed an adventure with great characters and cool artwork. Well here is a tip for you! Publishers, authors and artists alike have all gotten the memo……Some people would rather read a comic than read a novel. Their solution? Graphic novels that are based on hot topics and classic works of fiction. How cool is that?!?!?

While our library is small we do have some graphic novels that just might get you reading. Many of you love reading Greek mythology. I do too! One of the newest additions to the library is Greek Myths by Rob Shone. This graphic novel has exciting stories like Icarus, Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts.

How about all you aspiring poets out there! Have you ever read Edgar Allan Poe? He certainly isn’t your average poet. For those of you who love to be scared no one tops Poe. He is a Halloween favorite and classic author. Our graphic novel titled The Best of Poe not only teaches you a little about this master of murder and mystery but does it in a way that really draws in the reader through art. This book includes the short stories The Pit and the Pendulum, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Cask of Amontillado, and The Murders in the Rue Morgue.

For students interested in history the SP library has two really cool graphic novels. The first is a greatly celebrated work called Maus II: A Survivor’s Tale. Taken from the stories told by the artist, Art Spiegelman’s father, Maus draws you into the world of Poland during WWII and takes a good look at life in a concentration camp. I recommend this book for all Jr. High students. The art is raw and real and easy to relate too. The Jewish people are represented by mice and the Nazis are cats.

Our second book takes you on a journey to the Jim Crow south, providing a real look at segregation. Also a book for Jr. High students this important story about Leroy “Satchel” Paige is set in the deep south at a time in our history where African Americans and Whites did not mix no matter if it was to sit next to each other or play baseball together.

Of course we also have fun lighthearted graphic novels.There is a fun series of Indiana Jones Adventures, an illustrated version of Artemis Fowl and the Bone Series. And remember Superman and Pokemon? Well we have those too!