Three short stories fuel this graphic novel, The Eternal Smile, by Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim (check out the storyline for the last one, Urgent Request - sense of humor, as well!). Many students are attracted to this presentation format - the comic book style still maintains plot, character, setting, dialog, sequencing, symbolism, and other typical elements of a traditional novel. A major difference, of course, is the use of illustrations and pictures to tell the story, to create the mood, and to elicit emotion.
Though some are discouraged by the impact of the graphic novel on young adults (believing that 'comic books' have little place in a school setting), I am impressed with most of the titles in our library. They offer a platform for interpretation and communication of any content, a structure for making meaning, and a springboard for critical analysis and thinking.
The more I write for my 365 photo project, the more the blur between visual and linguistic literacies...I think this is a good thing! Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL
Monday, February 1, 2010
02.01.10
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What do they say - 'A picture is worth a thousand words'.
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective, but more than anything I LOVE the richness of the color!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think kids need to try on all kinds of genres. Have you read Understanding Comics the invisible art by Scott McCloud. There is a lot more to them than you think. I found it very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI find graphic novels (and films) can be very challenging. Not everyone can make connections and inferences to make sense of visual sequences. There's a lot of thinking involved.
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