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IST 605: Graphic Novels

A LibGuide designed to expose more people to different types of graphic novels, and scholarly resources related to the topic of graphic novels.

Championing Diversity

Moeller, & Becnel, K. (2018). Drawing Diversity: Representations of Race in Graphic Novels for Young Adults. School Library Research, 21.

The authors of this study decided to take a sample of graphic novels listed by YALSA in 2015. They set out to answer a few specific questions, namely, if there was proper representation and diversity present in the choices on this list. The authors also considered if the authors and illustrators represented a diverse population. In short, of the 57 books surveyed, 76% included characters that were persons of color, but only 27% were the main characters in the stories in which they were featured. 64-74% of these characters were background or supporting characters. This means there is much more to be done in promoting books with representation of diverse populations. Representation matters for a number of reasons, but it can be summed up succinctly; every person deserves to feel represented and to have their experiences accurately depicted. This goes for all types of literature, but in this case, particularly for graphic novels, since they appeal to so many young children and teens. I found this article very telling, and hope to see even more diverse representation of various populations in the coming years.

Voels. (2022). Auditing diversity in library collections. Libraries Unlimited.

In order to properly ensure that all diverse populations are represented within your library's collection, it may help to perform a diversity audit. This is a process meant for those who curate collections, to see that there is a facet of inclusivity within your library's offerings. Auditing a collection is a must, because it allows us to reflect and ensure that there is not only representation, but accurate representation within the literary offerings of a collection. This book breaks down the auditing process, describing steps to take, criteria to use, applying this to specific communities, and best practices while completing this process. I definitely plan to use this resource within my own library space, and highly recommend others utilize this text to reflect on their own practices within their collections.

 

Celebrating Diversity: Suggested Graphic Novels

Ortega, C. A., & Bousamra, R. (2022). Frizzy. First Second Books

Winner of the 2023 Pura Belpré Award for Children's Text
Winner of the 2023 Eisner for Best Publication for Kids
October 2022 Indie Bestseller

Frizzy is an award-winning graphic novel featuring a young Dominican girl named Marlene.
Marlene struggles to fit in and sits for hours in a salon chair each week in order to straighten her curls to look more like the others at school. However, in the end, Marlene learns the lesson that she is beautiful just the way she is.
I'd recommend this graphic novel to many different readers, because self-acceptance can be difficult for all, specifically throughout those formative years. I'm also sure many people can relate to the struggle of trying to fit in with others, as well.
 

 

Francis, L. (2019). Ghost River: The Fall & Rise of the Conestoga
           (Ser. Redrawing History: Indigenous Perspectives on Colonial America). Red Planet Books 
            and Comics

This graphic novel is part of a series called Redrawing History: Indigenous Perspectives on Colonial America. Indigenous people and perspectives have long been overshadowed, 
many people would rather ignore our past history than own up to the fact that the Indigenous population has been mistreated consistently.  This particular graphic novel tells
the story of the Paxton Massacres in Pennsylvania in 1763. While this is a bit of a darker read in subject matter, it is absolutely necessary to recognize this as American history.
 

 

Oseman, A. (2020). Heartstopper (Vol. 1, Ser. Heartstopper). Graphix; Illustrated .

Heartstopper is an empowering and romantic coming-of-age story,
and has recently been developed into a Netflix series, as well. The story follows
Nick and Charlie, two students who quickly become friends, and then evolve into something more.I love this series and would recommend it, especially to the young adult crowd. It has amazing LGBTQIA+ representation and is a fun and lighthearted read as well.