NONFICTION

What Are Graphic Novels?

by Trudi Strain TRUEIT
9781467736664. ea vol: 32p. (Name That Text Type!). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Lerner. Sept. 2014. lib. ed $26.60.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2–4—This new series offers a somewhat meta discussion of various forms and genres of literature. Definitions and explanations are brief but informative, with illustrated examples along the way—Nonfiction Genres includes a photo of Loree Griffin Burns's Handle with Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey (2014), while Graphic Novels includes a spread from Na Liu and Andrew Vera Martinez's Little White Duck (2012, both Lerner). A colorful but pared down layout adds to the charm, and the books all end with suggested activities. Concise works ideal for units on introducing the concept of genres or types of literature.
Fiction and Nonfiction offer concise, sophisticated introductions to subgenres, ranging from historical fiction to adventure and from biography to how-to. Graphic Novels defines the form for a novice and explains form-specific features like word bubbles. In all three, sample excerpts set against colorful, relevant stock photos effectively illustrate in-text descriptions of identifying features. Writing activities are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Name That Text Type! titles: What Are Graphic Novels?, What Are Fiction Genres?, and What Are Nonfiction Genres?.
Each chapter introduces identifying features of myths, legends, folktales, fables, or fairy tales, highlighting the differing thematic content and cultural roles of each genre. A mix of Western and non-Western examples, set against colorful, relevant stock photos, astutely reinforces the message that in every culture "handed-down stories show our values." Fairy tale–writing activities are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Reviewed by Staff , Aug 01, 2014

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