The proliferation of this literary form and the growing collections of graphic narrative titles in our classrooms and school libraries are tangible evidence of the joy students’ take from reading and of their engagement with this form of expression. (They come with teacher’s guides.) In-depth curricular connections are possible with powerful historical fiction like Maus: A Survivor’s Tale and Lo uis R i e l: A C omic- S tr ip Bio g r ap h y. Phonics Comics is a line of phonetically based easy-readers designed as comic books. The Timeline titles draw readers into curriculum-linked historical stories. The cross-cultural explorations of A m e r ican B o r n Chine s e and The Arrival are two fine examples. The more didactic series such as Phonics Comics and the Timeline sets can serve as updated teaching tools. Many titles lend themselves to fruitful literature circle conversations. They are enthusiastic about the easier to read ones such as Sardine and Baby-mouse Queen of the World, and about the meticulously researched Age of Bronze series. There’s something for everyone: from girls’ favourites such as Amelia Rules! to the ever popular Bone series to those that are popular with teens, like Re-Gifters and Full Metal Alchemist. Graphic novels have become the obsessive read for our students. When Will Eisner published A C on t r a c t w ith G o d in 1978, comics took a step forward and the graphic novel was born. With an enduring history in North America as a venue for superhero quests, they have entertained many a young reader.

As a storytelling medium, comics have come of age in the last few decades.

Comic life 3 pt