R.A. Salvatore. Script by Andrew Dabb. Illustrations by Tim Seeley, Amdrew Pepoy, Marco Galli. Devils Due Publishing, 2006. ISBN: 978-1932796582.
Plot Summary: This is the first in a series of comic book adaptions of the work of R.A. Salvatore. Drizzt has grown up Menzoberranzan, a dark and terrible underground city in the Forgotten Realm. While Drizzt is honorable, brave and courageous, many of the others in his society are dishonest and cruel, and without morals. Drizzt is lucky to be alive after being marked for sacrifice as a baby. He has grown up as a part of the royal house and has received expert training in combat but has grown disillusioned with his society. When taking part in a violent raid of a village, he spares the life of a young girl. This act of mercy gains him the wrath of the Demon Queen of Spiders, which may bring about the fall of his family.
Critical Evaluation: This book certainly has a lot to offer. While it is a dark story full of violence and somewhat graphic scenes, it is also the story of the struggle of good against evil. The illustrations add a great deal of depth to the story. The illustrators and colorist really brought the dark and sinister nature of the city and many of it's inhabitants to life in the graphics. The characters are multi dimensional and the reader is quickly drawn into the story. Overall, the book almost gives the sense of bringing to the page a mythology or even a time in history. Even though it is fantasy, it has a realistic edge to it.
Reader's Annotation: Drizzt lives in a terrible place where other are cruel, dishonest and violent. Can the royal Drizzt bring principles to the lawless society? Or will his act of kindness bring about the fall of his family?
About the Author: Robert Salvatore has written a great deal of fantasy fiction. He is best known for his "Forgotten Realms" Series. He has also overseen the completion of many projects in the genre such as the "War of the Spider Queen" series. He is known for dark tales full of ethical decisions and intense battle scenes.
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Interest Level: 12-18
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on difference between Drizzt and the others in his society.
What do you do if you disagree with everyone around you?
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: There are several issues that are likely to be challenged in this work: Many of the women wear slightly revealing and sexual outfits, there are depictions of violence and death, and the dark illustrations may make this book scary for some readers.
If a challenge does arise, it could be recommend that they read reviews of the book or the author. They could also research the genre of literature.
Selection Process: Recommended on a blog
Showing posts with label Graphic Novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graphic Novel. Show all posts
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Arf and the Three Dogs
Philip Wooderson. Illustrated by Bridget MacKeith. London: A&C Black Publishers, 2002. ISBN: 0-7136-6272-7
Plot Summary: Arf is a young boy saving up for a new computer game.He decides that we will work as a news reporter to earn some extra money. He decides to find out more information about "Barmy Barney" and his terrible dogs. Arf even "borrows" his mothers camera as he feels a picture of the man in action will guarantee him a story in the paper if it is accompanies by a picture. He finally manages to get a snap of the three dogs looking vicious. Eventually he must decide whom to sell the photos to as he becomes involved with local doggie politics.
Critical Evaluation: While the story is fast paced and interesting to read, the illustrations really don't add anything to the plot or the enjoyment of the story. While it is in graphic format, it may be more enjoyable without the illustrations. The illustrations are very simple and cartoonish and really don't do a good job of portraying facial expressions or emotions making this more of a cartoon book rather than a graphic novel.
Reader's Annotation: Arf is determined to make some extra money. He takes some pictures of three vicious looking dogs and suddenly become a part of a doggie scandal.
About the Author: Philip Wooderson is the author of over 20 books for youth. He has written several graphic novels and also historical fiction for tweens.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Curriculum ties: None
Challenge Issues: Some may object to the genre of graphic novels. To defend, suggest they research the genre or recommend some award winning examples of the genre of graphic novels.
Interest Level: 8-12 years old
Booktalking Ideas:
Do you like solving mysteries and writing about them? Arf is a boy who did just that.
Focus on character of bossy older sister.
Selection Process: On display at library
Plot Summary: Arf is a young boy saving up for a new computer game.He decides that we will work as a news reporter to earn some extra money. He decides to find out more information about "Barmy Barney" and his terrible dogs. Arf even "borrows" his mothers camera as he feels a picture of the man in action will guarantee him a story in the paper if it is accompanies by a picture. He finally manages to get a snap of the three dogs looking vicious. Eventually he must decide whom to sell the photos to as he becomes involved with local doggie politics.
Critical Evaluation: While the story is fast paced and interesting to read, the illustrations really don't add anything to the plot or the enjoyment of the story. While it is in graphic format, it may be more enjoyable without the illustrations. The illustrations are very simple and cartoonish and really don't do a good job of portraying facial expressions or emotions making this more of a cartoon book rather than a graphic novel.
Reader's Annotation: Arf is determined to make some extra money. He takes some pictures of three vicious looking dogs and suddenly become a part of a doggie scandal.
About the Author: Philip Wooderson is the author of over 20 books for youth. He has written several graphic novels and also historical fiction for tweens.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Curriculum ties: None
Challenge Issues: Some may object to the genre of graphic novels. To defend, suggest they research the genre or recommend some award winning examples of the genre of graphic novels.
Interest Level: 8-12 years old
Booktalking Ideas:
Do you like solving mysteries and writing about them? Arf is a boy who did just that.
Focus on character of bossy older sister.
Selection Process: On display at library
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Call of the Wild (Graphic Novel)
Jack London. Illustrated by Alex Nine. Adapted by Neil Kleid. Puffin Graphics, 2006. . ISBN:978-0142405710.
Plot Summary: Buck, a pet dog, is taken from his home and made a part of a sled team. He suffers abuse as he is passed from owner to owner and forced to work in the harsh conditions. He eventually becomes the leader of a pack of wolves. Along the way he learns many lessons realizes that he is capable of much more than he thought. Through Buck's adventures, London tells a gripping story of what man and humanity is capable of - both the good and the bad and the harsh realities that are a part of life.
Critical Evaluation: The artwork in The Call of the Wild really adds another dimension to the story. The thin lines of the pen and ink sketches contrast against the use of a great deal of white space adding to the wintry and cold feel of the book. The story itself is a good adaptation of the original by Jack London. There does not seems to be any important items missing from the story line and the general feel and emotions raised by the story are comparable.
Reader's Annotation: A gentle house pet named Buck, is stolen from his family and forces to be a sled dog in the wild north. He has a number of experiences as he adjusts to the harsh life. Will he ever return home or is he changed forever?
Author Information: Jack London is also the author of White Fang. He is well known for his harsh portrayals of the Alaskan gold rush and life in the north.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Curriculum Ties: English Literature, Art
Booktalking Ideas: Could you survive in the wild? How would you have to change?
Interest Level: Grade 7-9
Challenge Issues: Some may resent a classic novel being changed and abridged into a graphic format. To defend, research could be done into the graphic novel as a legitimate form of art and literature.
Selection Process: I had never read a graphic novel before and wanted to start with a familiar story.
Plot Summary: Buck, a pet dog, is taken from his home and made a part of a sled team. He suffers abuse as he is passed from owner to owner and forced to work in the harsh conditions. He eventually becomes the leader of a pack of wolves. Along the way he learns many lessons realizes that he is capable of much more than he thought. Through Buck's adventures, London tells a gripping story of what man and humanity is capable of - both the good and the bad and the harsh realities that are a part of life.
Critical Evaluation: The artwork in The Call of the Wild really adds another dimension to the story. The thin lines of the pen and ink sketches contrast against the use of a great deal of white space adding to the wintry and cold feel of the book. The story itself is a good adaptation of the original by Jack London. There does not seems to be any important items missing from the story line and the general feel and emotions raised by the story are comparable.
Reader's Annotation: A gentle house pet named Buck, is stolen from his family and forces to be a sled dog in the wild north. He has a number of experiences as he adjusts to the harsh life. Will he ever return home or is he changed forever?
Author Information: Jack London is also the author of White Fang. He is well known for his harsh portrayals of the Alaskan gold rush and life in the north.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Curriculum Ties: English Literature, Art
Booktalking Ideas: Could you survive in the wild? How would you have to change?
Interest Level: Grade 7-9
Challenge Issues: Some may resent a classic novel being changed and abridged into a graphic format. To defend, research could be done into the graphic novel as a legitimate form of art and literature.
Selection Process: I had never read a graphic novel before and wanted to start with a familiar story.
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