Comix.@$#!

A graphic novel discussion program for teens, comix.@$#! introduces teens to the wonderful world of comics and graphic novels, explores graphic novels as literary and visual works of art, brings together teens with other teens to discuss and read 10 unique selections.

This theme based reading-and-discussion program was developed by a dynamic group of Young Adult librarians from throughout California, a renowned Young Adult literature specialist, and several teenagers themselves. Each week program participants tackle 3-4 titles within a specific theme with the help of a discussion facilitator.

To host your own comix.@$#! program, please contact the California Center for the Book at calbook@ucla.edu .

Featured Novels

Book Discussion In a Box

comix.@$#! program organizers will receive:

• 10 copies of each of the titles in the program (100 books total)
• an insightful essay on the history and value of graphic novels
• list of recommended discussion questions
• list of recommended supplementary activities
• list of recommended additional titles
• promotional posters
• 200 bookmarks
• 200 flyers

Discussion Format

Two suggested formats to structure the program:

Format One:

• Week 1: Beyond the Screen discussion
• Week 2: Heroes and Journeys discussion
• Week 3: Everyday Life discussion
• Week 4: Graphic novel related activity

Format Two:

• Week 1: Beyond the Screen discussion
• Week 2: Graphic novel related activity
• Week 3: Heroes and Journeys discussion
• Week 4: Graphic novel related activity
• Week 5: Every Day Life discussion
• Week 6: Graphic novel related activity

Additional Resources

Online Resources

• Recommended Graphic Novels for Public Libraries (my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/graphicnovels.htm)
  Steve Raiteri reviews graphic novels for Library Journal and keeps his own site relatively-up-to-date with TONS of Internet resources.

  Graphic Novels: Where to Start? (kdla.ky.gov/onlinepubs/selectionotes/AprJune2004/gn_wheretostart.htm)
  Robin Brenner, a librarian who maintains the site No Flying, No Tights, makes terrific recommendations on how to approach comics and graphic novels. Includes starting points for web links and reference resources.

  No Flying, No Tights (www.noflyingnotights.com)
  An awesome review site with three options for three audiences: No Flying, No Tights for teens, Sidekicks for children, and The Lair for older teens and adults.

  Thought Bubbles (www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/kqweb/kqreviews/crawford/thoughtbubbles.htm)
  Archived editions of Philip Crawford’s column for the American Association of School Librarian’s magazine Knowledge Quest.

  Librarians Guide to Anime and Manga (www.koyagi.com/Libguide.html)
  Good, clean links to definitions and additional resources. Especially see thorough list of recommended manga (www.koyagi.com/recManga.html)

  YA Comic Book Program (www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/yalsamemonly/yalsamounder/yalsamotopics/yacomicbookprogram.htm)
  An itemized road-map for how to host a comics-related event at a public library.

  Graphic Novels, Seriously (slj.reviewsnews.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA236062&publication=slj)
  An editiorial by School Library Journal about the importance of graphic novels.

  Secret Origin of Good Readers (www.night-flight.com/secretorigin)
  Download a 70-page resource book aimed at understanding and promoting student use of comic books.

  Diamond Bookshelf Reviews (bookshelf.diamondcomics.com/reviews)
  Kat Kan offers monthly reviews of new releases for the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books and graphic novels.

  YALSA 2002 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/popularpaperback/2002popularpaperbacks.htm
  Scroll down to view YALSA’s list of recommended graphic novels.

Journals

• Find timely reviews of current releases in the following publications. Some examples:
  
  Steve Ratieri's column in Library Journal (bimonthly). Additional column in The Shy Librarian.
  
  Steve Weiner’s "Graphic Novel Roundup" in School Library Journal.
  
  Philip Crawford's "Thought Bubbles" in Knowledge Quest.
  
  Kat Kan's "Graphically Speaking" in Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA).
  
  Graphic novel review section in Booklist.
  
  School Library Journal, August 2002 Booklist, February 2003 and February 2004 are devoted entirely to graphic novels!