Graphic novels are not only a viable option to improve student retention of literature, but also the cornerstone of several potential lesson plans.

In order for students to reap the benefits of graphic novels, teachers need to first incorporate them into their classrooms. Graphic novels are not only a viable option to improve student retention of literature, but also the cornerstone of several potential lesson plans. The multimodal nature of graphic novels allows teachers to shape their lessons in new directions. When the validity of graphic novels is no longer a question, students and teachers alike will discover the countless benefits of multimodal learning.

Foreword by Zachary Zajkowski

Acknowledgements

Introduction: A Conversation about Graphic Novels

Rebecca Maldonado and Jason D. DeHart

Section 1 - Research & Rationale for Graphic Novels

Chapter 1 - Toons, Capes, Comix, and the Graphic Novel:A History of the Sequential Arts and the Case for Inclusion

Christian George Gregory

1700-2020: A Timeline and Influential Books in the Rise of the Graphic Novel

Christian George Gregory

Chapter 2 - The Multiplicities of Multimodal Texts: Exploring YA Graphic Novels for Secondary Readers

Mandy Luszeck

Section 2 - Elements of Critical Literacy and Visual Literacy

Chapter 3 - Teaching Critical Visual Literacy Through Gene Luen Yang’s Boxers and Saints

Young Adult Literature Text: Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang

Kristen R. Strom, PhD

Chapter 4 - Arising LGBTQ+ Gender Awareness in High School English Curriculum

Promoting Visual Literacy with the LGBTQ+ Graphic Novel: Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home

Young Adult Literature Text: Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Bo Liu刘博 and Kexuan Wu吴柯璇

Chapter 5 - History Must Be a Manual: Grappling With Our Past through George Takei’s They Called Us Enemy

Young Adult Literature Text: They Called Us Enemy by George Takei

Ashley D. Black and Joseph P. Haughey

Section 3 - Inspiring the Hearts and Minds Through Hands-on Activities and Digital Activities

Chapter 6 - Interrogating What It Means to be American through Decoupage: Recycled Shadow Box Art Show and Almost American Girl to Explore Personal Identity in America

Young Adult Literature Text: Almost American Girl by Robin Ha

Stephen Goss and Jennifer S. Dail

Chapter 7 - Image, Print, and Movement: Reaching Readers through Illustrations and Flipbooks about The Last Kids on Earth: Thrilling Tales from the Treehouse

Young Adult Literature Text: The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

Damiana Gibbons Pyles, Eric Groce, and Adam Pyles

Chapter 8 - Fostering Independence: Analyzing Author's Purpose in Graphic Novels

Young Adult Literature Text: Nimona by ND Stevenson

Angela Hase

Chapter 9 - “The Overcoming of Otherness”: Teaching Visual Literacy through Ekphrastic Poetry and The Arrival

Young Adult Literature Text: The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Russell Mayo

Chapter 10- Illustrating Triple Consciousness in Melanie Gillman’s As the Crow Flies

Young Adult Literature Text: As the Crow Flies by Melanie Gillman

Nicole Ann Amato and Jenna Spiering

About the Editors

About the Contributors