Romeo and Juliet

Graphic Novel

         The graphic novel "Romeo and Juliet" adapted by Gaerth Hinds is a take on William Shakespear's play. The graphic novel has great illustrations. The pictures are so bold and vibrant that it draws you to the story. The story is true to how it was intended to be told.
          This novel is not for the struggling reader. I wish it could be but definitely would not recommend. The story line is still the same, but the language used is that from Shakespear. There is not a translation of phrases and words to help readers understand the book. I am so disappointed in this, but I would definitely recommend to older students who are avid readers.
         As a teacher, I would not give this to my students. I would do it as a read aloud and break it down with my students. I do love this book and story.

Graphic Novels.... Coraline

Coraline (Graphic Novel)

By Neil Gaiman

       Coraline the Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman has got to be one of the best graphic novels every. I am not a fan of graphic novels, but reading Coraline has changed my mind. This novel has kept me glued to the book until I found out what exactly happened.

       Coraline is about a young girl and her family moving into a flat. The flat has several characters living there too. The reader finds out that the house is a little odd. Coraline complains about being bored a lot and has to go out to explore her new environment. On her exploring trip she realizes things are a little different. She soon finds out things aren't the way they seem and must find a way to get things back to normal. She learns that she really is brave.

        This is a great book for struggling readers. It is lexiled at 710, and the pictures in the story helps for readers to visualize the story. Coraline is a wonderful book for those students who would never pick up the non graphic novel version. I can't wait to read the non graphic novel version. I would give this book 5 stars and have already shared this with some of my students who are avid graphic novel readers.