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.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

 El Deafo

By:Cece Bell

               Another graphic novel review, El Deafo by Cece Bell. El Deafo is a Newberry Honor Book.  I am not a big fan of graphic novels, but am learning to enjoy them more and more. I am also understanding how pictures would be beneficial for struggling readers. I think a great aid for ESL students.

             El Deafo is a novel that reminded me of my childhood. The author Cece Bell who is also the main character mentions things like: Little House on the Prarie, John Boy from The Waltons, Hostess Cherry Pies, etc. Cece is a girl who loses her hearing from sickness. She tries to transition to the hearing world and creates El Deafo aka her Superperson. She journals her adventures of trying to fit in a world of hearing and dealing with looking odd with wires going to her ear due to her Phonic Ear amplifier.

            The story deals with many things that kids can relate to. For example looking different than others is something Cece tries to figure out. Another is moving to a new neighborhood and school. Many kids go through this and this could possibly hook students to read this. The graphics are good, and Cece does a great job of telling her story.

            I would definitely recommend this to other students and teachers. My only fear is that it is lengthy. El Deafo might be a book you build up to a class and show the book trailer that I have added to the blog. Enjoy and let me know what you think.