Graphic Novels
...at your library and on the Web!
A graphic novel is a comic-like book that is printed on high-quality paper, has more pages than a comic book, and is divided into chapters. The first graphic novel appeared in 1978. It was called A Contract with God and was written and illustrated by Will Eisner.
In 1992, a special Pulitzer Prize was awarded to writer and illustrator Art Spiegelman for Maus: A Survivor's Tale, a two-part graphic novel that used mice and cats to chronicle the Holocaust.*
A special note about graphic novels: The combination of art and story in graphic novels appeals to readers of all ages. But while the same style of art can be used for graphic novels across all age groups, this is not true of the stories. Adult and teen graphic novels often contain mature language and subject matter, despite colorful cover art that may be appealing to children. A graphic novel's artwork does not indicate whether the content is appropriate for children. There is not, at present, a uniform rating system for graphic novels.
Skokie Public Library has many graphic novels available for checkout. Graphic novels in the Youth Services Department have been carefully chosen for the readers we serve: children up to 8th grade. Graphic novels in the Teen and Adult areas of the Library may look the same, but they may have content that is not suitable for young children. We encourage parents and children to explore our graphic novel collections together.
* Simon, Jim. "Comic Books." The New Book of Knowledge. 2007. Grolier Online. 27 June 2007
At the Library
- Youth fiction graphic novels
- Youth nonfiction graphic novels
On the Web
...for kids
- Book Links: Graphic Novels for Younger Readers from the American Library Association
- This list of graphic novels for upper-elementary-age readers includes an assortment of titles. Genres include superheroes, humor, fantasy, science fiction, nonfiction, and manga (Japanese comics).
- The Comics Get Serious: Kid Friendly Books
- This list includes descriptions of graphic novels that have been reviewed as appropriate for younger readers.
- Kids' Books We Love: Staff Favorites by Genre - Graphic Novels from Skokie Public Library
- Find out which graphic novels our Youth Services librarians are reading and recommending for kids of all ages!
- Sidekicks: Graphic Novel Reviews for Kids
- Find the right graphic novel with these reviews written especially for kids and the grown-ups who care about them. Lists include superheroes, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, humor, action and adventure, realism, and nonfiction.
...for older readers, too
- Graphic Novels: History and Basics from the the Internet Public Library Teenspace
- What is a graphic novel? Find out on the Internet Public Library website! This page explains graphic novels, why they are so popular, where they came from, and where to get them. The site also provides links to related websites and information about print
- Jewish Graphic Novels: A Selected Bibliography from the Association of Jewish Libraries
- Check this booklist to find graphic novels with a Jewish theme for young readers, older teens, and adults. The list also includes books about graphic novels and a selection of graphic novel websites.
NOTE: Requires Adobe Reader
- Teen Links: Comics and Graphic Novels from Skokie Public Library
- Find out which comics and graphic novels are available in the Library's Teen Corner!
...for parents, teachers, and caregivers
- Graphic Novels 101: FAQ from The Horn Book
- Get your answers to frequently asked questions about graphic novels from Librarian Robin Brenner, creator of the Sidekicks website.
- Graphic Novels in Schools & Libraries from the Internet Public Library Teenspace
- Read about how schools and libraries use graphic novels to encourage reading among reluctant readers, visual learners, and others who are not drawn to traditional book formats. The site also includes resources for finding age-appropriate graphic novels.
- Parent Guide to Book Genres: Graphic Novels from Scholastic
- Why are kids so hooked on graphic novels? This article for parents explains why graphic novels are worthwhile and provides reading activities and a list of graphic novel titles for children ages 8 and older.