Graphic Novels and Social Studies possibilities

Since I am a teacher, I find myself especially drawn to books that will support ‘institutional’ learning and reading---anything remotely related to social studies really fills my boots. History books are so often jammed with dense acres of text, they seem to provide challenges for all learners. The additional support that graphic novels and comics can provide is immense.

”Most publishers point to the changing face of the modern world as a prime mover behind the trend. Today's children are the first generation to grow up more accustomed to digital screens than the printed page; as wireless devices proliferate, kids increasingly understand and appreciate data that is transmitted to them in visual form." (Bickers)


"We live in a visual society, and providing illustration to support storytelling is extremely appealing to young readers," said Marlaine Maddux, editor-in-chief of Penny-Farthing Press,... "In our attempt to attract new readers, we shouldn't forget that we are competing with the most visual medium of them all--television.”(Bickers)

With the use of graphic novels and comics, students can be supported and engaged in:

Knowing their country’s history

Knowing key figures in the national story

Knowing stories about the ancient worlds and civilizations

Knowing about current events in the larger world

There are limitless possibilities here, depending on the will of the creators and publishers.

One example, of particular interest to me is the series produced by the Lerner Publishing Group--Graphic Universe. These comic-book style educational materials bring a series of myths and legends to life.

Graphic Universe books are intended to bring myths and history to life for young readers aged 9+. ... Titles from Graphic Universe are worked on by experienced comic professionals who have worked with such companies as Marvel and DC Comics.

Graphic Myths and Legends is the first series published by Graphic Universe. There are currently a total of 16 titles in the series. The books are full-color comic retellings of famous myths from around the world, including Hercules and Amaterasu. The series has the trade byline of "Supreme artwork and storytelling." Graphic Myths and Legends is drawn and inked by some of the top artists in the industry.

The following list of titles is irresistible!

The cover of Hercules: The Twelve Labors

* Ali Baba : Fooling the Forty Thieves

* Amaterasu : Return of the Sun

* Arthur & Lancelot : The Fight for Camelot

* Atalanta : The Race against Destiny

* Beowulf : Monster Slayer

* Demeter & Persephone : Spring Held Hostage*

* Guan Yu : Blood Brothers to the End

* Hercules : The Twelve Labors*

* The Hero Twins : Against the Lords of Death

* Isis & Osiris : To the Ends of the Earth

* Jason : Quest for the Golden Fleece*

* King Arthur : Excalibur Unsheathed

* Marwe : Into the Land of the Dead

* Odysseus : Escaping Poseidon's Curse*

* Perseus : The Hunt for Medusa's Head*

* Pigling : A Cinderella Story

* Psyche & Eros : The Lady and the Monster

* Robin Hood : Outlaw of Sherwood Forest

* Sinbad : Sailing into Peril

* The Smoking Mountain : The Story of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl

* Sunjata : Warrior King of Mali

* Theseus : Battling the Minotaur*

* Thor & Loki : In the Land of Giants

* Tristan & Isolde : The Warrior and the Princess

* The Trojan Horse : The Fall of Troy*

* William Tell : One against an Empire

* Yu the Great : Conquering the Flood

For more details go to Lerner Books

*Pairing these titles with the Age of Bronze series by Eric Shanower would be a stimulating group project.