Resources
Books of the Month
Graphic Novels
American Born Chinese by Gene Leun Yang
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel
Themes: Identity, Culture, Change, Friendship, Cooperation, Teamwork, Love
Page Number: 240
Lexile Level: GN 530
Recommended Creatives to Support Group Projects: Literacy in Performing Arts, Literacy in Visual Arts, Literacy in Digital Media
Additional Resources to Support Student Learning: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15552018/
All Jin Wang wants is to fit in. When his family moves to a new neighborhood, he suddenly finds that he’s the only Chinese American student at his school. Jocks and bullies pick on him constantly, and he has hardly any friends. Then, to make matters worse, he falls in love with an all-American girl… Three apparently unrelated tales come together with an unexpected twist, in a modern fable that is hilarious, poignant and action-packed. American Born Chinese is an amazing rise, all the way up to the astonishing climax–and confirms what a growing number of readers already know: Gene Yang is a major talent.
Big Nate Out Loud by Lincoln Pierce
Genre: Humor/Graphic Novel
Themes: Mischief, School Life
Page Number: 224
Lexile Level: GN 300
Recommended Creatives to Support Group Projects: Literacy in Digital Media, Literacy in Visual Arts, Literacy in Performing Arts
Self-proclaimed genius Nate Wright blazes a haphazard trail through the sixth grade at P.S. 38, where between endless misadventures, marked by complaining observations, he earns straight As and numerous detentions…
Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 by Ta-Nehsi Coates
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Themes: Superheroes, Identity, Power Dynamics, Redemption
Page Number: 144
Lexile Level: GN 550
Recommended Creatives to Support Group Projects: All
A new era begins for the Black Panther! Ta-Nehisi Coates takes the helm, confronting T’Challa with a dramatic upheaval in Wakanda that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before. When a superhuman terrorist group that calls itself The People sparks a violent uprising, the land famed for its incredible technology and proud warrior traditions will be thrown into turmoil. If Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt–but can its monarch, one in a long line of Black Panthers, survive the necessary change? Heavy lies the head that wears the cowl!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Middle School, Friendship, Humor
Page Number: 224
Lexile Level: 910
Recommended Creatives to Support Group Projects: Literacy in Visual Arts, Literacy in Performing Arts
Additional Resources to Support Student Learning: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1196141/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_diary%2520of%2520a
It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.
In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Genre: Graphic Novel
Themes: Theater and Drama, Middle School, Humor, Friendship, Love
Page Number: 240
Lexile Level: GN 320
Recommended Creatives to Support Group Projects: All
Callie loves theater. and while she would totally try out for her middle school’s production of “Moon over Mississippi,” she’s a terrible singer. Instead she’s the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she’s determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn’t know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage and offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!
Following the success of Smile Raina Telgemeier brings us another graphic novel featuring a diverse set of characters that humorously explores friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!
