This graphic novel is autobiographical as Gene Luen Yang decides to write about his school's boys varsity basketball season. It also discusses the history of basketball and the team, its successes, its disappointments, its controversies, and more. It also covers Yang's personal life and struggles as he writes/draws this book and gets to know the team and its players. This was a fun book to read. I like how personal Yang got as well as how he captured the excitement of the basketball games. Sports fans and graphic novel fans will enjoy this book.
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Run is the first book in the second autobiographical trilogy about John Lewis' life during the civil rights movement. In this book, he finds himself at odds with the direction the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee is heading. He finds himself moving away from the SNCC and looking toward politics. This graphic novel covers an area of American history that is often skipped in history class. Even with the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the fight for civil rights continued. Those who enjoyed his other graphic novels, will love this one as well. This graphic novel takes place in 1946. The Lee family moved from Chinatown to Metropolis and is soon under attack by the Klan of the Fiery Cross. Superman comes to the rescue and is exposed for the first time to a strange green rock. This was a good story about dealing with prejudices and racism. It is based on the Superman radio serial "Clan of the Fier Cross" which was first broadcasted in the 1940s. It's a coming-of-age story in terms both Roberta Lee and Superman are realizing they are limiting their potential. At the end of the story, Gene Luen Yang discusses the history of Asian American immigration and discrimination as well as the history of Superman. I don't think too many people outside of the Pacific coast region realize how the KKK terrorized Asian Americans in the West. This graphic novel tells the story of George Takei's childhood during World War II when he and his family were taken to internment camps because of his Japanese heritage. It describes the tough and unbelievable decisions his parents were forced to make such as her mother having to renounce her citizenship - one that she was born with. Takei describes a dark part of American history. When I was in school, history books never mentioned how the US Government treated Japanese Americans along the West Coast. I'm glad that more books are being published about this and that sites of these camps, such as Tule Lake where the Takeis were taken, are now national monuments. I strongly recommend this graphic novel to teens and adults. Lord Blackheart is a supervillian causing havoc on his nemesis, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and the Institution of Law Enforcement for the kingdom. One day Nimona, a young girl, suggests he make her his sidekick. Lord Blackheart is hesitant to say the least at the idea until he sees she has the ability to shapeshift. Full of action, this graphic novel is full of surprises. Teens who are fans of superheros and graphic novels will love this book! These three graphic novels comprise the biography of civil rights leader, Representative John Lewis. Drawn by Nate Powell, these stunning black and white illustrations describe John Lewis and his involvement with the civil rights movement and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Intermixed with the narration of the 1960s struggle are flash forwards to January 20, 2009 when President Obama was inaugurated as the first African American president.
All students should read at least the first book if not the entire trilogy. They are powerful books describing a dark period in our history. This book gets my top rating! |
AuthorMr. Andrusyk is a school librarian at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst, Illinois. Past Book RecommendationsClick here to view a listing of Mr. Andrusyk's list of favorite authors, series, fiction, and nonfiction. Archives
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