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TL11.4FALL2004_singles 38 Ontario School Library Association social studies. Another early chapter provides essential background, key terms, and detailed defini- tions of the features of comic books and graphic novels. A large section of the guide features descriptions of 25 essen- tial titles and series for school collections, with many of these titles fea- tured in a later section which contains lesson plans. A valuable appen- dix lists 100 recommend- ed graphic novels sorted by age level and interest areas. As well, the book contains a professional bibliography and a detailed glos- sary. For teacher-librarians want- ing to establish or enhance a col- lection of graphic novels, and looking for ideas to promote their use with teachers, this is indeed a definitive guide and is highly rec- ommended. Graphic Novels 101. Philip Charles Crawford. Hi Willow Research and Publishing, 2003. 0-931510-91-0. Paper, 8-1/2 x 11", 76 pages. Bibliographical References $41.70 This book discusses the his- torical tradition of comics, current educational research, and selection issues as part of its overall purpose of advocating for the importance of graphic novels in school library col- lections. It is also a valuable and reliable selection source. The author begins with an inform- ative history of the development of comics and graphic novels, which also includes an interesting 1985 to 2000 timeline. A later chapter discusses the value of graphic novels in SSR reading pro- grams and in the school library program. The bulk of the book provides excellent annotated lists of recommended titles organized by age groupings. Other valuable lists provide suggestions for "Opening Day Collections" for ele- mentary, middle, and high school libraries, and an "Introductory" collection for 15 books for teacher-librarians. As well, the author provides useful information on selection tools and resources (journals and Web sites), identifies publishers, and makes recommen- dations for further reading. Highly recommended. School Library Journal. R. R. Bowker. Monthly. School Library Journal is also an excellent selection tool for teacher-librarians establishing or enhancing a graphic novel collec- tion. On a bimonthly basis, "Graphic Novel Roundup" pro- vides excellent reviews of a variety of new graphic novels. If you don't have access to a print copy of this journal, it is available in full-text form on both Proquest and EBSCO Professional resourcesTL Graphic Novels in your Media Center: a Definitive Guide. Allyson A.W. Lyga and Barry Lyga. Libraries Unlimited, 2004. 1-59158-142-7. Paper, 8-1/2 x 11", 180 pages. Bibliographical References $48.65 Graphic Novels in your Media Center provides a comprehensive guide to the world of graphic nov- els and comic books. An introduc- tory section discusses why graph- ic novels are a desirable and wor- thy part of a library collection by making connections with Multiple Intelligences. In a short review of the research, the authors establish important connections between linguistic intelligence, spatial intel- ligence, interpersonal intelligence and graphic novels by asserting that graphic novels offer children rich vocabulary, imaginative illus- trations, and complex scenarios. There is also an analysis of how graphic novels help reluctant read- ers, ESL students, and Special Education students. The authors also point out that many graphic novels offer many curricular appli- cations, particularly in history and Graphic novels arebeginning to appearin both elementary and secondary school libraries. They have been documented as a powerful tool for attracting reluctant readers and for helping struggling readers (especial- ly boys), and are now rec- ommended by many teacher-librarians and read- ing experts as an essential part of a school library's collection. However, selec- tion of appropriate titles is difficult. Some graphic nov- els and comic books are problematic in a school library collection because of their super-macho charac- ters, violence, and negative depiction of women. Since many teacher-librarians are not familiar with graphic novels as a genre, and need assistance with the selec- tion of age appropriate qual- ity material, they need to consult professional selec- tion resources. Fortunately two recently published books fill that need very well.