Maus

Spiegelman, Art. Maus A Survivor’s Tale: My Father Bleeds History. New York: Pantheon, 1992

Intended Audience: Ages 13 and older

Genre: Historical Fiction

Personal Reaction: Maus was a difficult read. Not because of the topic, though the Holocaust is never an easy topic to read about, but because it was a graphic novel.  One of the first pages it shows Jews being drug from their homes and children "not screaming anymore" when they would not stop crying.  Even though Jews were portrayed as mice and Nazis as cats it was not difficult to see how their horrible the living conditions for survivors, and those who did not make it, was.  

I have always had an interest in books about the Holocaust but I hadn't read many showing the life of a survivor after the war.  Seeing how difficult it was for Vladek to throw anything away made sense, as not having enough would always be a consistent thought in his mind.  As difficult as it was to read, this is one book I would recommend for others to read as well, the graphics are very well done and brings history to life.   

Author Facts: Art Spiegelman began cartooning in high school and decided to go against his parents wishes of becoming a dentist.  He believes that comics are on the rise, as they are often the way the brain works.  With this mentality he gave a lecture titled "What the %@&*! Happened to Comics?" a historical journey through the history of comics.  

Author Website: http://barclayagency.com/spiegelman.html

Persepolis

Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon, 2003. Print.

Intended Audience: Ages 13 and older

Genre: Nonfiction Graphic Novel

Personal Reaction: Persepolis was a beautifully written, though hard to digest, book about the Islamic Revolution and the life of Marjane Satrapi.  As one who grew up in "white bread America" I found myself easily lost in the story of Satrapi's life, realizing how little I know about the Islamic Revolution and the life of those in the Middle East.  

I often found myself sympathizing with Satrapi's unwillingness to conform, to wear tennis shoes, a denim jacket and purchase music, though it was not allowed.  I have a hard time imagining living as she did, and believe I too would have protested against the way the country was run.  After reading the book I long to know more about the Islamic Revolution and the people who have lived through this time. 

Author Facts: Satrapi was born in Rasht, Iran in 1969.  She currently lives in Paris where many new wave comic book artists have settled.  Satrapi wrote Persepolis about her childhood and life through the Islamic Revolution at the insistence of fellow artists. 

Author Website: http://barclayagency.com/satrapi.html

Redwall The Graphic Novel

Jacques, Brian. Redwall: The Graphic Novel. New York, Penguin, 2007.

Genre: Animal Fantasy, Adventure, Graphic Novel

Audience: Ages 8 and older

Personal Reaction: Reading Redwall as a graphic novel was a perfect way to introduce the story.  It is one I had considered reading for several years and still had not committed to doing so.  This is the story of a mouse named Matthias and his journey to retrieve a famous sword to help defeat Cluney and his rats.  Matthias shows no fear as he befriends shrews, an owl, a cat and other birds.  

This was a book of adventure, as it moved quickly and the characters were easy to follow. Being able to visibly see the clawed tail of Cluney helped one to understand the fear the mice of Redwall would have against his army.  This was a hopeful tale, one where the smallest and big dreamer becomes the hero.  Matthias is able to save the day and protect his people from the rats and makes friends with other animals in the area.  

Author Facts: Brian Jacques is from Liverpool, England in 1939.  When he was ten he realized he had a skill for writing when a teacher refused to believe a story he had written was indeed, written by a ten year old.  He began his writing career as a playwright even though he has written poetry and novels.  

Author Website: http://www.redwallabbey.com/