Contact: SWeiner101@yahoo.com

Instructor for: Using Comics and Graphic Novels in Libraries and Classrooms

Stephen Weiner, Director of the Maynard Public Library in Maynard, Massachusetts, holds a M.A. degree in Children's Literature as well as a M.L.I.S., and has been a pioneering advocate for the inclusion of graphic novels in libraries and other educational settings.

He has been writing about comic art since 1992, and his articles and reviews have appeared in: Voice of Youth Advocates, Library Journal, School Library Journal, The Children's Center Bulletin Newsletter, The Shy Librarian, Public Libraries, Diamond Dialogue, Comic Buyer's Guide, The Graphic Novel Review, Bookmarks, Comic Book Artist, and The English Journal.

He is also a sought after speaker and has spoken at academic and library conferences at the regional, state, and national level since 1998. His books include: Bring an Author to Your Library (Highsmith, 1993), 100 Graphic Novels for Public Libraries (Kitchen Sink Press, 1996), The 101 Best Graphic Novels (NBM, 2001), Faster than a Speeding Bullet: the Rise of the Graphic Novel (NBM, 2003), The 101 Best Graphic Novels—2nd Edition (NBM, 2005). In addition, he is co-author (with N.C. Christopher Couch) of The Will Eisner Companion (DC Comics, 2004) and (with Philip Crawford) of Using Graphic Novels in the Classroom including Bone: A Guide for Teachers and Librarians (Scholastic Press, 2005).

Supplemental Reading and Course Outline: Students should read four of the 10 graphic novels listed below and be prepared to discuss them.

Persepolis, by Marjane Strapi
Bone: Out from Boneville, by Jeff Smith
Astro Boy, by Osamu Tezuka
Ultimate Spiderman Volume I, by Brian Michael Bendis
Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel
Strangers in Paradise: I Dream of You, by Terry Moore
Yu-Gi-Oh! Volume I, by Kazuki Rakahashi
Jar of Fools, by Jason Lutes
Maus I, by Art Spiegelman
American Born Chinese, by Gene Yang

This workshop will guide participants through various practical ways to use comics and graphic novels with reluctant readers (specifically boys) and as texts for regular classroom use. We will cover information on creating graphic novel activities, and we will explore ways to maximize graphic novel collections in the school and public library. Participants will emerge from this workshop armed with a list of graphic novels specifically suited to their needs as well as fresh ideas to energize schools and libraries. Professionals from the comic book industry will be on hand to discuss graphic novels and answer questions.