School libraries serving children and teenagers today should be committed to collecting graphic novels to the extent that their budgets allow. However, the term "graphic novel" is enough to make some librarians--not to mention administrators and parents--pause. Graphic novels are simply book-length comics. They can be works of fiction or…

The humor response has long been considered mysterious, and it is given relatively little attention in modern experimental psychology, in spite of the fact that numerous studies suggest that it has substantial benefits for mood and health. Existing theories of humor fail to account for some of the most basic humor phenomena. On most occasions when…

The algebraic concepts and major ideas that govern Newton's laws of motion can often be a challenge for the majority of ninth-grade students. Therefore, to make learning these concepts less task-oriented and more enjoyable, the author developed lessons that allow students to construct and express their understanding of these ideas through…

Undergraduates (N = 459) completed a survey in which they rated the appropriateness of various materials that might be posted on the outside of faculty office doors. Results indicated that students considered school-related items to be the most appropriate for posting on faculty doors; items of personal expression were rated second most…

Not so many years ago, comic books in school were considered the enemy. Students caught sneaking comics between the pages of bulky--and less engaging--textbooks were likely sent to the principal. Today, however, comics, including classics such as "Superman" but also their generally more complex, nuanced cousins, graphic novels, are not only…

This book shows teachers how to bring students' Do-It-Yourself media practices into the classroom (Grades 6-12). In one accessible resource, the authors explain DIY media, identify their appealing features for content area instruction, and describe the literacy skills and strategies they promote. Chapters address: Adolescents' DIY Media as New…

Two high school teachers of Deaf students and two teacher educators present this article about the use of graphic novels as an important genre for teaching literacy and academic skills in the high school classroom. During a summer session for failing Deaf students at a state-sponsored school, two English teachers taught and documented their…

Article focused on a technique to make beginning report writing fun and help kids learn to be concise. (Editor/RK)

Author examined attitudes and stereotypes in the cartoon strips of some popular comics. (Editor/RK)

Study supported in part by a grant from the California State Department of Mental Hygiene

Contains guidelines useful for those planning to enter cartoon competitions and for those who plan to pursue a cartooning career. (JM)

Demonstrates how political cartoons may be used to teach Canadian history using the cartoons of Arch Dale, who worked for the Winnipeg Free Press between 1927 and 1954. Provides six cartoons and a collection of study questions for classroom use. (JDH)

Analyzes the opinions and decisions of editorial cartoonists and their editors concerning the limits of taste, or what is "fair game" in editorial cartooning. Concludes that, although cartoonists want to push barriers and use a broad definition of "fair game," editors have a more conservative view. (MM)

Author provides and annotation of five short films listing, distributor, running time, rental price, summary, possible audiences, some strengths and weaknesses, thematic units it might fit, some related books and films, and a few questions students or teachers might consider in a discussion of the film or its content. (Author)

Describes 24 animated films and films about animation; distributors' names and addresses are provided. (KS)