Graphic Novel Celebration: Week 1 Mr. Pants

If you haven't heard, today and every Thursday in October is a day to celebrate graphic novels.  Thanks to Franki Sibberson and Mary Lee Hahn of A Year of Reading; Alyson Beecher of KidLit Frenzy; Tammy Mulligan and Clare Landrigan of Assessment in Perspective; and the Nerdy Book Club Community for bringing this community together.  

The celebration might have slipped right past me in these busy first days if Tammy and Clare hadn't brought it to my attention.

@CathyMere Hope you both join #GNCelebration It starts tomorrow: https://t.co/c22DFWVxqh

— TeachersforTeachers (@ClareandTammy) September 30, 2015

I have to admit that I still have a lot to learn about graphic novels.  I've read a few, but there are so many more I would like to get to know.  Additionally, I think there are considerations for making meaning in graphic novels that readers need to understand - and I'm still trying to figure out myself.  As a reading intervention teacher, I believe graphic novels are one way to provide new possibilities for my developing readers.  For this reason, I have been wanting to spend time reading graphic titles for my young readers.  The #gncelebration seemed the perfect motivation.

Graphic Novels for Young Readers 
This week, I am starting with Mr. Pants:  It's Go Time by Scott McCormick and illustrated by R. H. Lazzell.  Mr. Pants really wants to play laser tag.  He has cleaned his room --- according to him --- and should get his summer reward.  His mom isn't so sure.  She instead focuses her attention on the younger siblings.  Mr. Pants isn't happy.  How will he get his mom to take him to laser tag?

Students will enjoy the humor in the story as Mr. Pants works to get his way: playing with a box,  going to a Fairy Princess Dream Factory, trying to get even with his little sister.  Students will laugh over the antics of Mr. Pants.

Mr. Pants will make a great read for developing readers.  The way the book is divided into chapters helps to make the meaning clearer for young readers.  For the developing readers I support, having a "chapter book" helps them to fit into their reading communities.  Best of all, there is no short cut on making meaning in this book.  Readers will have to use chapter titles, character conversation, sequence of events, and illustrations to fully understand the story.  However, there is less text which makes it more manageable for students still working to gain stamina in reading.

I'm looking forward to spending Thursdays in October getting to know more about graphic novels.  I hope you'll share your favorites and join the conversation.  Join the #GNcelebration Google Community here.