A 12-pack to get you started on the Bookstorm™ Books …
5‑Minute Marvel Stories, by Disney Book Group, Marvel Press, 2012. Ages 3 and up.
- Perfect read-aloud length for younger fans
- Nice introduction for newcomers to Spiderman, Ironman, the Hulk, the Avengers, the X‑Men, Captain America
- Other than a few swinging fists, little violence
Boys of Steel: the Creators of Superman, by Marc Tyler Nobleman, illustrated by Ross Macdonald, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2008. Ages 8 and up.
- How two high school outsiders created the most famous super hero
- Picture book format but text and illustrations will appeal to independent readers
- Back matter includes the story of the writer and artist’s super struggle to be acknowledged and compensated fully for their creation
Brothers, by Yin, illustrations by Chris Soentpiet, Philomel, 2006. Ages 8 and up.
- The story of Ming, a Chinese immigrant who arrives in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1800s
- A friendships story develops when Ming defies an older brother’s orders and ventures past the Chinatown border
- Beautiful, detailed wide-spread water color illustrations on every page
Complete Guide to Figure Drawing for Comics and Graphic Novels, by Dan Cooney, Barron’s Educational Series, 2012. Ages 10 and up.
- Every page has multiple tips and examples with very readable text and clear illustrations.
- Emphasizes classic comic book action poses and character
- Back matter includes advice on submitting portfolios and a glossary
Dragonwings, by Laurence Yep, HarperCollins, 1977.
- In the early 20th Century, a young boy travels from China to America to meet a father he doesn’t know.
- Part of the Golden Mountain series consisting of 10 books
- Newbery Honor book
Foiled by Jane Yolen, illustrations by Mike Cavallaro, First Second, 2011. Ages 8 and up.
- Aliera’s ordinary life changes when she meets a new guy, acquires a new sword (she’s into fencing) and one day heads to Grand Central Station
- Manga-style illustrations alternate between two-tone (ordinary world) and full color (the fantastic), occasionally merging
- Details of fencing skills and equipment provide unusual background and good character development
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, by Stan Lee and John Buscema, Touchstone, 1984. Ages 8 and up.
- Author Stan Lee is the creator of many comics legends, Buscema is the illustrator of many current comics
- Many examples begin with stick figures and develop step by step — perfect for novice and experienced illustrator
- Includes glossary
Little White Duck: a Childhood in China, by Na Liu and Andres Vera Martinez, illustrations by Andrés Vera Martínez. Graphic Universe, 2012. Ages 8 and up.
- Graphic memoir about Na Liu’s childhood in 1970s China; wife/husband collaboration
- Divided into 8 short stories
- Includes glossary of Chinese words and at-a-glance timeline of Chinese history
Powerless, by Matthew Cody, Knopf, 2009. Ages 8 and up.
- Daniel is the new kid in a town — and the only one his age without a superpower
- A Sherlock Holmes fan, Daniel decides to unearth the mystery behind the superpowers his new friends have — and why they disappear at age 13
- First in series of three
Shark King by R. Kikuo Johnson, TOON Books, 2013. Ages 4 to 8. Asian Pacific ALA’s Literary Award.
- Child-friendly version of a Hawaiian myth
- Clean layout — no sensory overload from text or illustrations
- Includes discussion material for teachers and parents
SuperHero ABC, written and illustrated by Bob McLeod, HarperCollins, 2008. Ages 3 and up.
- An alphabet book, not a primer on superheroes, with comic-like illustrations
- Humorous original heroes and heroines, such as Bubbleman and Firefly
- Good prompt for individual or group superhero writing or drawing project
Zita the Spacegirl, by Ben Hatke, First Second, 2011. Ages 8 and up.
- Graphic novel with a Wizard of Oz storyline: young girl is transported to a strange world
- Though Zita is trying to save an abducted friend, and though the planet is about to be destroyed, the text and art are more about fun than fear
- How many weird creatures can you find?
I’m so glad to see some of the titles that are already in our library. One of my students was checking out Zita and a classmate asked, “Are you reading a girl’s book?” He replied, “No — I’m reading a good book that has a girl in it.” And they all love Nobleman’s books on the creators of Superman and Batman.
Thanks for sharing your student’s response to Zita, especially since he was wise enough to realize exactly that: it’s a great adventure story. Marc Nobleman will be pleased to know his books are loved by your students … we think they’re terrific!