Long considered an extension of a world populated by characters with capes, superpowers, and bad nicknames, the graphic novel has suddenly become the go-to vehicle for recounting history. It could be a welcome resource, considering the potential changes in America’s educational curriculum. But don’t look for any capes in these books.
Already one of the most-anticipated books of the year, R. Crumb’s take on the Book of Genesis has already demonstrated the shifting focus of the graphic novel in this country. The medium had become quite popular in recounting history, particularly with the alternative perspectives provided by novels like Art Spiegelman’s Maus and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. Both provide innovative and very personal takes on historic events, but now historians are using the same medium to teach about history in a way previously reserved for more traditional media.
The past year has already seen the release of graphic novel retellings of important periods in history. T-Minus tells the tale of the American race to the moon while 08 provides an interesting animated take on the 2008 presidential election from reporter Dan Goldman. But graphic novels aren’t just a contemporary way of telling recent history.
A number of graphic novel sets tell the entire history of the United States, including the Civil War. Even pivotal historic figures like Trotsky, Martin Luther King, and Che Guevara have recently received their graphic novel treatment. Throw in the increasing popularity of comics and the graphic novel and you have a compelling medium that could renew an interest in history among American children. Could reading an actual history book be a more thorough and engaging way to learn? Perhaps, but you might not find a more convincing way to teach children the many chapters of world history. In a year in which Fordham University hosted the first Graphic Novels in Education Conference, this trend could be reshaping school curricula.
Discuss
kruse scott on October 1, 2009, 10:59 AM
true for visual learners
Sarah Hurst on October 2, 2009, 2:08 PM
Great topic. I am currently working on a graphic novel version of my play about Alaska history, which consists of 17 short scenes being illustrated by 8 Alaskan artists. Kids and adults who may never get around to reading a book on a “heavy” topic can be drawn in by the artwork in a graphic novel. I know that’s true for me.
Craig Sellars on October 5, 2009, 9:10 AM
Great post Tal,
My parents never would have seen me reading if it was not for graphic novels and their early counterparts. I still remember Asterix and Obelisk and I even read a graphic novel bible. (way more interesting, but same story)
Thanks
Craig
Therese Claremont on October 8, 2009, 1:08 PM
Tal,
Thanks for posting this idea. As a 5th grade english/reading teacher, I’d do anything to get my students involved in reading. If kids are brought up regarding reading as a chore, they will never learn to truly enjoy it.
I also wanted to let teachers out there know about a useful online teacher community I’ve been using called Applebatch.com. It’s helped me get good ideas for the classroom and get my students more interested in reading. Thought I’d pass it on to my fellow educators :-)
Thanks,
Therese
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