Graphic Novels (Annotated List)

Graphic novels are extended comic books, usually with lengthy and complex storylines. They can be original comic works created as a single narrative or a collection of short stories. Some graphic novels are collections of comic books that encompass several large volumes.

The following is a list of graphic novels that are available in the David and Lorraine Cheng Library.

Located in:

• Curriculum Materials
• Second Level

Located in Curriculum Materials:

Brennan, M. (2000). Electric girl. San Francisco: AiT/Planet Lar. (Grades 6-12).

Virginia has an amazing ability to release electricity at will. Her loyal dog Blammo and an invisible, trouble-making, gremlin friend help her cope. Stories are from the first four issues of the "Electric Girl" comic book.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. j741.5 Bre

Fleming, R.L. (1994). The big book of urban legends: Adapted from the works of Jan Harold Brunvand. New York: Paradox Press. (Grades 9-12+).

200 strange and bizarre tales, such as "Poodle in the Microwave" and "The Accidental Cannibals" are from long-circulated urban stories. Introduction and commentary is by urban folklore scholar Jan Harold Brunvand with illustrations by DC Comics artists.
Call Number: Curr.Mats. j741.5973 Fle

Kudo, K. (1995). Mai, the psychic girl.Vol.1. San Francisco: Viz Communications. (Grades 9-12+).

Mai, a young, but powerful psychokinetic, doesn't think her abilities are a big deal; she uses them mainly to fight boredom. Unfortunately, a secret organization has evil plans for her powers. While reluctant to accept her destiny, Mai eventually fights to protect the earth. There is some nudity.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. j741.5 Kud

Laird, R.O. (1997). Still I rise: A cartoon history of African Americans. New York: W.W.Norton. (Grades 8-12).

African American achievements are documented in a comic book format. Contributions and struggles for freedom are depicted beginning with the first Africans who arrived in Jamestown in 1619. An excellent book to inspire interest in the history of blacks in America.
Call Number: Curr.Mats. j973.049 Lai

McLenighan, V. (1977). You can go jump. Chicago: Follett. (Grades K-3).

This is an easy-to-read cartoon rendition of "The Frog Prince" with a surprise ending.
Call Number: Curr.Mats. j398.2 McL

Millar, M. (2002). Ultimate X-Men: Vol. 2, Return to Weapon X. New York: Marvel Comics. (Grades 9-12).

Vol. 2 introduces new characters, including Juggernaut, Nightcrawler, Sabertooth, and Nick Fury. The terrorist group, Weapon X, assists Fury in kidnapping and enslaving the X-men and their leader, Professor Xavier. Wolverine helps them to regain their freedom as he continues to seek his past.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. j741.5 Mil

Pilkey. D. (1997). The adventures of Captain Underpants: An epic novel. New York: Blue Sky Press. (Grades 2-5).

Two fourth-grade boys write comic books and love pulling pranks. They hypnotize their principal, Mr. Krupp, and turn him into Captain Underpants, their very own superhero. He leads them into battle with the evil Dr. Diaper and his robot henchmen.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. J Pil

Sakai, S. (1999). Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics. (Grades 6-12).

Japanese mythology and history are combined in comic book format to tell the story of a masterless samurai rabbit named Usagi Yojimbo, and Kusanagi, the Grasscutter - the legendary lost sword of the gods.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. j741.5 Sak

Saltzman, M. (1993). DC Super Heroes super healthy cookbook. New York: DC Comics. (Grades K-8).

A cookbook featuring many characters from DC Comics, including Superman, Lois Lane, Wonder Woman, Batman, Plastic Man, and others, gives healthy food tips, cooking terms, and easy to prepare recipes with simple directions and illustrations.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. j641.512 Sal 1993

Schulz, C.M. (1982). Classroom Peanuts. New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston. (Grades 2-5).

School subjects and activities are depicted in hundreds of classic Peanut's comics by Charles M. Schultz.
Call Number: Curr.Mats. j741.5 Sch

Smith, J. (1995). Bone volume one, Out from Boneville. Columbus, OH: Cartoon Books. (Grades 3-12).

The three Bone cousins (Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone) are run out of Boneville. They encounter monsters and dragons and make new friends. Smith's whimsical humor has been compared to that of Walt Kelly (creator of Pogo) and will appeal to readers of all ages.
Call Number: Curr. Mats: j741.5 Smi

Smith, K. (1999). Daredevil, the man without fear! Guardian Devil. Vol.1. New York: Marvel Comics. (Grades 9-12).

Although blind, Matt Murdock is a talented lawyer by day and the red-suited "Daredevil, Man Without Fear" at night. He uses his heightened senses and abilities to protect the weak and innocent, and in Vol.1 he attempts to identify and protect a mysterious baby.
Call Number: Curr. Mats: j741.5 Smi

Spiegelman, A. (1997). Maus. New York: Pantheon Books. (Grades 6-12).

Spiegelman tells the story of the Holocaust in comic book format. All the characters are portrayed as animals, for example, the Nazis are depicted as cats and the Jews as mice. This frightening story of genocide is the first graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize.
Call Number: Curr. Mats. [Holocaust] DS135.P63 S68 1997

Takahashi, R. (1993). Ranma 1/2. Vol.1. San Francisco: Viz Communications. (Grades 9-12).

A parody of Japanese martial arts anime explores how gender and appearances affect viewpoint. When Ranma gets wet "he" changes into a "she." Other characters react in different ways depending upon his gender. This first volume introduces the major characters and a story line that carries through at least 20 volumes. There is some nudity.
Call Number: Curr.Mats. j741.5 Tak

Talbot, B. (1995). The tale of one bad rat. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Books. (Grades 9-12).

A young girl runs away but finds healing after being sexually abused by her father. This honest and powerful story may be useful to counselors, teachers, and victims of abuse.
Call Number: Curr.Mats. j741.5 Tal

| Top of page |

Located on Second Floor:

Adams, S. (1998). Journey to Cubeville: A Dilbert book. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel. (Grades 9-12+).

A collection of Scott Adams newspaper cartoons from 1996 to 1998 showcases Dilbert, the hero of office workers around the world. Includes Dilbert finger puppets.
Call Number: PN6727.A3 D552844 1998 2nd Floor

McCloud, S. (1994). Understanding comics: The invisible art. New York: HarperPerennial. (Grades 9-12+).

This self-described "comic book about comics" looks at comics as an art form, describing the basic elements, language, time flow, and the author's theory of the creative process.
Call Number: PN6710 .M335 1994 2nd Floor

Miller, F. (2002). Batman: The Dark Knight returns. New York: DC Comics. (Grades 9-12+).

Set in the future, a retired Batman faces old age and self-doubts about his morality and values. With Gotham City in trouble and villains rampant, he returns to face his old foes for one last time. A much darker Caped Crusader battles the evil of the world around him.
Call Number: PN6727.M595 B34 1996 2nd Floor

Moore, A. (1987). Watchmen. New York: DC Comics Inc. (Grades 11-12+).

The last era of superheroes deems them no longer necessary. However, they must reunite to find out who is killing ex-superheroes and possibly millions of innocent civilians.
Call Number: PN6728.W3 M66 1987 2nd Floor

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books. (Grades 6-12+).

From age nine to 14, Iranian Marjane Seratapi witnessed the repressive era of the Shah, his overthrow, and the fundamentalist Muslim dictatorship which replaced him. This autobiography depicts her loving family relationships and her changing political outlook as she learns the new regime is equally repressive.
Call Number: PN6747.S245 P4713 2003 2nd Floor

Ware, C. (2003). Jimmy Corrigan: The smartest kid on earth. New York: Pantheon Books. (Grades 8-12+).

In this strange and sadly funny family reunion, a young man finally reunites with his long-missing father and learns of his great-grandfather's own act of desertion. The book is illustrated in full color with Ware's spare, complex drawings.
Call Number: PN6727.W285 J56 2003 2nd Floor

| Top of page |