What is a graphic novel?
It’s a novel, whose narrative is related through a combination of text and art, often
in comic-strip form.
This novel study is a chance for you to study a genre that has recently become very popular with children and adults, the graphic novel. We will study components of graphic novels, as well as basic literary concepts that can be applied to many different kinds of novels as you complete your project.
- Story structure in the way the story is organized. Characters, setting, conflict, plot events and the resolution are common elements in all stories. Using a graphic organizer or a written summary, identify these elements in your story.
- Character development is how the character can grow and change throughout the story. A character’s development is revealed through his or her traits, thoughts, words, and actions. As you read your novel, take notes on your main character. What is this character’s goal? How might he or she reach that goal? Using the graphic organizer provided, or a written summary, record your character’s traits, thoughts, words and actions. Use these as evidence of your character’s development in the story.
- Onomatopoeia is the use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound made by an object of an action. Find 6 examples of onomatopoeia in your novel and note what the sound is describing.
- Simple sentences contain a subject and a verb; they express a complete thought. Compound sentences are made up of two simple sentences; the two are usually joined by the following words: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Locate 3 interesting simple sentences in your novel and rewrite them as compound sentences. Locate 3 compound sentences in your novel and rewrite them as simple sentences.
- A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between one noun and another. For example, in the sentence “My dog is on the bed,” on is th e preposition. Locate 3 interesting sentences containing a preposition. A prepositional phrase is a sentence that begins with a preposition. Locate 3 interesting prepositional phrases in your story and record them.
- Sentences contain a subject and a predicate. A compound subject is when a sentence is about more than one person, place, or thing. Locate 3 interesting sentences that contain a compound subject and record them. A compound predicate is when the subject is partaking in more than one action in the sentence. Locate 3 interesting compound predicates and record them.
- Vocabulary: Find 10 robust action verbs in your novel. Find a synonym (similar word) and antonym (opposite word) for each one.
- Graphic art/Plot structure: The pictures in a graphic novel play just as important of a role as the text. Can you tell the most important events in your story with only pictures? Use 3-6 comic strip frames to tell the main ideas of your store without words.Learning Targets Addressed in “Going Graphic” Novel Study:Writing Modes
- Write responses to literature that demonstrate understanding. Support interpretations using references and exhibit careful reading and understanding. (Expository)
Vocabulary
- Develop vocabulary through listening, discussion, and direct teaching in literacy, informational and content specific texts.
- Develop vocabulary through word study.
Comprehension
- Summarize and sequence events, main ideas, supporting details, facts, plot and influence of specific events on future actions and character development.
- Demonstrate comprehension by answering questions about the text. Support with literary evidence.
- Develop an interpretation of texts using a variety of skills such as predictions, varied connections and question/answers, etc. Support ideas with both explicitly stated and implied textual evidence.
Understanding and Using a Variety of Literary Forms and Genres
- Listen to, read, and respond to a wide variety of significant works of literature from a variety of cultures and time periods. Match reading to purpose.
 |
| Observational drawing for the cover of our Novel Study project. |
The covers are just part of the project, the learning is inside!
