let's hear it for COMICS and GRAPHIX!

 As schools shift into high gear, teachers are actively evaluating the readers in their rooms. That's not only who CAN read what, but WHO each reader is, WHAT they like to read, and HOW they view themselves as readers. 

The above statement describes authentic assessment. Yes, there will be countless minutes and hours spent in formal testing and other arbitrary listings of "levels", but those are  far less significant or accurate than an experienced teacher will determine by observation, attention, and questioning. It is more important to identify where readers are going and ways to get there than to report if they are "behind" or "above" expectations. 

The above rant is brought to you by an educator who resisted excess standardized testing to the last minute of my classroom responsibilities. Finding the right book for every child, supporting each reader in their personal journey to literacy was a mission, and I'm still on it!

I've shared comments on comics and graphic stories in prior posts, with examples HERE, HERE, and HERE. These formats are variations on picture-books, although they are not shelved or marketed as traditional picture books. In fact, comics and graphic materials require a different subset of reading skills, but these involve and support all the skills and habits that an engaged reader needs to enjoy and succeed with  any material. (To read more thoughts on this, click the links I shared above). 

Macmillan, 2015

Someone who understood the powerful lure of comics was Charles Schultz, a creative talent who ranks among the very few universally beloved icons in a league with Dolly Parton. BORN TO DRAW COMICS: THE STORY OF CHARLES SCHULTZ and the Creation of PEANUTS is written by Ginger Wadsworth and illustrated by Craig Orback. In fact, Schultz began  doodling, drawing, imitating the "funny papers" that were part of his family life at his earliest age.

(Click on "Charles Schultz" above for a closer look at the details of his life with photo archives and more!)

This vibrant, comic-similar picture book opens with framed spreads and encircled text to hint at the media Charles embraced throughout his life. From his earliest moments, when he was dubbed with his lifelong nickname Sparky, readers will connect with the boy who laughed and drew from early on. His dog, SPIKE, a white and black beagle, gained Schultz his first publishing credit. Spike's ability to consume nearly anything and have no ill effects inspired Sparky to submit a drawing and text to RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT. It appeared in the newspaper nationwide!

This is a full birth-to-death biography of a famous figure, presented in a picture book with documentation and further details in back matter. It is a wonderful read, involving the depth and span of his life and influence. It's a celebration of  the effectiveness of picture book format to convey a long and complex life of influence while celebrating the power and validity of the comic format of literature. 

As such, this title is an effective read-aloud or read-share with kids of any age, but especially for older readers who have defined themselves (or been labeled) as "not a reader". Worse yet, as someone who CAN read but doesn't like reading. It not only invites them to see colorful and complex material presented in picture books and graphic forms as valid "reading" choices. It may help teachers and caregivers recognize that reading materials in these formats IS REALLY READING, not discouraging it as unimportant or childish. It also celebrates the child-Charles who recognized early in life what he loved doing, and he was encouraged to pursue it. Over time. Despite sad losses. While doing other work to get by. But never giving up. 

This is not a new release, but one that is as timeless as PEANUTS and Charles Schultz.