Synergy: John Lewis

John Lewis (1940-2020) was a Georgia congressman and civil rights leader. From 1963-1966, he was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In addition, he was one of the key organizers for the 1963 March on Washington and led the first of three Selma marches.

Read the recently published graphic memoir then learn more at the website.

RUN: BOOK ONE by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin is a companion to the MARCH graphic memoir series. Set after the 1965 Selma marches, this graphic history focuses on John Lewis’ continuing role leading grassroots Civil Right and social justice efforts. The gray-scale comic-style illustrations by L. Fury with Nate Powell combined with hand-drawn reproductions of primary sources such as letters and newspapers add to the reading and learning experience. The book concludes with biographical sketches of key individuals involved with the movement and fascinating notes about specific events connected with the narrative.

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Digital Gateway explores the history and work of this group. From leading voter registration efforts to building grassroots movements, the SNCC documentary website features the work of young activists in empowering the Black community.

To learn more, go to https://snccdigital.org/.

ARC courtesy of First Second.

Synergy: Ableism

Ableism is discrimination and prejudice against people who are perceived to have disabilities. This includes stereotypes that characterize an individual or group as inferior to those without the ability, skill, or characteristic. For instance, while some people perceive deafness as a barrier, others do not.

Read the recently published work of historical fiction for youth, then learn more at the website:

SHOW ME A SIGN by Ann Clare LeZotte tells the story of a young girl living on Martha’s Vineyard in the 19th century. Like some other English settlers who live on the island, Mary is deaf and communicates with her friends and family using sign language. When a scientist kidnaps Mary as a test subject in his quest to find the cause for what he calls her “infirmity”, she must find her way home.

Pair this work of historical fiction with the recently published “super powered edition” of the Newbery Honor Book graphic memoir El Deaf by Cece Bell.

HISTORY THROUGH DEAF EYES is a web-based project from Gallaudet University. The project includes an online exhibition, documentary, and educational resources. The project explores 200 years of Deaf culture in America and examines perspectives on what it means to be deaf.

To learn more, go to https://gallaudet.edu/history-through-deaf-eyes.

ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Synergy: Internment of Japanese Americans

During World War II, 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated in concentration camps in the United States. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 authorized the military to round up both citizens and non-citizens alike.

Read the recently published graphic memoir, then learn more at the website:

THEY CALLED US ENEMY by George Takei, Eisinger Scott Becker, and Steven Scott tells the true story of Takei’s childhood in American concentration camps during World War II. The book’s stunning illustrations capture the celebrity’s experiences and reveal lessons that are still relevant today.

Densho is a digital collection chronicling incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The site includes the core story, an encyclopedia, digital archives, American concentration camp information, and many other resources.

Densho http://densho.org/

ARC courtesy of Top Shelf.

Book Review: El Deafo

Three of the best children’s books of 2014 are autobiographical including THE SCRAPS BOOK and BROWN GIRL DREAMING. EL DEAFO is at the top of my list. Feature all three in your library and encourage youth to write their own stories.

EL DEAFO by Cece Bell is a powerful graphic memoir focusing on the frustration of growing up with a hearing impairment. While Cece’s story highlights the embarrassment and loneliness of deafness experienced by many children, the universal themes of friendship and acceptance are at the core of this unforgettable story.

The author’s warm and honest approach to storytelling contribute to it’s appeal. Cece’s “listener for all” alter-ego El Deafo is wonderfully drawn in sequences placed in green bubbles to separate them from reality.

Besides the exceptional storyline, what makes EL DEAFO so magnificent is the graphic memoir format. Many students who might overlook the traditional autobiographical format will embrace the simple, well-drawn, visually-rich approach.

Librarians who grew up in the 60s-70s will enjoy her spot-on references to everything from Batman and John-Boy to Hostess Cherry Pies and sleep-overs. You may even be moved to sing Yellow Submarine.

Having experienced hearing loss as an adult due to an illness, I can empathize with Cece’s frustrations. Like Cece, my problem isn’t with volume, it’s clarity of sound. Her book does an outstanding job educating readers about how to interact with a person with hearing loss. These small informative details make this much more than your typical graphic memoir.

To learn more about Geisel honor book winner Cece Bell, go to her website at https://cecebell.wordpress.com/.