I'm a sucker for critical essays, and as an educator who works with so many children who start each year telling me how much they hate reading, this collection could not have come at a better time. So many write graphic novels off as easy reads or stories lacking depth, but our students, as readers, and adults who love the genre, know that this is not the case. These essays provide educators, parents, and readers alike with shareable proof of the power in story told through graphics. This genre is vastly under appreciated, and I think this collection would be great for undergraduate and graduate education and literacy courses.

Fascinating essays from experts who really know their stuff.

Academic look at specific graphic novels and their pedagogical and social contributions.

Sorry I could not give a review as this was not compatible with my Kindle.

This is not one for the common or garden reader on her daily commute. Instead it's a very academic look at several graphic novels you may or may not know of, and may or may not have pegged as YA titles (I don't think Persepolis should be here at all). The problem is that even when it hits subjects you know and love (in my case ''Bone'', Shaun Tan and a couple others) the delivery is still high-falutin', concerning itself with either esoteric literary theory or just a straight forensic dissection that leads nobody anywhere. Come here if you know and love the genre and you will feel bludgeoned into Pseuds' Corner – come here with some high academic interest and this may well feature something of import. But many people will have checked this book out and found a galling level of pretention.

While this book is a worthwhile endeavor for those deeply interested in literature or the graphic novel format, it is too advanced for middle or high school students. It is better suited for use in a college-level academic setting. Librarians and educators may find it useful.

This is an important book considering the rise in popularity of graphic novels. Loved it.