Make Reading Fun with Graphic Novels!

My Students

Graphic novels deserve a place in the classroom. My students LOVE reading Maus II, by Art Spiegelman, but it leaves them wanting more. They wait in line to read Maus I, but I only have one copy for fifty students. They WANT to read this novel, and they deserve the opportunity to read it.

I teach English II and English III in a high poverty district.

Currently, more than 50% of students receive free and/or reduced lunches. Because of the make-up of the school, students oftentimes lack necessary materials needed to appropriately facilitate their learning. I have found that students enjoy reading graphic novels; they cannot put them down. This is a giant leap in the right direction, since many of my students do not like to read. My district was only able to purchase one of the two Maus novels, and students were disappointed that they were not able to read the first book in the set. These students are eager learners, when they are engaged, and Maus is an engaging story of hardship, hard work, never giving up, and overall life lessons. Maus I and II tell the story of a Holocaust survivor in graphic novel format. The story of Vladek is gripping from page one to the end.

My Project

If I am able to teach both novels, it would allow me to teach students about literature, art, history, analysis, and life. These lessons are indispensable for students' continued success in high school, college, and the workplace. If I were able to teach both novels to students, I can only imagine the impact it would have. By having both novels available in my classroom, students will be exposed to a wider variety of literature, and will also see the "bigger" picture of the time before, during, and after the Holocaust. In addition to the historical lessons it helps to teach, students are also able to look inside themselves and write their own memoir in graphic format. Students are challenged by the material presented in the novel and the culminating project. After reading, students will be asked to create their own graphic memoir focusing on a hardship they have faced and overcome. With this project, they will be able to see how they have changed, just as Vladek changed over time.

The ability to teach Maus I in conjunction with Maus II will afford my students the opportunity to see a different perspective of the Holocaust and their own lives.

They YEARN to read both novels, and with your help, I can provide this opportunity to them. I believe that the experience will help create lifelong learners and readers. I have never seen students so eager to discuss and read a novel. Help me expand their interest by giving them the chance to read both Maus novels.