Let us know if you use the activities in your classroom or share your favorite Plugged-in activities using these titles.

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Jan says that using classic text The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane brings lively discussion about courage and character to her classroom.

“The Red Badge of Courage is a great example of realism in writing. It’s full of very powerful descriptions of war and can be an impetus to great discussions about courage and character. Crane’s combination of imagery, moral ambiguity, and one soldier’s personal journey to define courage is as relevant today as when it was written.”—Jan Ledger

Comic-Con 2009 wrapped up this weekend, and got us thinking about comics in the classroom. Comics aren’t just about superheroes and supervillains these days (though there’s certainly nothing wrong with a superhero!). Plugged-in to Nonfiction actually features many comic books, graphic novels, and art-centered books that will get reluctant readers excited about books without sacrificing quality. Students who turn to comic books at home may not think of it as reading, but it counts! These students are reading and don’t even know it, and by having graphic novels in the classroom, you can help connect their current reading habits and experiences to different kinds of books. Some of these graphic novels, such as Malcolm X: A Graphic BIography, even have an accompanying audiobook (noted with a *) to provide extra support to those students that may need it. Others, such as Art Spiegelman’s Maus, are award-winners that are studied even in college classrooms.

Comics, Graphic Novels, and Graphic-Based Books in Plugged-in to Nonfiction:
How to Draw Pokémon – Grades 4-5
Sign Language for Kids – Grades 4-5
The Egyptian News* – Level 2
A Photobiography of Dian Fossey* – Level 2
Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter* – Level 3
Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation – Level 3
How to Draw Hip Hop – Level 3
Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography* – Level 3
Maus: A Survivor’s Tale – Level 3
Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson* – Level 3
Periodic Table: Elements with Style – Level 3

Do you use graphic novels in your classroom? If so, share your stories and tips! Here are some great resources:

• comicsintheclassroom.net
• 100 Tips and Teaching Tools for Using Comics in the Classroom
• ToonDoo can help kids create their own comics for projects