Here are some answers I received concerning my questions on graphic novel series,
specifically Dragon Ball, Mars, and Fruits Baskets.
Thanks to all who replied!
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A really good resource that we bought for our library is Manga: The Complete Guide
by Jason Thompson (former editor of Shonen Jump magazine), $19.99. Thompson gives
ratings, descriptions, and exactly what might be questionable for each Japanese
magna series. It has been extremely helpful for selection of manga.
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I am in a 7-12 library and we carry Dragon Ball Z, Fruits Basket and Mars. Manga
is so popular we even host a Manga Madness Club where we talk about manga, watch
anime and do Japanese cultural activities (origami, Japanese food snacks, basic
language and writing).
Dragon Ball is rated "T" (Teen) and Dragon Ball Z is rated "A" (for all audiences).
It seems like there was one volume in the Mars series that the manga expert in the
store advised me not to buy. I think it was #10. This person made a list for
schools to consult for age- appropriate series for grade school, middle school and
high school.
While I do carefully look at the ratings, I have some series that are T+ and T16.
Since we are a 7-12 grade school, I have some fiction titles that are more mature
for most 7th graders and I likewise have manga that is more mature for most 7th
graders. I do check the visuals to make sure there isn't inappropriate body parts
and I read the story blurbs of several books to make sure the action isn't going to
go in a direction that I don't want to have to defend to an offended parent (ie
same sex crushes).
If you have students that read manga (most of my avid readers also have their own
personal collections), they will give you honest answers about whether a series is
appropriate at the school. Sometimes they will admit that while it was ok for
themselves to read a certain series, they wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
--
My best recommendation is to take one home (of the series in question) and read it.
I think then you can judge for yourself which students should or should not be
reading it. Graphic novels are so hard to pinpoint that it really comes down to if
you think it'll work at your library or not.
Also of note, if the titles are newer (published in the past three years or so) it
should have a rating on the cover somewhere Generally on the back as publishers
aren't happy about it, but the ratings are useful.
-----------
I did examine mine again and found a small ratings symbol on the back (front ?) of
my newer copies.
Thanks again to all.
Ann Jantzen, Media Specialist
South Central Jr. Sr. H.S.
6675 E. Highway 11 SE
Elizabeth, IN 47117
jantzena@south.shcsc.k12.in.us
"I cannot live without books." -- Thomas Jefferson
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