Classroom Comic of the Week: BONE by Jeff Smith

Bone: Out of Boneville by Jeff Smith

The Bone series, written by Jeff Smith, really could be considered the gold standard for sequential art for readers in the 4th-adult age range. Originally printed as individual comics, it is a timeless story of the unexpected hero, who finds himself in the unenviable circumstance of saving a world from evil. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, the parallels are numerous. The characters are unique and well developed. The bad guys are really bad and the good guys are the type you just want to cheer for. 


Smith does an amazing job pacing this book, including plenty of side plots, many of which are quite humorous. The are 10 volumes in all, which includes the prequel Rose. There is also a complete volume which is all nine of the originals, but the drawback to that is its size and the fact that it is in black and white. Stick with the color volumes for your classroom, as the color work done by Steve Hamaker adds immeasurably to the overall effect.


The sweet spot for this series is mid to late fourth grade, and really any grade thereafter. There is some violence in the later books, as the evil side really clings to its hold on the world, and should be considered when adding these books to your library. That being said, I have seen these books change student attitudes towards reading for enjoyment, and rarely are they on my shelf for very long.  

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

 If you are an elementary school teacher is grades 3/4 and up, this is a must have for your library or classroom. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, adapted from Frank Baum's masterpiece gets adapted for the comic book universe. Author Eric Shanower and artist Skottie Young infuse new energy and ideas into this timeless story. The art is endearing and the characters and plot, while familiar, have enough twists and turns to make this feel like a something you are reading for the first time. 


There are three volumes of the series available. Volume 1 is also out in paperback, which will save you a few $$ (although if it is for your classroom, you might want to get the HC). 


 Start there, and consider picking up the monthly comic as an additional alternative to your traditional classroom library. 

"Help Flags" in the Computer Lab

I have needed a management tool for the computer lab in the last couple of years, and I thought of this over the summer. It is a basic clip with a popsicle stick coming out of the top. I have a class set and everyone snags one when we head to the lab. When we get there, they know to first open our typing software and then hide it in the dock (command H) on a Mac. Then, we open the application we will be working on and off they go.


Here is where the flags come in. When they run into a hiccup, or need help, they put their flag up, open the typing software and occupy themselves while they wait. This keeps them from waiting unproductively while I am helping other students, and it  keeps them from holding their hands in the air, or calling my name. They are cheap, and has done wonders for changing the atmosphere in the lab.

DC- The New 52

DC has relaunched all 52 of its titles this month for the first time in history. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern will be only a few of the iconic heroes to get brand new #1's this month. What a great time to start picking up some of these titles for your middle school or high school classroom. The story lines will be brand new and will not be bogged down by 40 years of backstory. 


Find a local comic shop and just drop in. They are clambering for new customers and will walk you through the titles that are best for your age group. While there, check out some of the "Must Reads" shown in the left column of the home page. 


Feel free to email me questions, or post a comment and I will reply. 

Amulet Book 4 Now Out!

The Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi are easily one of the most frequently read books in my classroom. There have been years when EVERY student has read one or more books in the series. Book 4, The Last CouncilI  was just released and should be on your short list of books to include in you classroom library in the 4th-6th grade range. I have not had the chance to read it, as there were two students who asked me about when it was going to arrive, every day leading up to the day it was delivered. They are plowing through it as I type this.


So, start by picking up book 1, which is available at Amazon and Scholastic...so if you are sitting on a million Bonus Points...