Welcome to Litsy!

Immediately, I think that comic books are so helpful for students! It provides them a visual medium for text, and it is often less intimidating for them. What I really love about Martin's work is that it is quite bright and vibrant. It grabs the eye and is fun to take in as one is reading it. Too, Martin often does unique borders for his art here. Specifically, I liked the scene in the RV where other cells are above them as they travel.

We Need More Diverse Books Website

This website was very insightful. I looked at their programs, and they offer things like mentorships to marginalized authors to help them edit their work and seek publication. When it comes to what our students read, the literary canon has been the same for decades. Organizations like these are extremely helpful in getting material out that will reflect our students and current culture.

“Some of us slip and slide between an American-style name and a Mexican one.“

I thought this quote was very powerful and telling of the conflict that would be found throughout this book. The fact that there are American and Mexican names show a duality in identity found in these characters - the fact that they “slip and slide“ between these names/identities shows how they come and go based on their environment and other factors.

Comics Belong in the Classroom - video
I think what he said about the “permanence“ in comic books is an interesting idea. Giving students the ability to choose their own pace and the ability to go back and read something they did not understand is very helpful for a teacher. Instead of having to “hold the hands“ of the students, they can allow them their own autonomy to go back and reread the things they need to.

I read this last week and have just dragged my feet on reviewing it. There‘s some genuinely funny lines and I like the characters, but I expect something special from KW and this is not. I‘ve read this book before and he‘s usually so fresh and new. Plus, the ending is pat and not fully developed.

As a teacher, I believe Pedro‘s interests as an adolescent can be used to understand our students. He loves reading comics, but often describes a disdain for school. For kids who express similar interests and dislikes, graphic novels, like comics, can be a great way for them to approach literature in a different way. Today, there are so many adaptations of classic texts we can use to better reach our students in English Ed classrooms.

With Cart‘s chapter on YA Literature, Mexikid demonstrates the awkwardness of adolescence. Pedro, the protagonist, is attempting to earn the respect of a man, while still learning from boyish mistakes. Throughout the story, Pedro wants to be included with his older siblings, but is still hesitant to step out of his comfort zone. From learning to drive, to being there for his family, to saving the deer, he learns that growing up isn't always easy.

Something that always impresses me about graphic novels is the author/illustrator‘s ability to develop characterization with so few words in a story. I loved Martin‘s introduction to the Martin family at the beginning, and how his description of each member was reinforced throughout the book. Even in brief interactions, readers can understand Pedro's relationship with different people in as little as a single sentence.

“Comics Belong in the Classroom“ - video
The first time I used a graphic novel in a class was my 2nd year of college. Even then, I was doubtful about its legitimacy as a piece of literature. However, my mind was completely changed after that course, and it continues to evolve as I read more graphic novels. It seems to become more common that students dislike English class, and they need an accessible avenue to literature, which comics/GN provide.