Why do graphic novels belong in your library? In 1954, the U.S. Congress held hearings to decide whether comic books were an evil that should be banned, or at least controlled. In 2003, the American Library Association is promoting them as a tool for teen literacy. The bottom line is that today graphic novels are extremely popular with readers of all ages. These materials are going in and out of some public libraries at a rate twice that of traditional books. Our graphic novel selections are a reflection of the changing times. While the vocabulary here is raunchy, it is accurate for the two key characters. So, even though these realistic 18-year-olds don't always talk nice and don't always act nice, they do have moral fiber underneath their tough-girl exteriors. The artwork is evocative and tasteful. Age: 16 to 19. For more information on other new graphic novels, click here. Our professional selectors believe in promoting access for all to the universe of ideas and information. Material selection for the public library graphic novel lists was based on reviews and bibliographies from professional library organizations and other media, such as Voya and Library Journal. We selected materials that met high standards of treatment of subject, accuracy and currency of information, arrangement and organization, and literary style. Graphic Novels come in all shapes and sizes. To get an overview of their graphics and "look" try our Sampler: click here. "Most people have a strong attraction to the visual, and may be classified as visual learners. Visual communication is rich, evocative, and immediate, and transcends barriers that language sometimes raises. When pictures and words are used together to communicate, the result can be much greater than either alone could produce." Elizabeth B. Thomsen 100 Graphic Novels for Public Libraries