Sunday, December 1, 2013

Graphic Novels can be "Super" Without the "Hero"



When you think graphic novels, you’re probably thinking Batman, Superman, Spider-man and Captain America. But graphic novels cover more than just the superhero genre. It can be fiction or non-fiction, comedy or romance, science fiction or western. Graphic novels can cover the spectrum of genres.

If you’re looking for a graphic novel that is different and a little more challenging, the Library has something for you. And graphic novels run the gamut – in terms of age – from children to young adult to adult.

Check out these new graphic novels at the Library.

Maus by Art Spiegelman is definitely not for kids. It may look like a kid’s book with mice and pigs and cats, but it’s not. The book tackles the subject of the Holocaust and survival in a concentration camp in graphic novel form. The characters are portrayed as animals – Jews are mice, Poles pigs, Germans cats, Americans dogs, and French frogs.
Boxers (Boxers & Saints) by Gene Luen Yang is a story about China’s Boxer Rebellion in the late 19th century.

In 1898 China, bands of foreign missionaries and soldiers roam the countryside, bullying and robbing Chinese peasants. Little Bao has had enough. Harnessing the powers of ancient Chinese gods, he recruits an army of Boxers - commoners trained in kung fu who fight to free China from "foreign devils." Against all odds, this grass-roots rebellion is violently successful. But nothing is simple. Little Bao is fighting for the glory of China, but at what cost? So many are dying, including thousands of "secondary devils" – Chinese citizens who have converted to Christianity.

For something more traditional, Batman: Death of the Family depicts the return of the Joker and his twisted plan to gain revenge against not only Batman, but his super-hero family. Does the Joker actually succeed? It’s a suspense-filled, thrill ride right down to the final pages.

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If you’re into romance, we’ve got what you’re looking for. The Library recently received the entire six-book Harmony series written by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Jodi Thomas. The series takes place in the small town of Harmony, Texas where you’ll read about the romance and escapades of its citizens. The books are: Welcome to Harmony, Somewhere Along the Way, The Comforts of Home, Just Down the Road, Chance of a Lifetime and Can't Stop Believing.

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We’re having a book sale from Thursday, December 5 to Saturday, December 7. The book sale will be open during Library hours. There will be hundreds of books for sale – fiction and non-fiction and hardcover, paperback and large print. Hardcovers will be 10 cents while paperbacks will be five cents. First come, first serve with no reserves or holds.

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Don’t forget about our annual Gingerbread House Decorating event. Kids from to 4-11 can come down to the Library and decorate gingerbread houses for free! The event is on December 14 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sign-ups are required and begin on Monday, December 2.

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Musical events return to the Library in December with a Bell Ensemble and the Redskin Singers.

A Bell Ensemble will grace the Library with an assortment or holiday and instrumental music through the bells on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. Among the songs being played include Angels we Have Heard on High, Carol of the Bells, and Amazing Grace.

The Redskin Singers return to the Library once again for their annual presentation on Thursday, December 12 at 7:10 p.m. Come down and listen to the some traditional and not-so-traditional holiday fare from the local youth at Liberal High School.

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The Library will be closed until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3rd. We will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. All due items can still be returned through the drop boxes.

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