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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! ------------- 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. ----------- 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------