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In a changing publishing climate, with graphic novel adaptations of bestselling books becoming increasingly popular, we examined four Newbery Medal winning texts (Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, Lois Lowry's The Giver, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, and Kwame Alexander's The Crossover) and their graphic novel adaptations. Graphic novels, including graphic adaptations of award-winning texts, have long been viewed as second tier literature, both by educators and literature scholars alike. However, in this study, we attempt to elevate and make space for the unique affordances of both text types. Rather than comparing source texts and their adaptations in order to determine which exhibited higher literary quality (a highly subjective and contentious space that typically privileges the originals), we approach our analysis by asking how reading the paired texts could expand and enhance readers' transactions. The findings of our study suggest pairing award-winning texts and their graphic novel adaptations can allow readers' transactions to blossom, as the complementary experiences can deepen their understanding of and engagement with storytelling that unfolds in unique and important ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an examination of picturebook retellings of Cinderella tales featuring anthropomorphic characters. Using critical multicultural lenses, researchers analyzed the texts for the ways beauty was depicted. Findings suggest that the nonhuman characters were subjected to standards of beauty that mirror those of our current societies, namely fairer hair and skin, as well as slenderer bodies, being deemed preferable to other types. Additionally, the researchers noted that anthropomorphic characters were often expected to sacrifice key elements of their identities in order to conform to gendered expectations. The researchers therefore suggest that educators push for critical conversations when sharing such texts in their classrooms in order to help young readers interrogate the stories and discuss the ways they may perpetuate negative stereotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]