It is that time of year again (well, maybe slightly later than usual) when we return to thinking about Graphic Novels and shadowing the annual Stan Lee Excelsior Award for graphic novels and Manga.

This winner of this award is decided by pupils, aged 11 – 16, who read and then fill in a ratings form for each of the eight shortlisted books. These ratings forms are then sent off to the award coordinator to be collated with other forms from many other schools in the UK by April 24th so readers have plenty of time.

The eight shortlisted books finally arrived today and were processed and catalogued as a priority and they are now on display ready for borrowing.

Information about the shortlisted books can be found on the official SLEA website. Click the image below to go to the website where further information about each title is available.

House Points: Pupils reading and rating the books on the shortlist will be eligible for ONE house point for each book read and rating form filled and handed in.

Reward Card: Pupils are also invited to take part in a reward card scheme whereby any who read and rate all eight shortlisted books and fill in a reward card will be put into a prize draw for a gift token (and other sundry prizes (eg. stationery or sweets). Further house points (hp) will be available for any completed (or partially completed) cards handed in. 1-2 books = 1 hp; 3-4 books = 2 hp; 5-6 books = 3 hp; 7-8 books = 4 hp.

Reading Record : A Reading Record task sheet for the shortlisted books is also available. You may use the SLEA Task Sheet provided to help you evaluate, rate and comment on each book prior to filling out the official ratings form. If you are in S1 or 2, you can use up to two of these sheets towards your Bronze or Silver Reading Record instead of any of the other task sheets.

Ratings forms are available in the library of can be downloaded from the ‘Resources‘ section of the official Stan Lee Excelsior Award website or copies are available from the display or Mrs Sinclair in the library.