The Books of Magic

* Bibliographic information
Gaiman, N. The Books of Magic. DC Comics, 1993. ISBN: 9781563890826. Art by Bolton, J., Vess, C., Hampton, S., & Johnson, P.


* Plot Summary
This graphic novel has Gaiman’s usual smart humor surrounded by amazing graphics from four different artists. Timothy Hunter has become a very popular name in the world of magic; too bad he knows nothing about that world. A group of four fallen mystics humorously referred to as the “Trench Coat Brigade,” take him on an adventure into the magical realms of the past, present and futures. The book follows Timothy’s journey in four parts; each part is done by a different artist to represent a different realm of magic. After Timothy has ventured into these realms and learned about everything there is to know about magic, even catching a glimpse of hell along the way, he must make an important decision; does he want magic in his life?


* Critical Evaluation
In typical Gaiman fashion, this graphic novel combines mythical beings with normal people and lots of good humor. The fours artists who contributed to this novel are phenomenal; each created a magical realm in their own style. Most teen boys would be ecstatic to go on a magical field trip through space and time but Timothy is vey nonchalant about it. He goes along for the ride and keeps his calm even when faced with demons and legendary wizards. This is all part of Gaiman’s humor. Readers laugh because the dialogue is funny in a way that is familiar, like something a friend would say and the two of you would laugh about it. The “Trench Coat Brigade” comments from John Constantine are always entertaining. Great characters and a great story from Gaiman, as usual.


* Reader’s Annotation
Timothy Hunter was just a normal English teenager, skateboarding along when four men in trench coats surrounded him and started talking about magic. Now he must go on a journey through magical realms and decide if he wants a life of magic?



* Information about the author
Gaiman


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Graphic Novel, Fantasy


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Talk about the character of Timothy and his future in magic, what do you think he will be like?
2) Do you think any of the guys in the “Trench Coat Brigade” were looking out for Timothy’s best interests? Or were they only interested in how he would affect the world of magic?
3) If you were given the same chance as Timothy, would you take it?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 12-16 year olds


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Nudity, Demons, Satan, and Violence.

Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book if they can be found online or in an electronic database.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I liked that this graphic novel was comprised of four volumes that had been put together later to make this one; so the artist in each part is different. This creates an honest reality of the magical realms because each was created with a new style by a new artist. The story is also fun; what teen does not want the chance to have magic in their life? I always appreciate Neil Gaiman’s humor so the graphic has three great aspects which I felt should be included in a blog on young adult books I love.