Blankets

Title- Blankets

Author- Craig Thompson

ISBN -1891830430

Publication Information- Top Shelf Productions

 

Plot Summary- The story takes place of several years, perhaps a decade or more in which we follow the life of Craig. Craig and his brother live in a fundamentalist Christian household with a father that is borderline abusive. Craig has no friends at school to support him and finds solace in only two things, art and religion. However, in high school at a Christian camp, he meets Raina, a reject herself. The two experience love for the first time. Eventually, she leaves him and he finds himself lost in the world again, not knowing where he should go to college or what he should focus on while there. As he continues to read his Bible, he notices contradictions and problems that he cannot reconcile and finds that religion holds no focus for him any longer either.

Critical Evaluation- This is one of those brilliant graphic novels that make the entire genre worthwhile. It will easily take its place amonst others like Maus and Sandman as the year's progress. This is a semi-autobiographical look at Thompson's early life. It is a coming of age story at its core. The art of the novel beautifully reflects the state of mind of the character and perhaps the author at that point in his life. All of it is tied together by the motif of a blanket. At the beginning it is the blanket he shares with his little brother in bed and later the blanket Raina makes for him that with which he cannot bear to part. Most importantly though, is the thematic issues of the story. How does one manage to navigate the minefield of adolescence and not come out crippled as an adult in some way? Clearly we do not. We carry those emotional issues with us long into adulthood. Thompson is perhaps able to exorcise his demons in the process of writing this novel.

Awards

• 2004 Harvey Awards: Best Artist, Best Graphic Album of Original Work and Best Cartoonist
  
• 2004 Eisner Awards: Best Graphic Album and Best Writer/Artist
  
• 2004 Ignatz Awards: Outstanding Artist and Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection
  
• 2005 Prix de la critique
  

 

Reader's Annotation- What happens to a teenager who can't connect with family or friends?

Author Information- The novel is largely autobiographical so his life is fairly clear upon reading it. After these years, he began working for Darkhorse Comics, a major comic book publisher, but turned to his own work after tendonitis forced him to retire. All of his graphic novels have won several critical awards. He uses very French stylized art instead of the traditional graphics of the comic book industry.

Curricular Ties- Religious studies, English

Genre- Graphic novel, Coming of Age

Book talking ideas- What problems does Craig find in his religion as the years progress? How do blankets play a central role in the story?

Challenge issues- Religious fundamentalists will object to this book based on the portrayal of churches and church functions; sexual content; violent images

1. Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
   
2. Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
   
3. Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
   
4. Review approaches from ALA
   

Interest Age- 15-18

Why I selected this piece- This was recommended to me by my school librarian as an excellent graphic novel that did not involve heroes or fantasy.