Books, one of my greatest passions, moved from a cause of great joy to my children to a cause of intense lamenting when we moved from picture book unit studies to chapter books. Both children resisted reading unless it was one of our "old friends." I was a bit puzzled; they love for me to read to them or to listen to novels on tape. However, despite their love for the stories, they just didn't want to delve into the books personally.

This disdain for reading "thick" books all changed after a friend gave us some manga novels while we were helping her move. My children developed newfound joy, being able to read an entire book or more in a day. This feat would not have been attempted before, so I had to contain my emotion now that my children were racing through books faster than I could buy them.

Reviewing these products was an answer to prayers, as the attitudes and pictures contained in some secular manga seemed too graphic and/or sexualized. Moreover, some manga is very perverted so it all must be screened carefully.

First, let me explain this popular book style. The term manga is a Japanese term for "comic." Most manga is in black and white form with strong emotions expressed in the artwork. A graphic novel, according to the Zondervan website, is "a book made up of words and pictures. In most graphic novels, pictures are arranged in sequential panels and words are shown in speech bubbles or text boxes. Graphic novels provide a style of storytelling, not a certain kind of story. Graphic novels can be used as a medium for sharing both fiction and non-fiction; fantasy and fact." Since most novels are part of a series, the reader keeps coming back for more.

Another strength of the Z Graphic Novels is that theological experts have reviewed them. Thus, these books offer a distinctly Christian perspective and a "safe" alternative to mainstream manga. The novels allow the adventures of the Old Testament to come alive. The visual nature of these books is a great way for youth to learn about God's Word, just as we may use flannel boards with young children to make the stories easy to remember.

Lastly, Christ had a commitment to reaching people where they were, and He still meets us wherever we are today. I applaud Zondervan for creating graphic novel collections that children want to read. More importantly, parents can still feel comfortable with the books in their home library.

Product review by Stephanie D. Scarborough, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November 2007