Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel

Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel

by Ruth McNally Barshaw

Part graphic novel, part journal. Ellie McDoodle is a 12 year old girl forced to travel with her annoying extended family while her parents are away. A youthful rendition of a "Family Vacation" movie, only in book form. Because it is written in graphic novel/journal style, this book is a quicker read than other similar length chapter books which might make it interesting to try with a child who longs to read chapter books but maybe lacks the commitment or skills to finish such a novel. Or maybe with a child who needs to be introduced to some new genres of children's lit in order to become interested and invested in reading. There are numerous reasons to use graphic novels with children, these and others--lesson on journaling and feelings, making reading and writing personal to ones life, etc.

Reading this type of book was a new experience to me, but I enjoyed reading and seeing the benefits of a new genre.