The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by K. Woodman-Maynard - ADVISABLE

The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by K. Woodman-Maynard, 240 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $25. 978-1536213010 

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (drinking, infidelity, etc); Violence: PG-13 (vehicular homicide and two gun deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The classic novel The Great Gatsby is given the graphic novel treatment with this new adaptation from K. Woodman-Maynard. The mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby wants to be reunited with his first love Daisy Buchanan and he is willing to do anything to be with her again. The Great Gatsby explores class and power dynamics, wealth and privilege during the Roaring Twenties in New York City. 

 This gorgeous graphic novel would be a delightful way to introduce metaphors and symbolism in the text, something that the author discusses in her note at the back of the book. The original work is familiar in high school English classes across the nation. The beauty of the text is maintained, despite the pared down nature of the graphic novel. The art really draws you into the world of Great Gatsby and adds another layer of meaning and richness to Fitzgerald’s text. This would be a great companion text to the teaching of the novel for most high school teachers. 

 Reviewer: BookswithBeddes