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Year 6 - English

Introducing the context of 'Frizzy'

'No Country' and 'Frizzy': graphic novels exploring identity and belonging

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore two fictional graphic novel texts, 'No Country' and 'Frizzy'. They discuss the context of both graphic novels. Finally, pupils explore the visual, narrative and contextual elements of specific scenes and discuss the key themes within each text.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to infer what has happened in a visual text by examining details closely.

Key Notes

  • 'Frizzy' is a fictional graphic novel text written by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra.
  • The text follows Marlene, a young Dominican-American girl coming to terms with growing up.
  • Graphic novels include features such as speech bubbles, thought bubbles & sound effects to explain what is happening.
  • Readers sometimes have to infer what has happened, rather than being told by the author or illustrator.
  • The text celebrates Spanish language and Dominican culture; this helps ground the story in Marlene's cultural heritage.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • graphic novel: a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels
  • peritext: the elements around a book, including its cover, title and blurb
  • cultural heritage: the traditions, beliefs and values passed down through generations
  • inference: to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may expect direct translations for Spanish text.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

'Frizzy' is a fictional graphic novel text written by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra. The text follows Marlene, a young Dominican-American girl coming to terms with growing up.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'graphic novel'

a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may expect direct translations for Spanish text. Correction: Explain that untranslated Spanish is the author and illustrators intention. Meaning can be inferred by exploring the surrounding panels for clues and context.

More Lessons In This Unit

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