History Through Images

By Melissa Luttmann

History Through ImagesAs a writer, you probably focus a lot on choosing the right words to tell your story…but have you ever thought about selecting the right pictures? Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of history and historical fiction titles that rely heavily on images – and I’m not talking about picture books. The number of books for older kids that tell stories primarily through illustrations or photographs seems to be on the rise.

Some books I’ve encountered that are heavily image-based include Adele Griffin’s Picture the Dead, which is formatted like a scrapbook; Tonya Bolden’s Finding Family, which is based on the author’s collection of antique photographs; and Penguin’s Graphic Histories series, which consists of graphic novels and manga. (Penguin’s titles are technically for adults, but they’re actively marketed to teens.) On one hand, I’m not sure how many authors will be taking advantage of this budding trend – a gift for working with words doesn’t guarantee a talent for working with images. For graphic novels and manga, you need to be able to draw or to find a partner who does, and to use photographs in your book, you need to select the perfect ones and go through all the copyright logistics of getting them into print. If, however, you have artistic talent or can find a way to use photos without getting sued, why not play around with some of these new ways to tell a story? Images truly resonate with some people, especially kids, and you may find some devoted fans.

Have you seen any historical titles for older kids that are heavily image-based? Would you ever consider trying to create a book like this?

Melissa Luttmann is Associate Editor for Young Adult History/Historical Fiction at Wonders & Marvels.

Related Posts:

  • http://blog.raucousroyals.com cbeccia

    I always get more into a book if it has pictures. But I do think that younger kids go through a phase where they feel that if a book has pictures it is seen as “babyish”. (At least that is what kids tell me when I do school visits). I hope to see more of this trend because it might have a trickle down effect for picture book readers.

  • http://jovanevery.ca JoVE

    I think choosing images is a real skill. And then there is all the knowledge about image libraries, permission fees, and so on.

    I think there is a real opportunity for someone with that knowledge to offer workshops for authors who are interested in using more images.

  • Pingback: Nice All Wii Sport Games photos | Nintendo Sport Games

  • http://theinkgypsy.blogspot.com/ InkGypsy

    I think authors need to at least be aware of the impact of images in this digital and social media age. Think of websites. If your website doesn’t reflect your genre/writing style or has a balance of design at the very least you’re not going to get many people reading the words, no matter how well written they are. As for presentations with social media everything from book trailers (which, unfortunately, rarely reach a standard of excellence and do the job they’re supposed to) to additional marketing tools of postcards, bookmarks, downloadable supplemental material and more, the better handle an author has on this the quicker the word spreads. Even movies – the ultimate visual medium – rely on fancy image marketing to grab people’s attention. I think it’s an exciting time and one that allows for authors to collaborate with other artists, expanding their worlds in ways never before possible. It’s like DVD extras – and who doesn’t like those extras on a film they love? :)

  • http://www.ailinglaplap.com Antique Photographs

    Hi! I love your post. It was with great interest that I read your post. You presented some really insightful points. I am the designer/creator of a free word press “Antique Photographs Help Theme. I think your readers might be interested. The theme is instantly ready downloading from here: Antique Photographs

  • http://www.ailinglaplap.com Antique Photographs

    Hi I really enjoyed with great interest that I read your post and I think that your readers may appreciate the link at the end of this comment. Thanks :) Antique Photographs