About Me

My name is Sara Smith, and I am currently in my 9th year as a high school Teacher Librarian of a rural district in California. Previously, I taught for 6 years in the English department at my school.

My passion for manga began early in life. I was introduced to manga in junior high from a friend. My first series -- Sailor Moon. After that, I was hooked. Since then, I have jumped back and forth between popular shōjo and shōnen series, but I tend to prefer the fantasy worlds frequently the setting of shōnen. My introduction to comics came much later. For that, I am sort of a band-wagoner. I started reading comics as the popularity of comicbook movies grew.

My 20,000+ book library collection currently includes around 2700 Graphic Novels -- comicbooks, manga, and graphic literature -- and the section enjoys wide circulation amongst my students.

When I'm not feverishly reading and writing for The Graphic Library, you can catch my bonus reviews at No Flying No Tights, Booklist, or School Library Journal magazines.

Reviews for No Flying No Tights

I am also a staff reviewer for the site No Flying No tights. This is a group of library professionals from across the U.S. providing reviews on content with librarians and parents in mind. You can see the reviews I've done for them, and check out many others, by visiting their website.

Webinars

Throughout 2021, I participated in a series of webinars put together by Jillian Rudes, a school librarian from Brooklyn, NY, and sponsored by the New York City School Library Association and the Graphic Novel and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association. You can view the recordings and find our resources below.

Manga In Libraries: Why Manga?
May 19th, 2021
On the panel (aside from myself):

Ashley Hawkins, School Librarian from NYC. Twitter: @mangalibrarian
Christina Taylor, School Librarian from Texas. Twitter: @cetaylor05
Jillian Ehlers, School Librarian from NYC. Twitter: @jrlibrarian
Nakenya Lewis-Yarbrough, Public Librarian from Michigan. Twitter: @NakenyaY

View the recording

Get the resources

Manga In Libraries: Representation of Girls and Women in Manga
June 17th, 2021
On the panel (aside from myself):

Dr. April Goehrke, PhD in East Asian Studies, Adjunct Professor at Hunter College
Ashley Hawkins, School Librarian from NYC. Twitter: @mangalibrarian
Jillian Ehlers, School Librarian from NYC. Twitter: @jrlibrarian
Christina Gavin, School Librarian from NYC. Twitter: @xtmarielibrary
Deb Aoki, Manga Journalist for Publisher's Weekly and Anime News Network, Podcaster. Twitter: @debaoki, @mangasplaining

View the recording

Get the resources

Manga In Libraries: Spooky & Scary Manga
October 18th, 2021
On the panel (aside from myself):

Matthew Murray, Librarian, Podcast Co-Host, Library Promoter for Manga Classics. Twitter: @MidniteLibrary
Dr. Alex Rogals, Professor, Japanese Arts & Culture, Hunter College Japanese Program.
Jillian Rudes, School Librarian from NYC. Twitter: @jrlibrarian
Julia Walchuk, Publishing Sales Manager, VIZ Media
Masumi Washington, Editor for Junji Ito Manga Titles & Vice President of Publishing, VIZ Media

View the recording

Get the resources

publications

July 2022 Edition of Booklists's Guide to Graphic Novels in Libraries: "Tackling Readers' Advisory Within Your Manga Collection."

December 2020 Edition of Diamond Bookshelf LGBTQ+ Issue: "LGBTQ+ Comics: Why we can no longer afford to be scared." Issue 32.

July 2020 Edition of Booklist's Guide to Graphic Novels in Libraries: "Beginning Buyer's Guide: Tips and Tricks for Starting a Graphic Novel Collection."

Nov 2018 Edition of California English: "Graphic novels: A powerful tool for your classroom."

Presentations

Below is a list of presentations I've given on the topic of graphic novels, and links to resources if I am able to share.

November 2022: School Library Journal Summit, "Manga 101"
August 2022: #BossLibrarian and Friends "Back to School Virtual PD", "Fall Must Buy GNs"
June 2022: American Library Association's Annual Conference, "The Value of Manga in School Libraries", co-created and presented with Ashley Hawkins, Emily Ratica, Jillian Rudes, and Julie Stivers
February 2022: California School Library Association's Annual Conference, "Super-Size your Graphic Novel Section"
January 2022: Association of Illinois School Library Educators Webinar: "Manga & the School Library"
November 2021: Edcamp Cardigan Camp Conference, "Manga Collection Development" co-created and presented with Ashley Hawkins, Emily Ratica, Jillian Rudes, and Julie Stivers
October 2021: American Association of School Librarians Conference, "Manga in the School Library", co-created with Emily Ratica
February 2021: California School Library Association's Annual Conference, "Super-Size your Graphic Novel Section"
November 2020: California School Library Association Southern Region Conference, "Super-Size your Graphic Novel Section"
February 2020: California School Library Association's Annual Conference, "Super-Size your Graphic Novel Section"
February 2019: California School Library Association's Annual Conference, "Super-Size your Graphic Novel Section"

Podcast Episodes

I have had the fortune to be a guest on several podcasts discussing Graphic Novels. Check them out below:

Nov 22, 2020. School Librarians United, Episode 100. Hosted by Amy Hermon - "Your Graphic Library."

Oct 30, 2020. The Literacy Advocate. Hosted by Timmy Bauer - "Graphic Novels are winning Newbery Awards and we should not be upset about that."