ISBN 978-1419734849
Published by Abrams Comicarts, 2020
Genre/Format: Nonfiction
Awards
Alex Award, 2021
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2021
Reading Level : Adult Crossover
Plot Summary: Derf Backderf begins this graphic novel from his own point of view as a 10-year old, describing how frightening it was when the National Guard appeared in Kent, OH to quell the Teamsters union on strike at the end of April in 1970. That moment explains why the National Guard was there and, from then on, the events unfold that lead to the tragic killing of four students on the campus of Kent State University on May 4, 1970. Starting on May 1, Backderf introduces us to each student killed by focusing on what they were doing, who they talked to, how they thought about or participated in the student protests and we learn that all of them were innocent students, unarmed and in the wrong place at the wrong time. Interspersing these background narratives are pages of text outlining the role of the various law enforcement agencies in Kent at the same. Suffice it to say, the level of bravado, ineptitude and pure exhaustion are what led to that fateful day.
Author Background: John Backderf is a native Ohio but started his career as a political cartoonist in Florida. After being fired he moved back to Ohio where his comic The City ran for 24 years. He is the author of the acclaimed graphic novel, My Friend Dahmer, about his friendship with the serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer (Derfcity Comix).
Critical Evaluation: Although there are pages of almost all text, which is unusual for graphic novels, the narratives of the four victims are filled with visual details that for lack of a better phrase, bring to life their personalities and the days leading up to May 4. The events unfolded cinematically and I was unexpectedly moved to tears. At the end of the novel, Backderf cites all of the interviews and research he conducted to re-create the activities and events from May 1-4. In the end, he exposes a perfect storm of naïveté, government overreach and stupidity.
Speed-Round Book Talk: Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio is an emotionally-charged graphic novel that recounts the events that led to the fateful day.
Library Program: Graphic novel collage! Using old graphic novels that have fallen apart, teens will cut them out, mix and match, add their own cells and text to tell their own stories.
Potential Challenges: There is violence portrayed in this book, of course, because it is about a violent occurrence. However, it is a factual book and therefore should be included in the collection.
Reason for Inclusion: The shootings at Kent State are part of the United States' dark history. We need to know and to teach our children so that they know the truth and so that history doesn't repeat itself. As a graphic novel more teens will be willing to read it.
References
Derfcity Comix.About Derf Backderf. Derfcity.com.
neilyoungchannel. (2010). Neil Young - Ohio [Live At Massey Hall 1971] . You Tube.
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