The document discusses the history and conventions of graphic novels. It notes that Will Eisner is generally credited with publishing the first graphic novel in 1978 called "A Contract with God". Art Spiegelman received critical acclaim for "Maus: A Survivor's Tale" in 1992 about his father's experience in the Holocaust. The document also outlines some key conventions of graphic novels like the use of panels, transitions between panels, perspectives, the representation of time, and the integration of words and pictures to tell the story. It suggests graphic novels can appeal to students by being engaging visually and presenting complex ideas with reduced text.