01/19 - 01/23
When Commas Meet Kryptonite: Classroom Lessons from the Comic Book Project
by Michael Bitz
Teachers College Press
This definitive book presents the newest research linking graphic narratives and literacy learning, as well as the tools teachers will need to make comic book projects a success in their classrooms. The Comic Book Project is an internationally celebrated initiative where children plan, write, design, and publish original graphic narratives in diverse media and formats. In one accessible resource, Bitz presents a comprehensive program that is just as fun for teachers as it is for students. Teachers will learn how to incorporate socially relevant materials and instruction into daily activities, how to differentiate instruction across the K-12 curriculum, and much more.
This informative, hands-on book:
Advances a creative approach to teaching core literacy skills, including narrative construction, spelling, publication, and assessment. Includes adaptable lesson plans and examples of professionally published and student-created comics. Details classroom applications and resources to help teachers launch their own comic book clubs.
01/19 - 01/23
Manga High: Literacy, Identity, and Coming of Age in an Urban High School
by Michael Bitz
Harvard Education Press
Based on a four-year study, this book explores the convergence of literacy, creativity, social development, and personal identity in one of New York City’s largest high schools.
Since 2004, students at Martin Luther King, Jr., High School in Manhattan have been creating manga--Japanese comic books. They write the stories, design the characters, and publish their works in print and on the Internet. These students--African-American and Latino teenagers--are more than interested in the art and medium of manga. They have become completely engrossed in Japanese language, culture, and society.
Manga High is highlighted by reproductions and content analysis of students’ original art and writing. An appendix includes guidelines for educators on starting a comic book club.