When Commas Meet Kryptonite

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 (www.comicbookproject.org) 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.

Michael Bitz is the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Pathways, a nonprofit organization that establishes creative pathways to academic success for underserved youth.

“Michael Bitz is a leading scholar among those of us who study the pedagogical potential of comics….You are in for an exciting and illuminating read.”
—From the Foreword by James Bucky Carter, University of Texas at El Paso

“Whether you’re an educator, a writer, an illustrator, a parent, or a Superman fan who got drawn in by the word ‘kryptonite’ in the title of this book, I know you’ll find this work fascinating, relevant, and possibly life changing. Enjoy. I’ll see you in the funny pages.”
—From the Foreword by Jim Davis, creator of Garfield

"I've had the opportunity to work with some kids coming out of the Comic Book Project and I could see firsthand the results of passion intersecting with education. The Comic Book Project changes lives. Educators in all fields should be aware of Michael Bitz's groundbreaking work."
— James Sturm, Director, The Center for Cartoon Studies

“What is it about writing, designing, and publishing comic books that so deeply engages kids who might otherwise resist reading or writing an unassigned word? In this highly useful book, Michael Bitz not only explains the success of the Comic Book Project, he also gives in-school and after-school educators tools and resources to get started.”
—Lucy N. Friedman, President, The After-School Corporation