We Need a (8-12 Yr Old) Ongoing Diverse Graphic Novels Book Club
Young people want to see themselves in stories. They want to read about people that look, sound, and act like they do. In this ongoing class, we will be reading and discussing diverse graphic novels aimed for student 8-12 yrs old.
Paul Kopulos, MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(165)
Popular
What's included
35 live meetings
26 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will need to read the book before the upcoming week. I may give students a small project that will reflect the book that we have read to help the students put themselves in the character's situation(s). Students will only have to share their work during class if they feel comfortable.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
****** BOOKS FOR 2024-2025 IS IN THE SYLLABUS ******* What do you call a kid who reads graphic novels? A reader! Young people are forming lots of opinions about themselves and the people around them. Their natural curiosity about differences in appearance and cultural backgrounds begins to come into play during this age. They are developmentally able to put cultural and racial differences into perspective. They can either learn to appreciate - or devalue - traits that make others different from themselves. This book club is where young readers can come together, explore, and discuss diverse stories and experiences through graphic novels. We will be reading many different diverse graphic novels in this class. These stories will light your student's minds up and leave them wanting more! We will get into discussions that may continue in your homes. I will help guide them along their path in a safe, friendly, and fun environment. This class is a safe space that can educate, empathize, inspire, comfort, motivate, and calm readers, no matter what else is going on in the world. You can see the list of the books for the 2024-2025 year in the syllabus. I have included the ISBN for each book. The ISBN is the number assigned to the book. You can use this number if you order online, call in to your local book store, or your local library. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.
Learning Goals
This course offers students the opportunity to see themselves in diverse stories, allowing them to explore their own identities while gaining visibility into cultures different from their own.Students will build community, unity, and inclusivity by reading diverse books. These readings will serve as a springboard for discussions about current events, historical contexts, and societal growth.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum35 Lessons
over 35 WeeksLesson 1:
Week of September 2: Brave by Svetlana Chmakova (10+)
In his daydreams, Jensen is a hero, saving the world daily. But in middle school, math is hard, friends are tricky, and he's always picked last for projects. Things get tougher when the school newspaper's Jenny and Akilah involve him in school news and club drama. As the pressure mounts, Jensen wonders if his daydreams can help him face real-life problems.
ISBN: 0316363189 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week of September 9: Sink or Swim by Veronica Agarwal (8-12)
Summer is here, and twelve-year-old Ty faces new adventures and anxiety. From the world of Just Roll With It comes a boy-centric graphic novel about self-acceptance. After breaking his arm and missing the swim team, Ty struggles to reconnect with friends at summer camp. Afraid of failing and out of shape, he must find the confidence to repair his friendships before it's too late.
ISBN: 1984897020 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week of September 16: Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol (10-14)
Jane is incredibly plain. Everyone says so: her parents, the villagers, and her horrible cousin who kicks her out of her own house. Determined to gain independence, Jane plans to propose to Prince Peter, who might accept to escape his father. It's a good plan—until a mermaid kidnaps him. With her chance at happiness lost to the sea, Jane ventures underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the ocean depths hold both beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures.
ISBN: 1250314852 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week of September 23: Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen (8-12)
Mia is adjusting to life with her mom and stepfather and their Jewish identity while feeling out of place at home and school. Missing her Muscogee father in Oklahoma, Mia plans a secret trip using her bat mitzvah gifts to reconnect with him.
ISBN: 006298358X 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
During this class, there may be discussions covering (but not limited to) LGBTQIA+, Native American people, gender diversity, people of color, people with disabilities, and ethnic and cultural minorities. All conversations will be at an age-appropriate level. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
Supply List
Students will need to have a physical or digital copy of the books to participate in the class discussions. Most of these books should be attainable through your local library or Hoopla. Please plan ahead when joining this club. We do not read the books in class. If you do not know what Hoopla is, please reach out to me.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
165reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Simmons University
I have taught diversity for many years and to many people, not just kids. I have taught and continue to teach the compassion of diversity to kids daily. I have been teaching on Outschool since June 2020. In many of my classes we have covered the topics of women's rights, race, gender, ethnic background, and much more that falls under the diversity umbrella.Reviews
Live Group Course
$10
weekly1x per week, 35 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-12 learners per class
