Library and School Content at Comic-Con
The comics-related issues facing teachers and librarians will be well-represented at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. As a service to our friends in these fields, here’s a full list of all the panels and events related to libraries and schools. For the full list of Comic-Con panels and events, check here.
We hope this helps you in your schedule-planning!
Thursday, July 22
10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Comics in the Classroom—Lisa Vizcarra (Carquinez Middle School) explores the pedagogy for creating a middle school biology curriculum based on the book Becoming Batman by E. Paul Zehr, who will join the discussion. Kathy Hall (El Camino College) gives an overview of techniques and assignments for teaching Watchmen in the first-year composition course. Robyn A. Hill (National University) and Bill McGrath (National University) provides illustrations and examples of how comics formats can be used for differentiated instruction to English learners. Room 26AB
4:30-5:30 Graphic Novels 101— Graphic novels are now considered mainstream, so why aren't they already on your library branch's shelves? Jill Patterson (La Habra, CA Branch Library), Merideth Jenson-Benjamin (Glendale, AZ Public Library), Kearsten LaBrozzi (Glendale, AZ Public Library), and Hillary W. Chang (McCully-Moiliili, HI Public Library) discuss ways to create and maintain a library Graphic Novel Collection. Room 26AB
Saturday, July 24
11:00-12:00 Comics in the Library— How are comics used in libraries? This panel discusses the variety of ways that libraries around the countries have begun to integrate comics into their collections and programming. Special attention is paid to the following subjects: comics for early readers; nonfiction comics, comics for adult readers. Presented by Francisca Goldsmith (Infopeople), Merideth Jenson-Benjamin (Glendale Public Library), JoAnn Jonas (San Diego County Library), Tuan Nguyen (Texas Maverick Graphic Novel List), Jill Patterson (OC Public Libraries), and comics creator Raina Telgemeier (Smile). Moderated by John Hogan (The Graphic Novel Reporter). Room 8
3:30-4:30 Comics in the Classroom— Comics are becoming increasingly common in elementary and secondary classrooms. But how can teachers incorporate comics into their course curriculums? This panel provides practical strategies for teachers to do just that. Presented by Anastasia Betts (UCLA), Christina Blanch (Ball State University), Deborah Ford (San Diego Unified School District), and Tracy White (NYU). Moderated by Chris Butcher (The Beguiling). Room 26AB
Sunday, July 25
11:00-12:30 Secret Origin of Good Readers— Navigate the wonderful world of comic books with professors of education Dr. Robyn A. Hill (National University) and Dr. Bill McGrath (National University), writer/artists Bill Galvan (Archie) and Jim Valentino (Image Comics), and comics store owners Nancy McCann (Comics Unlimited, Westminster, CA) and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City, UT). Panelists discuss how teachers, librarians, retailers, and publishers can work together to bring comic books into the classroom for use as an innovative and motivating cross-curricular teaching tool. This multimedia presentation includes personal remarks and a Q&A session; the speakers will present an overview of the medium and highlight specific ways that comic books and graphic novels have been used to engage a variety of learners while promoting reading and literacy. Room 3
