Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians: Publisher Panels

It's the publisher-focused day of the Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians (CCEL)! Below is the current schedule of today's programs.

10:00 am, Graphic Novel Activities for Your Library or Bookstore—Learn new ways to promote graphic novel literacy in your workplace with exciting activities and field-tested methods. From teaching comics workshops to activities based around specific graphic novels, this panel features Liniers (Good Night, Planet), Ivy Noelle Weir and Christina “Steenz” Stewart (Archival Quality), and Veronica and Andy Fish (The Wendy Project, Gumby). Moderated by Robin Brenner (teen librarian, Public Library of Brookline).

11:00 am, Meet the Makers: Kids’ Comics Extravaganza—Comics artists and writers Aron Steinke (Mr. Wolf’s Class), Jennifer Holm (Miss Communication: Babymouse Tales from the Locker), Jordan Crane (We Are All Me), and Heidi Arnhold (Cottons) describe the process of making a graphic novel. Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

12:00 pm, Girl Power Comics: Middle-Grade Fiction for Girls (and Boys)—The authors behind some of your favorite middle-grade graphic fiction discuss creating stories with strong, positive female characters and the importance of overcoming the lingering perception that comics are only for boys.Featuring Gigi Digi (Cucumber Quest: The Melody Kingdom), Molly Knox Ostertag (The Witch Boy), Yehudi Mercado (Sci-Fu), and Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (Miss Communication: Babymouse Tales from the Locker).

1:00 pm, Graphic Novel Adaptation: License to Thrill—Mariko Tamaki and Brooklyn Allen (Lumberjanes: The Moon is Up), Scott Westerfeld (Spill Zone: The Broken Vow, Uglies) and Ryan Parrott (Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers) discuss the expectations, rewards, and challenges of adaptations; how prose and graphic formats can complement each other and change how the story is perceived; and the ways adaptations can be used in libraries and the classroom. Moderated by Alea Perez (2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens chair). Sponsored by the CBC Graphic Novel Committee.

2:00 pm, Trends in Graphic Novel Publishing—Kids graphic novels are the growth area in publishing today. They’re top sellers at bookstores, and they circulate quickly in libraries and receive mainstream literary awards. But what comes next? Listen to publishing veterans Peggy Burns (publisher, Drawn & Quarterly), Margot Wood (director of sales, Oni Press), and Emily Meehan (director, Disney Publishing Worldwide) talk industry trends and describe the exciting future.

3:00 pm, Autobiography in Graphic Novels—Popular comic artists discuss creating autobiography and memoir in children’s graphic novels. Hear how these award-winning creators turned their experiences into comics in this in-depth conversation. Featuring Raina Telgemeier (Smile; Ghosts), Jarrett J Krosoczka (Hey, Kiddo), and Tillie Walden (Spinning).

4:00 pm, LGBTQ Graphic Novels—Today’s most dynamic creators are in kid’s comics and they’re portraying queer characters in fresh ways. Join Aminder Dhaliwal (Woman World), Tillie Walden (Spinning), Chad Sell (The Cardboard Kingdom) and Molly Knox Ostertag (The Witch Boy) in their discussion of LGBTQ Graphic Novels for kids: from developing authentic stories, to comics as a safe space for all identities. Moderated by Katie Monnin (Pop Culture Classroom). Sponsored by the CBC Graphic Novel Committee.

5:00 pm, Handling Challenges: Bans and Challenges to Comics—Comics are uniquely vulnerable to challenges and bans, especially those for young readers. Learn what you can do if they're challenged in your school or library from panelists: Gina Gagliano (Publishing Director, Random House Graphic), Chad Sell (The Cardboard Kingdom), Charles Kochman (Editorial Director, Abrams ComicArts), Candice Mack (2018 Eisner Awards Jury, Los Angeles Public Library). Moderated by Alea Perez (2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens chair). Sponsored by the CBC Graphic Novel Committee.

This is part of the 3rd annual Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians! Comic-Con International and San Diego Public Library have teamed up once again for this FREE five-day conference, which takes place during Comic-Con from July 18 - 22 at the Central Library. Through presentations and panel discussions, CCEL explores the role comics play in promoting education, engagement, and literacy for all ages. Library professionals and educators are invited to learn creative and exciting ways to incorporate comics and graphic novels into their work.

CCEL is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required for each day. Comic-Con badge-holders with valid single same-day or four-day badges are welcome to attend and are not required to register.