Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians: Publisher Panels

10:00–11:00 Graphic Novels ARE Books: Changing Parent and Educator Opinions on Graphic Novels—With the rise in popularity of graphic novels, many parents and educators remain convinced that they’re not suitable reading material for kids. How can we change the narrative and the conversation to make graphic novels as mainstream as prose novels? Hear from panelists Margot Wood (director sales and marketing, Oni Press), Gina Gagliano (publishing director, Random House Graphic), Liz Lareau (Geeky F@b 5) and others! Moderated by Alea Perez (2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens chair). In conjunction with CBC Graphic Novel Committee.

11:00–12:00 Crossover Appeal: Adult Comics Teens Love—There are lots of amazing comics that were written for adults and become hits among teen audiences. Learn about bestselling, critically acclaimed, and Eisner Award-nominated titles from 2018 and 2019 that teens will enjoy as much as their parents! Ebony Flowers (Hot Comb) and Jason Lutes (Berlin) will be joined by additional comic artists. In conjunction with CBC Graphic Novel Committee.  

12:00–1:00 Feminist Comics That Rock—Let’s celebrate the diversity of strong female characters, authors, and publishers in contemporary kids’ comics! Panelists include: Raina Telgemeier (Guts), Peggy Burns (publisher, Drawn & Quarterly), Claudia Aguirre (Morning in America). Moderated by Candice Mack (Eisner Awards Jury, Los Angeles Public Library). In conjunction with CBC Graphic Novel Committee.

1:00–2:00 LGBTQ+ YA Graphic Novels—Panelists Rosemary Valero-Connell (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me), Sarah Graley (Kim Reaper), Claudia Aguirre (Morning in America) and Lilah Sturges (Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass) will host a discussion of LGBTQ+ in Young Adult Graphic Novels. They’ll discuss everything from developing authentic visual stories to comics as a safe space for all identities. In conjunction with CBC Graphic Novel Committee.  

2:00 – 3:00 Kids and YA Graphic Novel Publishing: Behind the Scenes - Publishers are often referred to as the 'gatekeepers' of the book industry. But what goes on behind the scenes at a publishing house -- how are the decisions made to publish, edit, design, market, and sell a graphic novel? What drives different publishers to produce the unique kind of work they do? This panel addresses these questions with the CBC Graphic Novel Committee member publishers. Panelists include: Tracy Hurren (Drawn & Quarterly), Mark Siegel (First Second), Maya Bradford (Abrams ComicArts), Andrew Arnold (HarperCollins). Moderated by Carla Riemer (Librarian, Claremont Middle School).

3:00–4:00 Science and History in Comics—Combining text and image can make complex or abstract subject matter more appealing, winning over even the most reluctant reader. Learn how graphic novels can be used to supplement lessons in STEM and history and bring awareness to underrepresented and marginalized perspectives. Panelists Jim Ottaviani (Hawking) and M. K. Reed (Science Comics: Wild Weather) will be joined by additional comic artists working in nonfiction. In conjunction with CBC Graphic Novel Committee.  

4:00–5:00 DC: Middle Grade and YA Graphic Novels—Kami Garcia, Gabriel Picolo, Danielle Paige and more NY Times bestselling and critically acclaimed authors and artists discuss their exciting new young adult and middle grade graphic novels for DC. Topics of discussion will include writing graphic novels for diverse readers, writing DC characters and stories for a new generation, the cultural impact of their stories, and how graphic novels can be used as a medium for engaging young readers.

5:00–6:00 Teaching with Manga: When Classic Literature Meets Manga—Manga is popular among the new generation of readers, and it can be a powerful tool in your classroom! Teachers from around the country will discuss how they approach using manga and graphic novels versus the original texts and the powerful results they bring to the classroom setting. Panelists include; Jessica Johnson, Claudia McGivney, Ryne Steinacker, Kaitlyn Roach, and Brook Wylde. Moderated by John Shableski (Manga Classics).

6:00–7:00 Boy Robo to the Rescue: Comics That Entertain and Educate—Kevin O’Donnell (senior producer, Age of Learning), Rob Corley (senior art director, Age of Learning), Jim Praytor and Robert Zappia (senior writers, Age of Learning), Art Munoz (senior production artist, Age of Learning), Catherine Manabat (writer, Age of Learning), and Kellie Woodson (director of math/sci curriculum, Age of Learning) discuss the triumphs and challenges of creating high quality comics that both entertain and educate for a new digital learning platform, Adventure Academy. Session will be followed by a Q&A and will be moderated by Anastasia Betts, (vice president of curriculum planning and design, Age of Learning).  

This program kicks off our 4th annual Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians (CCEL). 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 17 - 21 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