An essential book for explaining clearly the richness of visual literacy, how many layers of meaning can be packed into the magical combination of words and pictures.

Marissa Moss, award-winning author of Nurse, Soldier, Spy and Author and illustrator of the Amelia's Notebook series

I don’t know anyone who has spent more time thinking critically about the place of the graphic novel in the classroom than Bill Boerman-Cornell. This book tackles not only the question of how to incorporate graphic novels in the classroom, but also the more fascinating question of why the medium is so powerful. This is the first book that should be picked up by any teacher thinking of building a curriculum that includes graphic novels.

Ben Hatke, graphic novelist and creator of Zita the Space Girl, Mighty Jack, and Little Robot

The authors ask an important question, Can graphic novels change the world? And then they show us how, in fact, they can. The chapters in this book highlight the value of this format in guiding students’ reading, writing, and thinking. They clearly and expertly discuss the ways in which graphic novels can be used to teach a wide range of skills and strategies that students need, both inside and outside the classroom. Yes, graphic novels can save the world when they are used in the ways that this team recommends.

Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey, Literacy Researchers, San Diego State University