Graphic Novels for Jr. High Kids (Chicago Park District)
Graphic Novel Workshop at Holstein Park Day Camp (Older)
Date: July 22-23, 2025
Venue/City: Chicago
Audience: Grades 6+
This two-day creative intensive invited middle school campers (grades 6 and up) to take full ownership of their storytelling process—exploring graphic novels as a powerful medium for both personal expression and narrative complexity. Guided by our founder and children’s author Rebecca Wu, students engaged with themes of coming of age, resilience, and overcoming obstacles through original, visually rich stories.
Unlike their younger peers, these campers selected or designed their own page layouts, many opting for entirely blank templates that allowed for maximum creative control. The results were diverse and dynamic: from non-fiction how-to guides and biographies of athletes who never gave up, to multi-layered fictional tales with parallel plotlines, rich character arcs, and world-building details that rival professional comics.
Campers explored how visuals and text can work together to deliver emotional depth, action, humor, and hope—often using symbolism and metaphor to convey more than words alone could express.
A camper reflected, “I can’t wait to tell this story to my friends at school. We can work on Part Two!!”—a clear sign that the storytelling didn’t end with the final page.
Key Highlights:
Complex, self-directed story development across multiple genres
Emphasis on layout design, pacing, and multi-arc storytelling
Graphic novels exploring personal growth, perseverance, identity, and triumph
Strong independent and peer collaboration, with students supporting one another through brainstorming and feedback
This workshop empowered older youth to tell stories that were bold, honest, and deeply imaginative—reminding us that graphic novels are not just art—they’re a lens through which young people can process the world, reflect on their experiences, and share their truths.
Storywriting and making books have long been an activity that helps young people gain agency over difficult life experiences and bring their own narrative to the forefront. This is especially true for youth who find it hard to verbalize what might be going on inside. If you want to bring a Young Authors program to your school, organization, or community, email us and we will be glad to work with you!