Why do graphic novels–combining visual art, lettering, and narrative writing–resonate with teenagers in middle school and high school? From Heartstopper, which connects readers with the tenderness and vulnerability of first love and self-discovery, to Persepolis, which uses stark black-and-white illustrations to explore growing up amid political upheaval and cultural change–this unique modality of storytelling reminds teens that their inner questions, fears, relationships, and identities are worthy of introspection. These areas of focus make graphic novels not only more accessible for analysis, but also wonderful fodder for a creative project: writing a graphic novel of one’s own.
Students additionally learn persistence and focus, and end up with a product they can show others (and not just their teachers).
Here, we’ll explore resources for incorporating a graphic novel project into the classroom. Starting with The Lettering Series from Blackwing Foundation, this project strengthens handwriting, fine motor skills, and cognitive development, making graphic storytelling an engaging and valuable approach for middle and high school classrooms.
Pathways to Creativity by Blackwing Foundation is a free arts education program that empowers educators with ready-to-use lessons, vetted video instruction, and collaborative creative experiences, ensuring every child can access high quality arts and music learning regardless of resources.
The Lettering Series is a great place to start as it provides a scaffold to prepare students for graphic novel creation. Specifically, it:
Built for classroom use across grade levels, the series includes ready-to-use lessons, slide decks, printables, step-by-step video guides, quizlets, and more.
Looking to incorporate art and writing into your classroom for an end-of-year unit, summer class, or afterschool program? Here’s a potential sequence of activities with resources:
Educators: check out this chance to win a class pack of premium pencils from Blackwing!
Looking for more art and creativity lessons to incorporate into your classroom? Pathways to Creativity by Blackwing Foundation offers a growing library of series spanning art, lettering, poetry, architecture, and more. Choose a lesson or series and bring it into your classroom! To enter, follow both Write the World and Blackwing Foundation on social media. Open until September 30, 2026. For educators only.
How to Enter:
Follow @BlackwingFoundation and @Write_the_World on Instagram.
Giveaway Details: Open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. Entries will be accepted starting on June 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM (EDT) and ending on September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM (EDT) or while supplies last. Complete the entry form by providing your name, email address, how you heard about us (Write the World), school/district name, number of students you teach and numbers of years you've been teaching. Limit one entry per person. No purchase required to enter. The number of winners will vary based on how long supplies last and the number of entries who meet the criteria. By entering, participants agree to abide by these official rules and the decisions of the sponsor, which are final. The sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the giveaway if necessary.