Time & Location
Jul 18, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT – Jul 29, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT
Virtual
About the Event
This project will offer a four-part virtual professional development series for K–12 teachers on using graphic literature to teach World War II in East Asia. Led by Mr. Duane Johansen, veteran educator and East Asian studies specialist, the program will explore graphic narratives from China, Japan, and Korea. Mr. Johansen will provide historical and cultural context, guide discussions on visual storytelling, and help teachers develop classroom strategies and resources.
July 18: Nanjing: The Burning City (3-4pm EST)
Ethan Young’s graphic narrative depicts the 1937 Nanjing Massacre through the experiences of two Chinese soldiers. Participants will explore how graphic literature conveys trauma and historical memory.
July 22: Barefoot Gen (7-8pm EST)
Keiji Nakazawa’s Barefoot Gen draws on his experience surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. This session will examine how autobiographical graphic storytelling portrays war, loss, and survival.
July 25: Grass (3-4pm EST)