The comics appreciation project
Resilient Reads
A trauma-informed reading program designed to build resilience, empathy, and critical thinking through the power of graphic novels
More than a book club
Resilient Reads is a comprehensive, trauma-informed graphic novel program designed to help high school students build emotional resilience, empathy, and critical thinking skills through carefully curated literature. Unlike traditional book clubs, this program integrates educational theory with therapeutic practices to create safe spaces where students can explore complex themes—identity, trauma, mental health, social justice—through the accessible medium of graphic novels.
How it works
The program provides educators with everything needed to launch and sustain a successful reading initiative. It begins with access to a complete implementation toolkit featuring dozens of expertly selected graphic novels organized into four thematic collections: Identity, Family, Mental Health, and Social Justice. Each title has been vetted for literary quality, age-appropriateness, and therapeutic value.
Educators choose books based on their students’ needs and interests, then use structured discussion guides to facilitate meaningful conversations. These guides incorporate trauma-informed facilitation techniques aligned with SAMHSA principles, ensuring psychological safety while encouraging authentic engagement. Students aren’t just reading—they’re processing experiences, developing emotional vocabulary, and building connections with peers through shared stories.
"Our organization's founding belief was that stories have the power to comfort, heal, and process life's many challenges. Resilient Reads serves as the pinnacle of our work, demonstrating the profound potential within multimodal storytelling to support adolescent growth and emotional literacy."
Why it matters
Resilient Reads addresses a critical gap in secondary education: the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed literacy instruction that supports both academic growth and social-emotional learning. Schools implementing the program report increased student engagement, improved classroom climate, and enhanced ability to discuss challenging topics constructively.
The program is fully scalable, working equally well as an after-school book club, classroom curriculum supplement, or school-wide literacy initiative. With comprehensive support materials—including budget templates, assessment tools, and professional development resources—educators can launch confidently, knowing they have both theoretical grounding and practical guidance to create transformative learning experiences for their students.
Community Support
The pilot program for Resilient Reads is proudly supported through grant funding from Resilient Northeast Georgia and the Athens Area Community Foundation. The program is facilitated by representatives of the Comics Appreciation Project (CAP) who are specifically trained in trauma-informed pedagogy and practice. This training prepares facilitators to guide sensitive discussions around complex themes while prioritizing the psychological safety, trust, and empowerment for all participants. Through close partnership with school media specialists and counselors, Resilient Reads moves beyond a traditional book club, utilizing a concept known as “biblioguidance” as a powerful bridge between engaging literature and meaningful social-emotional growth.
Approved graphic novel high school selections
Our curated collection showcases titles recognized by some of the most prestigious literary and comic-industry awards, including multiple National Book Awards, Michael L. Printz Honors, Caldecott Honors, and masterful graphic adaptations of Newbery Award winners. The list further highlights industry excellence through Eisner, Harvey, and Ringo Award winners, as well as multiple Alex Awards for books with significant teen appeal. Additionally, these titles include multiple CAP-Stone Award recipients and Excellence in Graphic Literature Award selections. Collectively, these books effectively speak to the modern reader while introducing vital themes of identity, family, mental health, relationships, resilience, and social justice.
- Bá, G., & Moon, F. (2011). Daytripper. Vertigo.
- Backderf, D. (2020). Kent state: Four dead in Ohio. Harry N. Abrams.
- Johnson, D. W. (2023). Do a powerbomb! Image Comics.
- King, T., & Evely, B. (Illustrator). (2022). Supergirl: Woman of tomorrow. DC Comics.
- King, T., & Gerads, M. (Illustrator). (2019). Mister Miracle. DC Comics.
- Krosoczka, J. J. (2018). Hey, kiddo: How I lost my mother, found my father, and dealt with family addiction. Graphix.
- Krosoczka, J. J. (2023). Sunshine: A graphic novel. Graphix.
- Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (Illustrator). (2013). March: Book one. Top Shelf Productions.
- Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (Illustrator). (2015). March: Book two. Top Shelf Productions.
- Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (Illustrator). (2016). March: Book three. Top Shelf Productions.
- Orwell, G., Nesti, F. (Adapter), & Gallo, F. (Illustrator). (2021). 1984: The graphic novel. Mariner Books.
- Reynolds, J., & Novgorodoff, D. (Illustrator). (2022). Long way down: The graphic novel. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books.
- Saade, E. (2024). Just another story: A graphic migration account. Graphic Universe.
- Takei, G., Eisinger, J., Scott, S., & Becker, H. (Illustrator). (2019). They called us enemy. Top Shelf Productions.
- Tamaki, M., & Tamaki, J. (Illustrator). (2014). This one summer. First Second.
- Thompson, C. (2003). Blankets. Top Shelf Productions.
- Thorogood, Z. (2022). It’s lonely at the centre of the earth. Image Comics.
- Tung, D. (2022). Everything is OK. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
- Tynion IV, J., & Dialynas, M. (Illustrator). (2021). Wynd: Volume one: The flight of the prince. BOOM! Studios.
- Walden, T. (2022). Clementine: Book one. Clementine Press.
- Walker, D. F., & Anderson, M. K. (Illustrator). (2024). Big Jim and the white boy: An American classic reimagined. TenSpeed Graphics.