Is this anyone’s first comic book? A great time to go over the idea of panels, thought bubbles, what we expect a comic to be about. Set the stage with context for the readers. What is important is finding what the student connects with and developing that, as getting to the end of the book should be (and is) a pleasure, not a chore. I’ve also tried to outline the themes in a way that children who don’t respond to traditional methods can still engage with the content of the book. Study Guide will break down the story into three parts, as well as cover art and the creation of the comic each part will have ideas and questions that can be used for short- or long-answer written responses from students, classroom discussions, and some activities.

In Real Life stands out to me as a book to read right now, however, in part because the story involves how spending money on virtual products contributes to real living conditions elsewhere on the globe, and in part because the lesson the story’s heroine learns is how empowering it is for everyone to listen.

A teenager and an online video game intersect at the concept of workers’ rights? This to me is an evergreen subject. “Characters come to life through Wang's fluid forms and emotive faces, and her adroit shift in colors as the story moves between the physical and gaming worlds is subtle and effective.IRL is punk. Thought-provoking, as always from Doctorow.” - Kirkus Reviews Through Wong's captivating illustrations and Doctorow's heady prose, readers are left with a story that's both wholly satisfying as a work of fiction and serious food for thought about the real-life ramifications of playing in an intangible world. “Online gaming and real life collide when a teen discovers the hidden economies and injustices that hide among seemingly innocent pixels.

The subject matter will have a built-in audience, and the appealing artwork will move this off the shelves.” - School Library Journal “The illustrations of the game are vibrant and dynamic. “The combination of girls-only gaming gorgeous, stylized artwork and a meaningful, sophisticated message about online gaming makes this a surefire hit for readers everywhere, especially girls.” - Booklist, STARRED REVIEW An educational introduction offers further insight into gaming and the economies and political implications behind them.” - BCCB “A lovely graphic novel for gamer girls of all ages.” -Felicia Day, star and creator of The Guild

In Real Life by Cory Doctorow