Jason Douglas on Jane American: Family History, Courage, and a Ringo Award-Winning Graphic Novel
About this episode
Annisha Jeffries interviews Jason Douglas about his graphic novel 'Jane American', exploring themes of family history and resilience.
What happens when a family story becomes an award-winning graphic novel? In this episode of Reading in the Middle , host Annisha Jeffries talks with Ringo Award-winning author and educator Jason Douglas about Jane American , a powerful coming-of-age graphic novel inspired by his grandmother's life in Southeast Michigan during and after World War II. Together they discuss family history, identity, belonging, resilience, and why the struggles young people face today aren't so different from those faced generations ago. Jason also shares how 26 years as a public-school teacher shaped his storytelling and why graphic novels can be such powerful tools for literacy and learning. Perfect for middle-grade readers, educators, librarians, graphic novel fans, and anyone who has ever wondered about the stories hidden within their own family tree. READING IN THE MIDDLE Show Notes 📚 About Jane American Set in historic Southeast Michigan during the aftermath of World War II, Jane American follows Betty Jane Johnson as she navigates family, loss, friendship, identity, and the difficult choices that shape who she becomes. Inspired by the life of Jason Douglas's grandmother, Jane American…
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