At SHP Comics, we believe graphic novels can inspire curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. To help educators, librarians, homeschool families, and book clubs get the most from our books, we have developed a growing collection of free educational resources, discussion guides, and hands-on activities.

Our classroom and library guides are designed to encourage meaningful conversations while connecting literature to history, art, culture, and media literacy. Whether you're exploring the counterculture movement of the 1960s, discussing themes of family and imagination, or helping young artists develop their own creative voices, these resources provide engaging ways to extend learning beyond the page.

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King Teaching Guide

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an all-ages graphic novel that blends the visual energy of manga with the heart of classic Western adventure stories. The teaching guide explores themes of imagination, family, courage, responsibility, friendship, and personal growth through reading comprehension questions, discussion prompts, creative activities, and extension exercises. It is ideal for classrooms, libraries, homeschool programs, and book clubs serving middle-grade readers.

Woodstake Classroom & Library Guide

Set against the backdrop of the legendary Woodstock music festival, Woodstake combines supernatural horror with historical fiction to explore themes of freedom, war, social change, fear, and generational conflict. The accompanying teaching guide includes discussion questions, historical context, creative writing prompts, and enrichment activities that encourage readers to examine the cultural impact of Woodstock, the Vietnam War, the Counterculture movement, and the ways horror stories can reflect real-world social issues.

Manga Me! Interactive Drawing Workshop

Manga Me! is a hands-on creative program designed for libraries, schools, and community organizations. Led by artist and educator Jack Purcell, participants learn how to draw themselves in two different styles: as they appear in the real world and as manga-inspired characters. Along the way, students explore character design, visual storytelling, self-expression, and the artistic techniques that make manga such a popular global art form. Inspired by the themes of imagination and identity found in Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King, Manga Me! encourages young creators to see themselves as heroes in their own stories.

We invite educators and librarians to download these free resources, incorporate them into their programs, and contact us to learn more about author visits, workshops, and educational opportunities.