https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me: A Graphic Memoir by Ellen Forney en-us 2021-10-25 23:03:52 UTC 2024-05-07 14:32:51 UTC hello@padlet.com mattheworlander https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843229136 Social Justice Topic: Disability and Mental Health

Grade Level: 9-12

Synopsis: This graphic novel depicts multiple years in the life of cartoonist Ellen Forney, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder just before turning thirteen years old. She tries to make sense of her condition, while finding connections to famous artists who also dealt with mental health disorders, such as Vincent van Gogh.  Through living with her condition, she learns to embrace her identity and that she does not necessarily need to be "cured" of bipolar disorder, as her condition makes her the creative artist she is. ]]> 2021-10-25 23:40:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843229136 mattheworlander https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843285485 This Ted Talk discusses the discrimination and inequality that people with disabilities face on a regular basis in the education system. The speaker, Jan Wilson, calls for educators to provide the proper resources and equity that people with disabilities deserve. This video could serve as an ideal introduction to the theme of disability, as students can discover that people with disabilities are looked down upon in society and countless educators do not put in the extra effort to properly support individuals with disabilities. ]]> 2021-10-26 00:14:41 UTC https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843285485 mattheworlander https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843296131 The article suggests that Van Gogh's mental health struggles inspired his art to hold "truth" and played a role in him becoming a distinguished artist. Similar to Van Gogh, Ellen also found her identity as an artist through her bipolar disorder. Students can learn from this article that a disability is not necessarily always an obstacle, but a sense of identity for certain people. ]]> 2021-10-26 00:20:01 UTC https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843296131 mattheworlander https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843362493 The hit song "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten references hardships that people with disabilities face and the might of perseverance. Students can conduct a textual analysis of the song lyrics to understand how people with disabilities overcome the barriers of their conditions. Ellen Forney struggles with mental health in the graphic novel but manages to persevere, just as Rachel Platten's song calls for optimism and strength when faced with challenges. ]]> 2021-10-26 00:47:18 UTC https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843362493 mattheworlander https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843396280 This article explains the different elements of a graphic novel that a reader should be aware of, along with informational videos. Students can benefit from reading this article, as they will be prepared on how to read Ellen Forney's graphic novel and how a graphic novel differs from a traditional novel. The videos give examples of how readers examine the unique elements of a graphic novel (e.g. color, background, etc.) to make meaning of the story. ]]> 2021-10-26 01:00:14 UTC https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843396280 mattheworlander https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843460212 This picture book discusses a young girl's perception of her brother Charlie with autism and that she does not necessarily see him with a disability but as unique. She explains that people with disabilities can still accomplish many of the same things that people without disabilities can do, but in a different way. Students can examine this story to discover how people can have a positive outlook on disabilities, just as Ellen Forney develops one in her memoir. While this text is a picture book, the story can still change the perspective of adolescent students to view disabilities as "different abilities."]]> 2021-10-26 01:25:37 UTC https://padlet.com/mattheworlander/baebz9a23h194f4q/wish/1843460212