SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (June 1, 2021) – “The Kayla Chronicles,” is a new eight-issue comic book series created by faculty from the Florida Center for Reading Research and the FSU College of Social Work with support from the National Center on Improving Literacy. The story follows Kayla, a young reader who struggles with reading. “It is important that children see their issues reflected in what they read,” said Associate Professor of Social Work Yaacov Petscher. “This series gives kids of all ages the chance to see real-world situations modeled by characters they could relate to. We don’t shy away from presenting the hardships kids face in school, in friendships, and at home.”
“The Kayla Chronicles” began in 2016 with a publishing cycle of three issues per year. Each one contained a chapter of Kayla’s continuing story and caregiver tips and resources compiled by the interdisciplinary creative team. It has been adapted into a video series featuring the voice talents of Zehra Fazal, whose previous credits include “Big Hero 6: The Series” and “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.” Kayla’s video adventures will premiere nationally this spring on CAMP TV, a special kids’ block of educational content produced by America’s flagship PBS station, The WNET Group. “The Uncanny Chronicles is meeting a real need for children and families. In addition to being innovative, the project also highlights media literacy goals as well,” said Tasha Weinstein, education and engagement manager for WFSU Public Media, a PBS member station. “As a public media station, supporting, creating and sharing literacy is part of our DNA. WFSU recently partnered with FCRR to share this work during the summer through WNET’s CAMP TV program. Not only will children learn about Kayla and her adventures, but they will also have a behind-the-scenes look at animation and the chance to use their imaginations to create their own characters.”
Florida Center for Reading Research
The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) is an interdisciplinary research center at Florida State University. Drawing from multiple disciplines, FCRR investigates all aspects of reading and reading-related skills across the lifespan. Through rigorous and robust research, innovation, and engagement, FCRR advances the science of reading to improve learning and achievement from birth through adulthood.
National Center on Improving Literacy
The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) is a partnership among literacy experts, university researchers, and technical assistance providers, with funding from the United States Department of Education. Its mission is to increase access to, and use of, evidence-based approaches to screen, identify, and teach students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia.
Ventris Learning
Ventris Learning’s linguistically responsive supplemental teaching and assessment resources support teachers to better meet the instructional needs of students underserved in literacy.
Contact:
Robert Meyer
Ventris Learning Publisher
1 (888) 439-6699
