Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

"No matter the obstacle, Joe found a way to draw. When his family couldn't afford art paper, he made do with wrapping paper from the butcher or the back of discarded wallpaper. In winter, because the Shuster's apartment had no heat, he drew while bundled in several sweaters, one or two coats- even gloves."

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman 

Written by Marc Tyler Nobleman

Illustrated by Ross MacDonald

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2008

Biography, Inspiring, Overcoming obstacles, Special interest, Friendship  

 Awards:

• NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2009, Biography

Summary:  

Boys of Steel is the story of Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster, the writer and creator of Superman! The story chronicles their "underdog" tale from being two high school boys in the Great Depression to two creators of the greatest superhero of all time: superman. The story is followed by an appendix entitled "The Greatest Superhero of All Time" which goes into the legal issues that the creators faced with DC Comics, when they were not given any credit for their creations (which was eventually resolved).

Reading Level: Lexile Framework 760L, Grade 4.6

Suggested Delivery: Read aloud, independent research

Description: Biography

Key Vocabulary: "pulp" magazine, rousing, mousy, syndicate, serials, debuted

Teaching Suggestions:

1. In the book, the author points out that heroes were really needed during the Great Depression, and WWII. Students could do research projects on other WWII "heroes", such as other comic book heroes, actresses, actors, and comedians. 
2. Students could relate the phenomenon of Superman during the Great Depression to our obsession with Iron Man and the Avengers today. Why do students think this is? What are our superheroes fighting today? Discuss.
3. Who do students find to be an "superhero" in their own lives? Students could write thiank you notes to "every day superheroes."

Comprehension Strategies

Pre-Reading- Before reading, students should be given time to brainstorm the qualities of a superhero (for example, alter ego, strength, etc.). Do students notice any patterns in the qualities of a superhero? The teacher can then introduce the book, saying that these are the men who created that "archetype."

During Reading- As they read, students should be debriefed about the underlying message of the story, the fact that the boys came from meager upbringings and yet by working hard, they achieved their dreams. Students can really find meaning in a message like this. Some places where a teacher could pause to discuss this idea are on pp. 4 (where Jerry's father is murdered) and 9 (Joe's house had no heat).

Post-Reading- After reading, students could present their own superhero concepts, just as Jerry and Joe did. Using their notes from the writing activity (see below), students could work in groups or as individuals to make the cover of a comic book, write down adjectives that their character personifies, and describe an overall plot.

Writing Activity: There is a section of the book in which Jerry is depicted as brainstorming Superman, scribbling down the details that would pop into his head while in bed, details that eventually turned into the concept of Superman. Students should be given the opportunity to devise their own concept. Have students brainstorm like Jerry did. After jotting down notes, students should be invited to create their own comic book hero, whether in groups or as individuals.

Electronic Resources:

Marvel Comic Book Creator
 Marvel Comics has created a comic strip/book creator that students could use to make their own comic book- one that could be up to 22 pages! This interactive works a lot like I imagine adobe Photoshop Jr, would work, with students able to add Marvel characters to varying pages with all the "pow" and "booms" they like. Writer Andrew Kardon wrote a great review on the interactive for the blog, GeekDad, if you would like more information.

How Comic Books Can Change the Way Our Student's See Literature: One Teacher's Perspective

This article, written by Rocco Versaci, shows one teacher's perspective about how comic books can revolutionize some student's outlook on literacy, improving their skills and interest in school.

Nobleman, M. T., & MacDonald, R. (2008). Boys of steel: the creators of Superman. New York: A.A. Knopf.