Kids Comics Pitchfest 2023 Showcase
Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents. A panel of judges (click here to see the juror list) select the top pitches. Projects are archived here so that industry pros may view them and discover new talent.
So Much Potential
School has never been easy for 11-year-old budding artist Daisy, who is adjusting to her mom’s recent marriage and new baby brother. With all the extra homework in 6th grade, she can’t keep up! Or maybe she would just rather retreat into her fantasy world or draw pictures. Nearing the end of the year, her teacher, parents, and even her friends are frustrated with Daisy - and she won’t pass her English class until she turns in her illustrated short story project.
"So Much Potential" is about Daisy’s struggles with undiagnosed ADHD and how it affects her schoolwork and relationships. It is about overcoming obstacles, learning to empathize with others, and self-actualization.
Age Range:
Middle GradeGenre:
Fiction, Neurodiversity Content, Own Voices, Realistic Fiction/Slice of Life, Social-EmotionalPage Count Estimate:
250
My Why:
As a child, I struggled with all the same things that Daisy does. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, girls were not often diagnosed with ADHD or autism. It wasn’t until my oldest son was diagnosed with both many years later that my own childhood struggles began to make sense to me. "So Much Potential" is inspired by my experiences in 6th grade as a misunderstood daydreamer. I hope this story speaks to kids who struggle to initiate and complete tasks and makes them feel empowered to advocate for themselves.
Deborah Tyson
My name is Deborah Tyson. I am a freelance illustrator typically working with small businesses and authors. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, three school-aged sons, and a dog. I love that I can create stories through comics and use them to connect to all kinds of people to hopefully help them feel a little less alone.