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Comics creators from around the world submit their unpublished projects to be previewed online by editors and agents.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.
Into the Where? Brain Tumor Tsunami
Immediately upon high school graduation, seventeen-year-old Sasha receives a surprise diagnosis of a brain tumor. Waves of hardship relentlessly seem to drown her and her mother as they navigate into their new reality. They face internal challenges distancing them. Will their relationship survive as they struggle to regain Sasha’s path to adulthood, keeping her alive and independent? Though her tumor is benign, they learn that in the brain there’s no room for bad tenants. A tumor grabs space, pushing into precious brain cells. Changes surface and accelerate after treatments, altering Sasha’s thinking, speaking, and movements. Both relearn, adjust, and move forward, losing valued life aspirations and gaining unexpected others.
Age Range:
Young AdultGenre:
Disability Content, Humor, Memoir, Neurodiversity Content, Nonfiction, Own VoicesPage Count Estimate:
250-275
My Why:
Into the Where? Brain Tumor Tsunami, our hybrid graphic novel, a dual perspective memoir will inspire and help others during overwhelming life changing events. Via alternating viewpoints, Sasha (daughter) presents graphic representations of her experiences while receiving treatments and therapies for a traumatic diagnosis. Kate (mother) narrates her perspectives on caregiving, balancing family needs, and taxing decision-making. Each faces altered realities and emotional rides impacting daily life, family, and friends. Though at times feeling isolated, they are determined to succeed. For readers this will be a valuable affirmation; a journey to discover that even if life feels out-of-control, an innovative positive path can be found.
Kathleen Ross
Kate Ross lives in Vermont, a retired speech-language pathologist, early childhood educator, and professor. Her publications include a college text, a chapter in an autism case studies book, and a hi-lo adaptation of Kipling’s The Jungle Book. She also wrote articles for weekly local publications. Kate is a member of SCBWI, completed writing courses and workshops, and has children’s book manuscripts poised for submission. This is their first mother-daughter collaboration.
Sasha Ross Becker
Sasha Ross Becker lives in Brooklyn, NY, working as a graphic designer and volunteering at Adaptive Design Associates where she co-designed a trumpet holder for one-handed use. She advocates for disability rights including creating designs for accessibility. Sasha’s graphic representation of her journey with a brain tumor resided in Senator Bernie Sanders’ Washington DC office for a year developing disability awareness.