THE BACKPACK UNIVERSE
Parents & Educators
A guide for parents, teachers and librarians to The Space Between, an original superhero graphic novel for tweens, teens and families from Backpack Comics.
Original heroes young readers can see themselves in
Backpack Comics is an independent comics company building an original superhero universe for tweens, teens, families and new comic readers. Our stories center heroes, family, responsibility, mystery and imagination, and they begin with The Space Between, a 96-page original graphic novel.
WHAT THE STORY IS ABOUT
Twelve-year-old twins Protan and Neutrina were born with abilities that set them apart. After their scientist father disappears, they grow up through family instability and orphanages, cared for by their longtime nanny. When their powers awaken, they discover that the protector who has been watching over them all along is their father. The twins have always looked out for children who were lost, abandoned or forgotten, and with their powers, that instinct becomes a mission.
THEMES FOR DISCUSSION
- Family and belonging: what it means to protect the people you love, even when you can’t be seen.
- Being different: Protan chooses to see what makes him different as what lets him make a difference.
- Responsibility: how new abilities come with choices and consequences.
- Looking out for others: the twins’ mission to protect kids who have been overlooked.
FOR PARENTS
The Space Between includes superhero action, peril and a science-experiment storyline involving young characters. As with any book, we encourage parents to explore the story overview and characters first to decide what’s right for their reader. The Backpack Comics Coloring Book is an easy way for younger fans to enjoy the characters.
FOR TEACHERS & LIBRARIANS
Graphic novels are a great entry point for reluctant and developing readers. If you’d like to bring The Space Between to your classroom, library or reading program, or ask about school orders, author visits or educator resources, please contact us and tell us about your school or program.
START HERE
READ THE STORY
Meet Parents & Educators in The Space Between, the 96-page graphic novel that begins the Backpack Universe.