Youth Forum

What do you get when you throw a  bunch of young people together in a museum, with old shoes, a cartoonist and prejudiced ideas about fashion?

The answer is 'Making It', an innovative comic book that turns 12 young people from Northampton Youth Forum into cartoon book characters who go through adventures on a journey of discovery to learn about themselves, other people, the fashion industry (both local and global) and how people shouldn't be judged just because of what they wear.

So what happened next?

The discussions with cartoonist Simon Grennan in August 2006 shaped the story. Next, the Youth Forum modelled for their 'roles' in the book. They gave feedback on the draft Simon created, gave press interviews and have worked with Northampton Museum and Simon to organise a launch event for the finished book.

During spring 2007 Northampton Museum developed a teaching information pack to help youth leaders, librarians and teachers make use of the comic book across the curriculum for all ages and from subjects as varied as citizenship to history, French and art. In July 2007 Youth Forum members worked with some Year 8 students from Unity College to find out what they think of the book and how they feel it can best be marketed to young people:

• the students from Unity College described the book as
  "realistic, provocative and stimulating"
• "best bits" students identified included "the dramatic burger costs", "men in heels" and the way the book explored stereotyping between young people of so-called "goths and chavs" and prejudice between older and younger people.

Then the book was launched at a special event at the Guildhall, Northampton. Youth Forum members led the event, introducing the Mayor, Simon and Debra from the Museum.

In July 2007 the comic book won a 1st place Renaissance Heritage Award for inspiration! In November 2007 the comic book was featured in the BBC's reading and writing campaign as a great way to help people of all ages to learn!

How do I find out more and get a copy of the book?

Please contact Debra Cox at Northampton Museum tel: 01604 838111 or email: museums@northampton.gov.uk                      

You can find out more about the work done by cartoonists Grennan and Sperandio on-line including:

• Kartoon Kings
• biographical information 

Last reviewed: 10/04/2009