12: To Teach: The Journey, In Comics, by William Ayers and Ryan Alexander-Tanner (2010 paperback)

This memoir-style graphic novel offers a nice combination of teaching anecdote and theory, throughout which Ayers shares a humorous view of the challenges involved with high-stakes testing, administrative oversight, and class management. Ayers, now a professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, tells his early experiences as a kindergarten teacher, as well as drawing on the stories of colleagues in the teaching profession.  With the assistance of comic artist and art teacher Alexander-Tanner, he thoughtfully explores the tension that exists between good classroom teaching and following administrative mandates, he advocates for children and allowing them to learn at their own pace, and he reminds educators to maintain their humor in the face of absurd legislation and current fads.  While the message tilts a little close to the inspirational-movie-teacher-who sacrifices-all-to-serve-the-children theme at times, Ayers manages to stay this side of realistic.  Experienced teachers will recognize themselves, their colleagues, and their administration in these pages, and new teachers will gain valuable practical and philosophical advice.  For those working outside of the teaching world, the book may also provide insight into the day-to-day realities of the profession.