Graphic novels emerged as a sophisticated art and storytelling form with books such as Maus and Fun Home, and are now making their foray into the classroom. 
This is exciting news for those of us committed to reaching the disengaged and disenchanted learner.
Graphic novels have been shown to engage students that are otherwise daunted by plowing through text-heavy books, and anyone who has read The Complete Persepolis know that the graphic approach does not detract from the complexity or beauty of the story. Anything that gets students reading and exposes them to the complexity of the world and ideas is a worthy educational tool, and the new Graphic Textbook, appears promising.
Reading with Pictures has put together an impressive team of educators and artists to develop the Graphic Textbook, which is scheduled to be released in 2013. It is a cool idea and might reach some challenged kids. The Graphic Textbook is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign.