In a world where mainstream media often ignores or underrepresents the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities, Jason Walz is breaking new ground. As an Eisner Award-winning graphic novelist, Walz creates stories that not only center but also uplift the voices and lived experiences of those who are too often left out of the narrative. His work reminds us that every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of a story.
Walz’s journey as a storyteller began in Kentucky, where he grew up as an indoor kid who struggled with reading. Comics became his gateway to literacy, teaching him to love stories and eventually inspiring him to create his own. But his path hasn’t been without challenges. Walz has faced anxiety, OCD, and panic attacks—experiences that inform his deeply empathetic and authentic characters. “Every book I’ve written,” Walz shares, “reflects my own journey in some way.”
His upcoming graphic novel, The Flip Side, exemplifies this mission. Set to release on April 22, the story takes place in a world turned upside down—literally. Theo, a teen boy, reeling from the loss of his best friend to cancer, must navigate a world without gravity, haunted by a mysterious monster. Alongside him is Emma, another teen who navigates both the physical and emotional challenges of her disabilities while playing a pivotal role in the story. Together, they find strength and resilience in each other. This partnership is a powerful metaphor for the ways communities can come together to navigate life’s challenges, particularly for those living with disabilities.
Walz’s stories are an invitation to reimagine who gets to be the hero. His works often feature neurodivergent characters at the forefront, such as in his trilogy Last Pick where aliens evacuate Earth. Wyatt, the main character, is the leader of the “last picked”―the disabled, the elderly, and those deemed too young to be useful for hard labor by their alien captors. Ultimately, Wyatt shows that everyone has the capacity to change the world. In doing so, he flips traditional narratives on their head, proving that these individuals are not only capable but extraordinary.
What makes Walz’s storytelling so compelling is his ability to weave his own vulnerabilities into his work. After losing his mother to cancer, he channeled his grief into his first graphic novel, earning critical acclaim and several awards. Through this process, Walz has developed a unique voice that resonates with readers of all ages, particularly those who have felt unseen or unheard.
At AmazeWorks, we believe in the power of storytelling to help all children feel seen, heard, and valued. Jason Walz’s work aligns beautifully with our mission to champion equity and belonging. By centering neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities, Walz’s stories affirm that everyone—regardless of their abilities or challenges—deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own narrative.
P.S. AmazeWorks is thrilled to be welcoming heroes Theo and Emma into the wold on Wednesday, April 23. Join us next week for the launch of Jason’s newest book, The Flip Side – and receive a free AmazeWorks lesson on this beautiful graphic novel!
