You're on track to get doubled donations (and unlock a reward for the colleague who referred you). Keep up the great work!
Take credit for your charitable giving! Check out your tax receipts
To use your $50 gift card credits, find a project to fund and we'll automatically apply your credits at checkout. Find a classroom project
Skip to main content

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

See this teacher's page

This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Jenks from Honolulu, HI is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Jenks is requesting

Empowering: Students Through Graphic Novels in Social Studies

Help me give my students resources to immerse my students in the rich traditions of Hawai'i through culturally authentic books and a vibrant educational poster.

  • 1 donor
  • $789 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. Jenks for her next project!

Help Ms. Jenks

Keep the momentum going! Make a donation to Ms. Jenks for her next project!

My Project

My students are full of heart, creativity, and determination. Many receive special education services and are learning English as a new language. They come from diverse cultural backgrounds, and while they face challenges in reading and writing, they thrive when they see themselves reflected in the stories we read together. When given the right tools, especially those that honor their identities and support their learning needs, they grow with confidence, curiosity, and pride.

This book will give my students the chance to see themselves as heroes in the story of Hawai‘i.

I am requesting a classroom set of the graphic novel Hāmākua Hero: A True Plantation Story, which shares the true story of Katsu Goto, a Japanese immigrant who stood up for the rights of plantation workers on Hawai‘i Island. His story teaches lessons of courage, justice, and speaking out for what is right. For my students, it offers a meaningful connection to local history and helps them feel seen, heard, and valued.

Graphic novels are a powerful learning tool in my classroom. They support students who struggle with traditional reading by combining visual elements with engaging text. These books help my students interpret facial expressions, understand dialogue, and explore deeper meanings through images and layout. More importantly, they allow students to connect emotionally and culturally to the content. When a student sees a story that reflects their family, their language, or their home, learning becomes personal.

With this class set, I will create a unit that blends English Language Arts, Social Studies, and character building. Students will explore important themes like justice and identity while developing their reading skills and sharing their own stories. This project will give them a stronger sense of place and purpose as they reflect on what it means to stand up for others.

Ms. Jenks Governor Sanford Dole Middle School Grades 6-8

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Ms. Jenks

Honolulu, HI View local requests

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

50 students impacted 1donor

Boost your odds

Add a profile photo in addition to your classroom photo. If you add a photo, it'll show up right here on your project page.

You are more likely to receive funding if you put a face to your name.

Upload a photo

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

You donate directly to the teacher or project you care about and see where every dollar you give goes.

Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Jenks is requesting.

See our finances

Where Your Donation Goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total
Mana Legends: Kamehameha (bilingual flipbook) • Bess Press $25.00 10 $250.00
Kohala Kuamo‘o: Nae‘ole’s Race to Save a King (bilingual) • Kamehameha Publishing $16.00 10 $160.00
Hāmākua Hero: A True Plantation Story • Bess Press $16.00 10 $160.00
Ahupua‘a Poster (revised edition) • Kamehameha Publishing $12.95 1 $12.95

Materials cost

$582.95

Vendor shipping charges

$22.73

Sales tax

$25.65

3rd party payment processing fee

$8.74

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$670.07

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$118.25

Total project goal

$788.32

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

$788.32

1 Donor

-$788.32

Donations toward project cost

-$670.07

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$118.25

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

View complete list Show less

Give the most requested basic supplies

See teacher requests

Give back to your community

Find opportunities to impact local needs by exploring a map of classroom projects near you.

See local area

Project Activity

{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"HI","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":3,"name":"Middle School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/empowering-students-through-graphic-nov/9158206/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":50,"teacherScreenName":"Ms. Jenks","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"-434121024","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"schoolCity":"Honolulu","teachersOnPage":[9700690],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":false,"proposalId":9158206,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"authorIds":{"9700690":{"owner":"Ms. Jenks","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[9158206],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9700690_orig.jpg?crop=1440,1440,x0,y0&width=136&height=136&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1738568128014","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":21,"teacherChallengeId":22389140,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":9700690,"schoolCounty":"Honolulu","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":false,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"HI","name":"Hawaii"}}