High school pupils inspire graphic novel exploring freedom after World War II
Published 02 June 2026
Pupils from three local schools have collaborated with a comic author to create a graphic novel marking 80 years since the end of World War II.
The book, which explores ideas and perspectives of what freedom means to them today, is part of the nationwide programme Our Freedom: Then and Now.
Young people from Vale of Leven Academy, Our Lady & St Patrick’s High School, and Dumbarton Academy worked alongside the Council’s Libraries and Arts & Heritage teams, as well as author and community storyteller Paul Bristow to create Our Freedom: Then and Now – Stories from Alexandria, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven.
The book, which follows a graphic novel created by Clydebank pupils earlier this year, was launched at a special event at Alexandria Library with councillors, and pupils from the three High Schools present to celebrate.
Convenor of Corporate Services, Councillor William Rooney, said: “This second graphic novel builds on the success of the first and provides a profound insight into how our young people understand what freedom means to them. As I worked my way through the pages, I was really impressed by the creativity and depth of thought shown by the pupils, and I highly recommend visiting your local library to discover what freedom means to our young people."
Vice-Convenor of Corporate Services, Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, added: “The level of commitment shown by everyone involved has been outstanding, this project has brought together something memorable that everyone involved can take pride in.”
Our Freedom: Then and Now –Stories from Alexandria, Dumbarton and Vale of Leven is now available at all West Dunbartonshire libraries.
The Council’s Libraries and Arts & Heritage teams were awarded £15,000 to participate in the Our Freedom: Then and Now campaign, a national programme community events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.