This excerpt from the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s new graphic novel opens on the 606, a new elevated park running through the city. The novel’s teen protagonist Natalie has just learned that her family is being evicted from their apartment in one of the gentrifying neighborhoods surrounding the park.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation published No Small Plans as the centerpiece of its three-year, citywide, civic education initiative, “Meet Your City,” in partnership with Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Public Library, and with support from the American Planning Association. Beginning in September 2017, CAF will give the novel to 30,000 Chicago teens over the next three years and partner with Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Public Library to conduct design workshops with students about what makes a good neighborhood. Copies of No Small Plans are available online here or at the CAF Store (224 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago).