The too-kind John Hogan wrote the following in the most-recent Graphic Novel Reporter Newsletter:
...one of our most regular contributors, Dr. Katie Monnin, took some time out to talk with James Bucky Carter and Erik Evensen, the creators behind Super-Powered Word Study. Their book examines how graphic novels can be used to develop word power in young learners and reluctant readers.
I first met Bucky back in 2008 at a comics-related conference at Fordham University. He made a presentation to a roomful of teachers and librarians that showed a page from Chris Claremont’s run on Uncanny X-Men. The page was largely made up of text, which is much different from the way comics look today. In fact, I remember how long it took me to read an average comic book when I was a kid back in the ’80s…it was quite a long time compared to today. Truthfully, I miss how verbose comics used to be. Yes, they are illustrated, and that is what makes them special. But the word “book” is in their name as well, and I’d love to see that word emphasized more. If it were, imagine how much more respect comics and graphic novels would convey in our culture.
All this is not to put words in Bucky’s mouth, though. He makes a very good case for all the works that do promote great reading skills today (and I love that he mentions Claremont’s Uncanny X-Men in his GNR interview). Ever since GraphicNovelReporter.com launches, Bucky has been a very good friend to us, and his work promoting the format as a powerful educational tool is among the best in the industry. Teaming up with Erik Evensen to do this book was a great move, so check out what they have to say about it here.
Thanks, John and everyone at GNR! You all are class acts, and I'm happy to know you and to see the site being such a success. I love being associated with people doing such great comics-and-literacy-related work!
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