Written by Denise Gary
Photographs ©Tina Worley (Last photograph ©Denise Gary)
Do you know a kid who is not interested in reading? Chances are, if you hand them a comic book, they will read it without any prompting. Comic books are magical tools when it comes to reluctant readers. Not only that, they are an inspiration to young, budding artists and writers.
Every year in early May, comic book stores across the nation go all out for kids during Free Comic Book Day. Children who visit their local, participating comic shop receive a free, age-appropriate comic book. It is an innovative way to keep the spirit of comic book artistry alive for future generations and to encourage kids to read, write and draw.
Kids Need to Read (KNTR) teamed up with SpazDog Comics owner Shawn Demumbrum and illustrator Derreck West to bring Free Comic Book Day directly to the kids of Children First Academy (CFA), the nation’s largest school for homeless children, knowing that most of their students would most likely not have the opportunity to visit a comic shop. Armed with free comic books and Highlights for Children magazines for every child, Shawn, Derreck and KNTR director Denise Gary put on a fun and educational program at both campuses. It was all part of KNTR’s ongoing commitment to bring the joy and hope of literacy to the students of CFA.
CFA-Tempe PE Teacher Sandy Burkhardt, Illustrator Derreck West, CFA-Tempe Site Administrator Diane
Fernichio, KNTR Executive Director Denise Gary, KNTR Secretary Sherrie Miller,
and SpazDog Comics Owner Shawn Demumbrum
The first stop was CFA-Tempe, where in addition to the comic book program, KNTR donated fifty-two new books to the school’s library. After introductions by Site Administrator Diane Fernichio, Denise talked to the kids about the “Superpower of Reading.”
Shawn spoke to the students about superheroes and careers in the comic book industry, pulling from his personal knowledge and experiences. As Shawn spoke, Derreck illustrated, keeping the kids entertained with his swift drawing and cheerful personality.
At the end of the two Tempe presentations, all of the program presenters were given thoughtful, hand-made thank you posters. The kids all got to choose comics they found personally appealing, thanks to SpazDog Comic’s donation of carefully selected comic books. In addition, KNTR gave each student a Highlights for Children magazine, made possible by the generosity of the Highlights for Children corporation.
In the afternoon, the kids of CFA-Phoenix campus were treated to the Free Comic Book Day presentation. Denise filled the role of human easel while Derrick illustrated. Student requests for drawings were taken. The obvious crowd favorite was not a rendering of a traditional superhero; rather it was a hilarious illustration of Shawn, which elicited a lot of laughter from both kids and adults alike. The lucky student requesting the drawing of Superhero Shawn got to keep the treasured drawing.
It was a pleasure to witness the kids’ eagerness to read the comics and magazines.
As the kids were leaving for the day, a friendly student approached Denise, enthusiastically exclaiming, “Those comics are so COOL!” This is what the mission of Kids Need to Read is all about – building a joy for reading that will bring success and fulfillment to every child’s life.
Jarret Sharp, principal at CFA-Phoenix sent KNTR the following message regarding the impact of the Free Comic Book Day presentation at his campus:
Recently, Kids Need to Read sponsored an event for Children First Academy – Phoenix, a public charter school serving grades K-6 with over 80% of their students homeless.
Local comic book store owner/illustrators came to the student body with vivid examples of exceptionally stimulating reading materials. Students were inspired, not only by the opportunity to read popular material, but by local talent and the quality of the materials that were donated.
Exposure to this quality of material by these professionals is restricted by a lack of personal resources. Our students often aren’t aware that movies are inspired by artistic professionals, editors, authors and creative minds. This opportunity has had a profound impact on their perspective.
This is KNTR’s second visit to CFA – Phoenix, and the student body looks forward to seeing them again!
Kids Need to Read thanks Jarret and Diane for welcoming us into their schools and allowing us the opportunity to support their own commitment to lead every child toward success.
KNTR members Sherrie Miller, Denise Gary and Tina Worley put children first!
