On May 2, more than 2000 specialty comic book stores around the country will give away two million comics to young readers to mark Free Comic Book Day, a festive early kick-off to Children’s Book Week (May 4-10, 2015), the annual celebration of books and the joy of reading. Diamond Comic Distributors and Comic Book Legal Defense Fund are partnering with the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader in this effort to create a greater awareness of what comics can offer to kids.
According to a statement from Nicole Deming, interim director of the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader, “Comics and graphic novels are incredible tools for fostering a love of reading in children, and transmit valuable literacy skills to readers of all levels.”
Roughly two dozen comics from a variety of publishers will be part of the Free Comic Book Day promotion; in addition to the giveaway, some participating stores will be hosting events, signings, and workshops for kids on May 2. A full list of titles and publishers, and a tool for locating participating stores, can be found here.
Author Jennifer L. Holm, three-time Newbery Honoree and CBLDF board member, shared her enthusiasm for this opportunity to shine the spotlight on comics via a statement: “When I was a child, my love of reading started with comic books,” she said. “Today, as a comics creator myself, and as a mom, I’m excited by how much extraordinary storytelling is happening for young people in comics.”
