About the Wireman Comics
The Wireman comic series is designed to meet a need for literature that appeals to late, reluctant and non-English speaking readers.
Wireman focuses on the 100 most common words in the English language. It provides minority readers an opportunity to see themselves in the story, encouraging them to read. The language is simple but the story is complex, engaging the intelligence of older readers and creating the desire to read on (by use of an unfolding mystery and “cliffhanger” endings). The “look” of the comic is sophisticated and the art is dynamic and humorous.
The "Wireman" comics are written by Sue Stauffacher, author of many fine books for elementary and middle school readers. To meet Sue and her work, go to Sue’s web page.
The Wireman Comics Copyright 2007 © Sue Stauffacher LLC.
About This Demo
Adding speaking voices to Wireman provides excellent language and literacy support. Students can hear sentences spoken fluently and in the vernacular; or they can hear individual words pronounced separately and clearly, all without the assistance of a teacher. But just as important, speaking voices enhance the pleasure, humor, and dramatic impact of the story. We’re committed to making the audio as fresh and creative as the comic itself.
Our speakers in this demo are Daniel May and Betsy Kimball.
The demo contains two excerpts from Volume 1 of the Wireman comics.
Excerpt 1
Issue 1, pages 4 through 10: This excerpt introduces the lead character, Andre, and the friends, bullies, and teachers at his school. It shows interactions between kids (some not so friendly), and kids and teachers. It also introduces two elements of the mystery: the precious photo of a basketball player; and the beautiful, mute artist, Maya. This excerpt sets up Andre’s flight from school, which will lead to his first encounter with the mysterious Wireman.
Excerpt 2
Issue 4: pages 7 through 9: Much further along in the story, this excerpt takes place in a police station. We’ll tell you more when you get there.
How to Play the Demo
- To hear sentences spoken dramatically and fluently, move the mouse over the magenta circle in the dialog balloon. When speaking is active, the cursor becomes a pointing hand. To stop the speaking sentences, move the mouse away from the magenta circle.
- To hear an individual word pronounced, move the mouse over the word.
- Don’t forget to play sound effects—like “BANG!”—as well as signs or posters on walls, room numbers, and designer labels.
- To move through the demo, click the right arrow to go forward and the left arrow to go back. The double arrows will take you to the end or beginning of the demo.
