Teaching with comics: The Mattoon (Ill.) Journal-Gazette reports that some teachers and librarians at Mattoon Middle School are turning to graphic novels as a learning tool for reluctant readers. Students in one teacher's language arts classes are using character encyclopedias, library research materials and the Internet to trace the histories of superheroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man:

"The students learn how graphic novels and superheroes tie into the Great Depression and World War II."