Back when I was in college, I took a basic computer programming course in which we were taught the basics of UNIX, Javascript, and HTML. Thankfully, I had a rudimentary knowledge of HTML from the embarrassing amount of time I spent customizing my LiveJournal back in the day, but I was stunned at how little I actually knew about how computers operated. By that point, I realized I was doomed to a life of somewhat blissful ignorance, but it made me realize how integral it is to incorporate computer programming in the curriculum of future generations. But, computer programming can be kind of dull and dreary. Surely there has to be a better way to galvanize the kids of tomorrow to get excited about the nitty-gritty of computer science.
There isâand it’s a new graphic novel series called Secret Coders from Eisner award-winning author Gene Luen Yang (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and artist Mike Holmes (Bravest Warriors). The story follows a pair of pals, Hopper and Emi, who try to solve the many mysteries at their school, Stately Academy, by using their budding coding skills. By integrating basic programming lessons and logic puzzles into a twisting and turning mystery plot, Yang and Holmes are getting kids to learn without it feeling like a chore.
Here is the cover for volume one, which is available on September 29:
Here is the official synopsis for volume one:
“Welcome to Stately Academy, a school which is just crawling with mysteries to be solved! The founder of the school left many clues and puzzles to challenge his enterprising students. Using their wits and their growing prowess with coding, Hopper and her friend Eni are going to solve the mystery of Stately Academy no matter what it takes!”
And here is your exclusive sneak peek at the cover for Secret Coders, Vol. 2: Pathways and Portals, which will be available in spring 2016:
Here is the official synopsis for volume two:
“Stately Academy is just crawling with mysteries to be solved! In the last volume, Hopper and Eni discovered a robot in the supply closet and programmed him to do mischief. Now they’re trapped in an underground lair and they must use their new programming skills to escape.”
Will you be picking up a copy? Let us know in the comments below.
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Dan Casey is the senior editor of Nerdist and the author of 100 Things Avengers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die. You can follow him on Twitter (@Osteoferocious).