All throughout July we’re crowdsourcing an Extra Eisners Reading List from comics journalists and critics. Each weekday throughout the month, we’ll post a new pick we would have liked to have seen nominated for an Eisner. There are so many great comics, it’s impossible for the Eisners to recognize them all. This list is to honor and diversify the pool of work praised by the industry.

Today’s pick comes from AJ Frost of The Beat…enjoy!

Aron Nel Steinke’s “Mr. Wolf’s Class” books, of which “Lucky Stars” is the third volume, have been wholesomely winsome and charming. The latest installment in the series shows the care and growth the character and their relationships, which have blossomed since their first day of school (which is the subject of the first book). As ever, Mr. Wolf and his class of rambunctious (but sweet) fourth graders learn life lessons, develop deep friendships, and overcome the challenges of growing up. These YA books never condescend to the reader, nor do they shy away from showing how difficult it can be to be a kid.

Steinke is an elementary school teacher by trade, so both sides of his personality come out fully on the page. Mr. Wolf, himself a new teacher in the books, is shown to be growing as much as his students. This side-by-side development is refreshing, but its also relatable; nothing feels forced. To me, the hallmark of the books are their gentleness and genuine empathy. With the world in chaos, it’s refreshing to read a comic and not have to worry about the outside world. Instead, with Mr. Wolf’s Class, we get a reassuring narrative about the power of friendship and community. Those qualities are so valuable during these uncertain times.

Steinke’s work as a cartoonist is top-notch and I hope that more people check out his work. His collection “Big Plans” shows of his early work and it’s an engrossing book on its own terms and an overlooked gem. -AJ Frost

AJ Frost is a staff writer for The Beat.

Mr. Wolf’s Class: Lucky Stars
Writer/Artist: Aron Nel Steinke
Publisher: Graphix (Scholastic)
Every day in Mr. Wolf's class is an adventure... even when you have to stay home from school! Mr. Wolf's students are having a "writer's workshop" and are learning about personal narratives. Sampson doesn't think anything worth writing about has ever happened to him. But when he and Margot go for a bike ride one morning, he has an accident that gives him a new perspective, and he thanks his lucky stars that he's going to be okay. Meanwhile, Penny gives treats to the rats at school so that they'll leave gifts for her, and Stewart and Oliver try to learn how to get along at recess.

Visit the full Extra Eisners Reading List!

Check out the official Eisner Nominations for 2020.