Meet the judges of the Scholastic Graphic Novel Prize
Meet the judges of the Scholastic Graphic Novel Prize 2024
Mike Stirling
Mike Stirling is Creative Director (aka Director of Mischief) at Beano Studios, with the remit of making sure that everything Beano is as funny and mischievous as it can possibly be and guaranteeing reading is fun, for everyone. Mike also works alongside his friend and colleague, Beano-bestie Craig Graham to create Beano Boomics – the smash-hit series of stories told with funny pictures.
Sha Nazir
Sha Nazir is a publishing consultant and event producer, having worked as a publishing and Kickstarter consultant on Good Omens the Graphic Novel. Sha was also an event producer for ACME Comic Con, a comic artist, writer and former publisher of 10 years for BHP comics.
Jo Cummins
Jo Cummins is an advisory teacher for a specialist provision, an experienced English lead, and a children’s book blogger. She has been part of the judging panel for several children’s book awards and has delivered workshops at conferences across the country.
Jon Biddle
Jon Biddle is an experienced primary school teacher and English lead. Jon is a passionate advocate of Reading for Pleasure, winning the 2018 RfP Experienced Teacher of the Year award and the 2021 RfP School of the Year award. He coordinates the National Patron of Reading initiative, is an advisor for Empathy Lab and is part of the UKLA National Council. Jon writes a regular column about Reading for Pleasure for the Educate magazine, where he shares practical ideas that can be introduced into the classroom, and regularly contributes to other publications.
Richard Ruddick
Richard is an experienced primary school teacher and reading lead in Norfolk. He focuses on using graphic novels to engage readers and develop positive reading experiences. Over the past few years, he has spoken about the power of graphic novels at conferences and provided CPD on how schools can use them effectively to support students.