Programs : Speakers Bureau : Current Speakers : Josh Tuininga

Sequential: The Storytelling Power of Comic Books

Despite the graphic novel’s skyrocketing popularity, many still view the art form as unsophisticated or less credible than traditional forms of literature. In this talk, comic artist Josh Tuininga shows how comic books and graphic novels are not only powerful art forms, but have unique abilities to challenge young readers in surprising ways and can help prepare students for a rapidly changing future.  

Tuininga traces the origins of sequential art—exploring the evolution of the art form and its impact on readers and culture throughout history. He also shares an in-depth look at the sequential art process as he presents his graphic novel, We Are Not Strangers—a true family story which follows a Jewish immigrant’s efforts to help his Japanese-American neighbors while they are incarcerated during World War II. 

Upcoming In-person Events

When

November 18, 2025
5:00 pm

Where

Lakewood Pierce County Library
10202 Gravelly Lake Dr SW Lakewood, WA 98499

Attend In-Person

No tickets or registration required

Host

Pierce County Library System - Lakewood Library

Event Details

When

December 17, 2025
5:00 pm

Where

Fern Hill Library
765 S 84th St Tacoma, WA 98444

Attend In-Person

No tickets or registration required

Host

Tacoma Public Library

Event Details

Speaker Bio

Josh Tuininga (he/him) is an author, artist, and designer. After studying fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he founded an art and design agency, where he continues to work as creative director. His work has been published in the magazines Communication Arts and HOW Design. Tuininga is the author of the children’s books Why Blue? and Dream On. We Are Not Strangers is his first graphic novel.

Tuininga lives in North Bend.