OBSOLETE: A TEACHER'S TALE (of tomorrow, today!)

by Kevin Vachna

Overview

For teachers and students ages fourteen and older, Kevin Vachna's Obsolete: A Teacher's Tale (of Tomorrow, Today!) is a thrilling sci-fi graphic novel set in the not-so-distant future, where technology is engrained in every aspect of life, even finding a home inside of us. There's a big society problem: the kids are all becoming hyperactive, disconnected screen addicts. And then Professor T finds himself with a personal problem: After giving an unauthorized history lesson, Professor T is reassigned to one of the worst-performing schools. There, his challenges and the world's collide, as unlikely allies and hidden threats lead T to revelations about a conspiracy with sinister roots that could threaten to overturn the very foundations of society itself.

Vachna is a teacher and administrator in New York City's public schools with an expertise in themes involving technology and culture. The what-if nightmare scenario of where he sees our educational system leading are realized in the world and characters of Obsolete.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781977235268
Publisher:	Outskirts Press, Inc.
Publication date:	10/30/2020
Series:	OBSOLETE , #1
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

/// In the spring of 2009, at the age of 21, Kevin published a short novel, Summer of the Fall, through Outskirts Press. He spent the next few summers editing a second, experimental novel, Not All Vampires Suck Blood and a screen play, titled End of the World. /// For ten years, Vachna was employed as a high school English teacher at a New York City public school in the Bronx. /// In 2012, Kevin completed an English Literature MA at Lehman College. In 2016, he received a Master's in School Administration. /// The completion of Kevin's latest project OBSOLETE in 2019 came on the footsteps of his exit from the New York City Department of Education. Neither parties elected to comment on any meta-narrative connections between art and life. /// Currently, Kevin teaches English at a private high school in Westchester, New York and hosts a film discussion show on television. ///

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - The Future Is Coming - Page 1

Chapter 2 - We Are The Watchers - Page 18

Chapter 3 - Of Screens And Circus Clown - Page 40

Chapter 4 - Space For Rent - Page 67

Chapter 5 - The Success Sphere - Page 83

Chapter 6 - Cries Of Contested Content - Page 105

Chapter 7 - This Too Shall Pass Go And Collect - Page 124

Chapter 8 - Another Think Coming - Page 142

Chapter 9 - An Existential Exorcism - Page 157

Chapter 10 - The Terrible Children - Page 183

Editorial Reviews

"In this period of distance learning and online instruction, nothing's as relevant as this comic!" - Russel K.

"It's difficult not to feel the prophetic nature of this book as we use screens as a means of education, interaction and entertainment. The author's use of propaganda and language paints a vivid picture of the dystopian future of education and society. An important read for students, teachers, and families everywhere." - Dena V.

"A gripping story with relatable characters and chilling implications for the future of education in America." - John M.

"Who says comics are for kids? This graphic novel offers a powerful statement on the relationship between technology and education. The messages deserve to be studied and discussed." - Derek O.

"Veteran high school teacher, Kevin Vachna, has crafted a frighteningly thrilling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and demanding more." - Matthew P.

"The future scenario about the underlying dangers of unchecked technology are brilliantly realized in the world and characters of this graphic novel." - Lauren M.

"In a system as important and thoroughly mismanaged as our country's education, this graphic novel functions to get us exploring the potentials, dangers, and possibilities." - Dan C.

"Finally a book that didn't make me happy for hours reading it. This story was insanely edgy from the very beginning. It says what we are all really thinking about school. A voice emerged early on in the book, and it kept you hooked the entire time." - Ricky A.

From the Publisher