Noah's grandma was moving into an apartment.
He and his parents were going to her house to help her clean up and pack.
"I hope this doesn't take all day," Noah thought on the drive over.
"I have lots of stuff," Grandma said when they arrived.
"I have some things that you'll be very excited about, Noah."
Noah smiled politely.
Grandma really did have lots of stuff.
But it was mostly dishes, vases, and old pictures.
None of that was exciting.
Mom and Dad started sorting items in the living room.
Grandma was going to take some of those things to her new apartment.
She was going to donate the rest of them.
"Come with me, Noah," Grandma said.
"I have something to show you."
They went into a small room.
Noah saw lots of long, white boxes.
"What's in those boxes?" he asked.
"See for yourself," Grandma said.
Noah opened a box.
It was filled with comic books.
Each was wrapped in plastic.
"I didn't know you liked comic books, Grandma!"
Grandma chuckled.
"I've been collecting them since I was a little girl.
Some are pretty old. Most are in mint condition though."
"What does that mean?" Noah asked.
"Comic books are graded on their condition," Grandma said.
"If a comic book is torn or damaged, it's in poor condition.
When a comic book still looks brand-new, it's in mint condition."
"If a comic book is in mint condition, is it worth a lot of money?" Noah asked.
"Sometimes," Grandma said.
"A comic book's value depends on different things.
Some comic books are rare.
Some contain the first appearance of a superhero.
Others were illustrated by a famous artist.
Those comic books can be very valuable.
Of course, a comic book is only worth the price someone is willing to pay for it."
Grandma took out a small box and unlocked it.
"These are my most valuable comic books.
This one is the first issue of Super Comics.
And this one is the first issue where the Human Spider had his black costume.
Before that he always wore a purple costume."
"Wow!" Noah said. "I love the Human Spider!"
Grandma smiled. "I'm going to give most of my collection to you."
Noah was shocked. "Really?"
Grandma nodded.
She locked the small box and rested her hand on it. "But not these."
"Oh, okay," Noah murmured.
He felt a little disappointed.
Why couldn't he have those comic books?
Grandma must have known what he was thinking.
"The comic books in this box are worth a fortune, Noah.
I'm going to sell them.
The money will help pay for your college education."
"I might not be able to go to college, Grandma."
Grandma raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Noah grinned. "I'll be too busy reading the rest of your comic books!"
Grandma laughed. "Very funny, Noah!"