Zombies and Electricity (Monster Science)
After bringing us such titles as Aliens and Energy (2012), Ghosts and Atoms (2012), and Werewolves and States of Matter (2012), the Monster Science series returns from the dead with its special blend of graphic-novel art, conversational text, and goofy monster sight gags. Zombies and Electricity mostly uses its undead cast as dopey stand-ins for lessons on atoms, currents, static electricity, circuits, magnets, and more. For example, to illustrate positive and negative charges, a rotting businessman and a dead cheerleader take either side of a seesaw while holding plus and minus cards. Zombies are electrocuted on nearly every page, and it’s no wonder—“Flesh,” Weakland writes, “is a good conductor of electricity.” The busy pages and lack of clarifying elements like bullet points and graphs make this fun series best for those who learn by following story lines or conversations. Grades 5-8. --Daniel Kraus