A Journey into Adaptation with Max Axiom, Super Scientist (Graphic Science)
Winner of the 2008 Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books --Learning Magazine, September 2007Max begins explaining adaptation using his own backyard as the setting. He sees how animals have had to adapt in order to survive. Then the reader is taken back in time to learn about adaptation throughout the ages, including why the great dinosaurs eventually died out. From there he discusses physical adaptation. Believe it or not, I learned that the fennec fox relies on its fur to survive cold nights on the desert. Who would have thought of animals needing fur to live in a desert? Foxes living in the arctic have had to adapt over time to survive living in the frigid weather. Do you think that that might be why they have hair on the bottom of their paws or why they have small ears? Why would small ears keep you warm? Do you know why some plant leaves are waxy and that if they were not the plant would die? And then the behavioral adaptations are explained. The reader will learn that the hognose snake plays dead when in trouble and throws himself on his back and wiggles in pain then opens his mouth and sticks his tongue out. Hmm, do you know why he would do such a thing? When you read a science book with Max Axiom as your tour guide, it is like going on a adventure with your best friend. This book is written in graphic format that is a favorite of mine. It is perfect for students who are reluctant readers and never seem to finish a book on their own. English Language Learners will also benefit from graphic novels. The full-color graphics make an enormous impact on the story. Red boxes with pertinent information are included throughout the book. Vocabulary has been well selected. The book is an excellent resource that could be used for writing a summary, a book report, or a source for research. At the end of the book, the author includes several pages with more facts, a Glossary, Read More Section, Internet sites, and an Index. This book should be in all science classrooms, school libraries, and added to reference books at home. I do highly recommend this book. --Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, January 2007Solid science and decent graphic-novel style illustrations are the basis for the series.  In Forces and Motion, to represent motion, some of the illustrations are blurred which may be off-putting to some.  The More About section of each book sums up the topic.  Inset boxes address vocabulary, interesting facts, and famous people.  Web sites are accessed through FactHound.  The action and story line are easy-to-follow, even for those not raised on graphic novels.  These should be a welcome addition to a collection and will be enjoyed by students who like graphic formats, science, and ESOL and Special Education populations.  Bibliography. Glossary.  Index.  Recommended. --Library Media Connection; Vol. 26, No. 2; Page 88, October 2007