Exploring Ecosystems with Max Axiom, Super Scientist (Graphic Science)
Winner of the 2008 Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books --Learning Magazine, September 2007Did you know that without decomposers and scavengers, the world would be full of the remains of dead plants and animals? As nature s recyclers, decomposers are a necessary part of a ecosystem. I just love reviewing books from the Graphic Library series, because I learn so much. I don t know if I have forgotten over time or if I never learned complex science theories, but these books are super, presenting them in an interesting and understandable way! Max Axiom takes the reader on a journey explaining the how the ecosystems work. He uses powers that he acquired in a freak accident to make himself as small as an atom, and he wears a lab coat that allows him to travel through time. Throughout the book, the author includes boxes with further information and explanations of the topics being discussed. This is particularly useful in helping the reader understand the topics. At the end of the book, the reader will find more facts on the ecosystem, a list of books on the same topic, and Internet sites. Vocabulary has been well-chosen, and the full-color graphics make an enormous impact on the story. The graphic novel style is perfect for students who are reluctant readers and never seem to finish a book on their own. Young adults who want to read anything they can get their hands on will also enjoy the graphics and fast-paced text. This book is an excellent resource that could be used for writing a summary, a book report, or as a source for research. This book should be in all science classrooms, school libraries, and among reference books at home. I 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