Library Media Connection
This wacky new series of graphic novels is geared to reluctant readers; it uses graphic books to teach science content like energy, cells, adaptation, matter, force, and motion. The information and graphics will keep readers engaged, and the word bubbles, sized panels, and layouts are easy to follow. The illustrations provide good content, making it easier for Second Language learners. The series will make a good addition to your collection, as well as providing good sources for research activities in science. Recommended.
"Forces & Motion" Book Links
http://www.booklistonline.com/Classroom-Connections-Forces-and-Motion-Leeper-Angela/pid=6378753 Told in a graphic-novel format using comics (and comical) panels, this physics-zombie mash-up examines Newton’s three laws of motion. For instance, the momentum of two teenagers’ heavy, fast car will allow them to outpace an attacking zombie – unless the zombie has a greater acceleration. Other zombie dilemmas involve force, mass, inertia, and other physics-related topics.
Booklist
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. Vampires and Light is an obvious good fit, and throughout lessons on Sir Isaac Newton’s experiments, light speed, lenses, and eyes, various vamps dodge beams of deadly sunlight and fail to appear in mirrors. Many of the illustrations don’t make hay of the vampire premise, but others nail it, as when infrared light is demonstrated by showing Dracula scoping out prey with night-vision goggles. Zombies and Electricity mostly uses its undead cast as dopey stand-ins for lessons on atoms, currents, 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.
