Zero Gravity - Astronaut Academy

Title: Astronaut Academy zero gravity
Author: Dave Roman
Level: 10-14
Location: graphic novel j astronaut vol.1

Zero Gravity is the first book in a new series of graphic novels that take place in space. This one is older than our other space related graphic novels. The story focuses on the students, who seem to all have crushes on other students, and teachers of the school. The dialog in the book was a bit awkward. It reads almost like it was translated from Japanese, the way people for whom English is a second language might translate literally or phrase words differently. I tried to think of it as being translated and that helped some. Also the story itself did not flow smoothly to me. Each chapter is started by a character introducing him or herself and speaking from his or her view point. Eventually characters are introducing themselves for a second or third time. While there was a story line it felt disjointed. We never find out why Hakita Soy came to astronaut academy and are left guessing about why he is sad. There is some humor. The drawings were good and the black and white panels are easy to follow. So Zero Gravity is alright, but I would rather read the younger space graphic novels Missile Mouse or Zita the Spacegirl. I haven’t ruled out giving the second volume a chance.

Bottom Line: I was looking forward to reading Zero Gravity, the first book in the Astronaut Academy series, which focuses on the students and teachers at the school. I am a bit disappointed due to awkwardness in the dialog and story line. Also with so many graphic novels in color this one is black and white. It is older than other space graphic novels (10-14). I didn’t hate it, but I would much rather read Missile Mouse or Zita the Spacegirl. I’m hoping the second volume will redeem the series for me.

And Then There were Gnomes- Guinea Pig Pet Shop

Title: And Then There were Gnomes- Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye #2
Author: Colleen Venable
Level: K-3
Location: Graphic novel juvenile guinea vol.2

This series takes place in a pet shop with a variety of animals whose cages are mislabeled. Sasspants the guinea pig is a voracious reader, which is probably why that cage has the correct animal label. Hamisher, the hamster wants to be friends with Sasspants and is constantly making up mysteries to be solved so he can be the sidekick. So when a real mystery does need to be solved it takes a bit of convincing for Sasspants to get involved. Will they be able to solve the mystery before all the mice disappear?

Bottom Line: This is a short, humorous, graphic novel for the younger readers who like rodent pets (mice, hamsters, guinea pig and chinchillas) and mysteries. There are plenty of details in the pictures to add to the story and the panels are easy to follow. A rising second grade and fifth grader gave it two thumbs up.

Missle Mouse Rescue on Tankium3

Title: Missile Mouse Rescue on Tankium3
Author: Jake Parker
Level: juvenile
Location: juvenile graphic novels

Missile Mouse Rescue on Tankium3 is just as great as the first Missile Mouse. It has colorful, easy to follow panels of intergalactic action. In this story Missile Mouse takes on King Bognarsh, who has enslaved an entire planet and Blazing Bat, who has been hired to kill him. In the last story Missile Mouse’s partner turned out to be a traitor. This time he is reluctantly paired with a robot when he would rather work with something that has a brain, heart, and conscience. He soon changes his mind when he realizes Agent 44 has his back. The drawings still have a Star Wars feel. The story moves along quickly and is over too soon. How long will we have to wait for the next Missile Mouse?! A least there is a bonus. Check the back of the book for a guide to Missile Mouse’s universe. It includes weapons and ships.

Bottom Line: Another solid Missile Mouse story from Jake Parker. The story is constantly moving with plenty of action and colorful panels of creatures from other planets. Anyone who liked the first book in this series will like Rescue on Tankium3 also. I loved it!

Squish- Super Amoeba

Title: Squish Super Amoeba(vol.1)
Author: Jennifer and Matthew Holm
level:juvenile
Location : coming soon to J graphic novel Squish

Super Amoeba is the first book in the new Squish graphic novel series by the Holm sister and brother team. If you recognize their name from Babymouse be warned there is not a drop of pink ink in this book. It has definite boy appeal. Don't walk away girls! You may like this series too. Squish is a school aged amoeba who has to deal with a bully who is way bigger. He loves reading super hero comic books, tacos and twinkies. His best friend, Pod, is working on solving global warming, sort of. Sometimes Pod doesn't seem like the best amoeba friend. There is a bonus at the end of the book; a science experiment and how to draw Squish.

Bottom Line: This book is a great start to the new Squish series about an amoeba. I liked being able to read Squish's comic book with him. There is some humor and actual science (very unobtrusive to the story) I actually like the book better than the last Babymouse- Mad Scientist ( sorry Babymouse) and want to see how it will develop.

Lunch Lady and the Bale Sale Bandits

Title: Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit
Author: Jarrett Krosoczka
Level: juvenile
Location: J graphic novel Lunch

How dare someone steal the goodies from a school bake sale! Who doesn't love cookies and cupcakes!? The lunch lady will find out. While it may not take long to figure out the culprit, this book is a fun read with humor, action, and of course the Lunch Lady's special gadgets for solving a mystery. You'll be entertained and perhaps wondering just what those lunch ladies are thinking when they look at you like that in line.

Bottom Line: Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit is an entertaining, light read full of action and humor. The bandit is menacing. Lunch Lady knows how to handle a scooter like a pro dirt biker. I liked it of course.

Missile Mouse the star crusher

Title: Missile Mouse the star crusher
Author: Jake Parker
Level: 8-12
Location: graphic novels J Missile STA

This is a science fiction graphic novel that takes place in space. Missile Mouse is an agent with the Galactic Security. He is a bit like Indiana Jones in that he means well, but things just don't seem to go quite like he plans. The RIP are trying to get hold of the information to make a star crusher. Star crushers basically create black holes- not good for the galaxy. Missile Mouse is assigned a partner, but he would rather go out on his own. Find out if Missle Mouse can save the galaxy, a scientist or his partner.

Bottom Line: This one is going to be in demand. Boys will definitely want to pick up this adventure graphic novel. Girls will enjoy this book too! Think Star Wars creatures with a bit of Indiana Jones. Great color and art work with easy to follow panels and a good, quick moving story. The next Missile Mouse comes out this winter 2011.