(3) 4-6 History Comics series. Illustrated by Falynn Koch. In this lighthearted yet informative offering, two cartoon characters learn from a petroglyph horse about North America mustangs, from prehistoric equids on other continents to the reintroduction of horses by Spanish conquistadors, the dramatic horse raids of the Comanche in the American West, and Velma Johnston's (aka Wild Horse Annie) modern-day efforts to protect wild herds. Dynamic comics-panel illustrations use self-referential techniques to move the humorous narrative forward, while "Mane Idea" asides explore topics like horse diet and digestion. A timeline, further reading (including movies and websites), and appendices covering famous mustangs and mustangers close out this highly accessible volume.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 History Comics series. Four students and their teacher on Mars's Space Station Sagan (it's January 2386) mark the four-hundredth anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger explosion. In a graphic novel that's in turns funny, moving, elucidating, and riveting, the class takes advantage of twenty-fourth century technology in the presentations--including virtual-reality field trips, hologram appearances by the Challenger crew, and simulated space flights. Topics include space shuttle history, "the design and function of the space shuttle," crew member biographies, the launch and catastrophic aftermath, the subsequent investigation, and lessons learned. The subject is given respectful treatment in the appealing panel illustrations. "Additional Challenger Facts" and an author's note conclude the sci-fi/history offering.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn