(4) K-3 DC Super Heroes: Science Behind Superman series. This book examines where feats of strength like Superman's are found in science and nature. Bolstered by key vocabulary terms, the text explores the science of human muscle movement, strength building, mechanical exoskeletons, and powerful animals. Additional fact sidebars accompany the main text. Relevant photos and diagrams are accompanied by mostly unnecessary, generic drawings of Superman characters. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Graphic Library: STEM Adventures series. Illustrated by Pixelpop Studios. "Super scientist" Max Axiom explores STEM topics in graphic-novel format. The forced narratives provide basic overviews of different types of drones and robots and their various personal, commercial, scientific, and militaristic uses. Max gets information from different experts, with a diverse range of races and gender represented. Additional facts are included at book's end. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Graphic Library: STEM Adventures titles: The Dynamic World of Drones and The Remarkable World of Robots.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) K-3 DC Super Heroes: Science Behind Batman series. These books show how the Caped Crusader's high-tech gadgets and vehicles are reflective of real-life technologies. Introducing new readers to science and engineering vocabulary, they explore the real-world uses of grappling hooks, smoke grenades, jet engines, helicopters, and more. Generic drawings of Batman characters sometimes feel unnecessary when the photos of real inventions are more useful. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Science Behind Batman titles: The Science Behind Batman's Tools and The Science Behind Batman's Flying Machines.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 24-Hour History series. A combination of clearly drawn comics and informative text boxes describe the massive military undertaking that led to the end of WWII. A brief preamble and extensive back matter provide context. Although attempts to inject humor are flat and uninspired, the exposition provides an excellent overview, and overall the graphic-narrative experience is exciting. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 Batman Science series. These books introduce materials science and engineering vocabulary through the features of Batman's highly engineered suits and vehicles. These comic-book creations are compared to their real-life technological equivalents to show the purpose of body armor, night vision scopes, weapons detection systems, and more. Generic Batman graphics feel superfluous on spreads featuring more useful photographs of the real stuff. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Batman Science titles: Batsuits and Capes and Batmobiles and Batcycles.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Graphic Library: STEM Adventures series. Illustrated by Pop Art Properties. In a contrived story with a dynamic graphic-novel format, Max Axiom, superhero scientist--and now astronaut--blasts off in a rocket and travels to the International Space Station. Along the way, he provides routine facts about space travel: rocket propulsion and separation, weightlessness, and the always-fascinating details of eating and living in space. Additional facts are included at book's end. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford