(4) 4-6 Jake Maddox Graphic Novels series. Illustrated by Eduardo Garcia & Benny Fuentes. In Half-Pipe, snowboarder Payton is humiliated after his wipe-out on the slopes goes viral. Faceoff finds ice hockey player Jax facing off against his former BFF. The texts are message-y ("There's no shame in trying your best and not coming out on top"), but the graphic novel format and sports action may draw reluctant readers. "Visual Questions" of varying interest are appended. Glos. Review covers these Jake Maddox Graphic Novels titles: Faceoff Fall Out and Half-Pipe Panic.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Shadow Squadron series. Illustrated by Wilson Tortosa & Benny Fuentes. In two fast-paced, easy-to-read episodes, a special ops military unit attempts to infiltrate enemy territory in Afghanistan and Iran to apprehend terrorist suspects threatening U.S. security. Tense computer-game-style illustrations show the Shadow Squadron fighting off enemy attacks; glossaries precede each chapter to define key words. There's no character development, but the high-energy, non-stop action will appeal to the series' fans. Review covers these Shadow Squadron titles: Dragon Teeth and Long Shadow.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Shadow Squadron series. Illustrated by Wilson Tortosa & Benny Fuentes. In two fast-paced, easy-to-read episodes, a special ops military unit attempts to infiltrate enemy territory in Afghanistan and Iran to apprehend terrorist suspects threatening U.S. security. Tense computer-game-style illustrations show the Shadow Squadron fighting off enemy attacks; glossaries precede each chapter to define key words. There's no character development, but the high-energy, non-stop action will appeal to the series' fans. Review covers these Shadow Squadron titles: Dragon Teeth and Long Shadow.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Shadow Squadron series. Illustrated by Wilson Tortosa & Benny Fuentes. Lt. Commander Cross's elite special forces team travels to Yemen to capture an Iraqi bomb-maker (Dark). In Sand, they're charged with rescuing a senator's kidnapped son in Mali. Illustrated with dark, tense artwork, these military adventures are designed to resemble classified military reports, including dossiers on the stock characters, mission briefings/debriefings, and an author interview. Short glossaries ("Com Chatter") precede each action-heavy chapter. Review covers these Shadow Squadron titles: Dark Agent and Sand Spider

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Shadow Squadron series. Illustrated by Wilson Tortosa & Benny Fuentes. Lt. Commander Cross's elite special forces team travels to Yemen to capture an Iraqi bomb-maker (Dark). In Sand, they're charged with rescuing a senator's kidnapped son in Mali. Illustrated with dark, tense artwork, these military adventures are designed to resemble classified military reports, including dossiers on the stock characters, mission briefings/debriefings, and an author interview. Short glossaries ("Com Chatter") precede each action-heavy chapter. Review covers these Shadow Squadron titles: Dark Agent and Sand Spider

Reviewer: Jack Forman