Food Fight

Publishers Weekly

O’Donnell, the writer behind the Sherlockesque Max Finder series, successfully returns to mystery graphic novels for kids. This slim volume—the fifth of the Graphic Guide Adventures series—contains a single mystery story, rather than the short mysteries found in Max Finder, and revolves around the smarts of Devin Chang; his sister, Nadia; and their friend, Simon. Stuck at a summer camp while his mother, Dr. Chang, researches how to use water more effectively for crops, Devin initially tries to flee any responsibility by hiding from camp counselors or playing hooky with Simon. However, when his mother is framed for sabotaging the research, Devin needs to clear her name. In the midst of finding the real perpetrator, lessons on growing food, organic farming, and carbon footprints pop up, teaching both characters and readers. With the increased attention lately on caring for the Earth, these lessons feel especially apt, and it’s clear that O’Donnell has a knack for not only entertaining with an unsolved case but teaching important facts. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

O’Donnell, the writer behind the Sherlockesque Max Finder series, successfully returns to mystery graphic novels for kids. This slim volume—the fifth of the Graphic Guide Adventures series—contains a single mystery story, rather than the short mysteries found in Max Finder, and revolves around the smarts of Devin Chang; his sister, Nadia; and their friend, Simon. Stuck at a summer camp while his mother, Dr. Chang, researches how to use water more effectively for crops, Devin initially tries to flee any responsibility by hiding from camp counselors or playing hooky with Simon. However, when his mother is framed for sabotaging the research, Devin needs to clear her name. In the midst of finding the real perpetrator, lessons on growing food, organic farming, and carbon footprints pop up, teaching both characters and readers. With the increased attention lately on caring for the Earth, these lessons feel especially apt, and it’s clear that O’Donnell has a knack for not only entertaining with an unsolved case but teaching important facts. Ages 8–12. (Apr.)

Resource Links

"An interesting mix of fast paced adventure story and non-fiction information...presented in a very readable and accessible way...A good purchase for elementary and middle schools."

CM Magazine

"O'Donnell has once again used his unique teaching tool to inform a generation of children about a current and growing social concern...All this information, combined with the superb art work of Mike Deas, is sure to grab and keep the attention of today's youth...Accessible, interesting, and relevant. This graphic novel is highly recommended."

Puget Sound Council

"Intermixed with the basic plot are subtle educational tidbits about food production including, the value of organic and local vegetables, the process food takes to get to our table, the repercussions of using pesticides and information about genetically modified foods...The delivery is clear and age appropriate...A book worth checking out."

NMRLS Youth Services Book Review

"Educational without being didactic; the explanations are organic to the plot and flow seamlessly in the narrative. The bright, cartoon-like colors will catch kids' eyes and the mystery will propel them through before they've realized they're learning something."

The StarPhoenix

*no details*

CM Magazine

"O'Donnell has once again used his unique teaching tool to inform a generation of children about a current and growing social concern All this information, combined with the superb art work of Mike Deas, is sure to grab and keep the attention of today's youth Accessible, interesting, and relevant. This graphic novel is highly recommended."

Resource Links

"An interesting mix of fast paced adventure story and non-fiction information presented in a very readable and accessible way A good purchase for elementary and middle schools."