Power Play

March 1, 2011

O'Donnell and Deas present another educational thriller in graphic mode (Ramp Rats, 2008, etc.). Here, a summit of world political leaders has gathered to address the inalienable right to fresh, clean water. Marcus' dad is on hand as a water-rights advocate; Nadia (and her brother, Devin, by default) is in attendance to serve as a guide at the parallel youth summit. This affords the author the opportunity to use Nadia to deliver pithy commentaries regarding the wheels of democracy. These stretch back to Athenian forays into the process and proceed to civil disobedience, teach-ins and popular revolution. The message-driven dialogue is stilted at times, but it is also historically on target (i.e., Athenian democracy was hardly the final word), while the illustrations are rich in detail and chromatic with atmosphere. Though there is an undeniable didacticism in evidence, there is also an enjoyable level of suspense: An advisor of Marcus' dad is murdered, and a gang of Nadia's friends get themselves into hot water trying to uncover the person responsible. And who should that be but a lobbyist for a bottled-water company, one of the too-many bent spokes in the democratic wheel. The kids are saved by their pluck and the wiles of a group of non-violent Raging Grannies, both displaying the exercise of democratic vigor. The point is well made: Democracy is imperfect but self-righting in its course. (Graphic thriller. 8-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

May 1, 2011

Gr 4-6-Siblings Nadia and Devin are attending a world-leaders' summit with their friend Marcus, whose dad is there to give a speech in support of a water-rights accord. When one of Dr. Ashmore's assistants ends up dead and an old enemy resurfaces, the kids are on the case. They discover that a water-bottling company is behind the foul play, and this corporation is working with someone these young heroes never expected. Good explanations of some rather complex political concepts are woven into the story line, informing readers on topics such as the origins of democracy, the political spectrum, and civil disobedience. It's a slim book, but there is a lot packed into each page. The cartoon artwork is detailed yet clear, with colorful panels that nicely break up the text and action. While the political setting and plotline might not appeal to all readers, Power Play is a welcome counter to the superhero and fantasy tales that dominate the genre.-Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2011
Grades 4-6 In this latest Graphic Guide Adventure, siblings Devin and Nadia team up with Marcus, Bounce, and Pema at the World Leaders Summit, where someone doesnt want Dr. Ashmore, Marcus father, to speak in favor of an accord that would limit the influence of private companies on drinking water. The kids investigate when Dr. Ashmore receives threats, and then one of Dr. Ashmores aides is killed. An enjoyable story with educational value, this strong mystery is presented along with information about world politics, power, and the benefits of political protest for social good.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)