Enz, Tammy. Engineering a Totally Rad Skateboard with Max Axiom, Super Scientist.

Enz, Tammy.  Engineering a Totally Rad Skateboard with Max Axiom, Super Scientist.  Capstone Publishers  2013  32p  ISBN 978-1-4296-9935-8  series: Graphic Science and Engineering In Action  elem/ms Hardback  VG-Bnes  Nonfiction

Graphic novel format explaining science -- that’s Max Axiom.  In this title a group of children wants to improve their skateboards.  Max first reviews the scientific principles involved in how a skateboard works.  Then he goes back in time to visit Thomas Edison to learn how engineers work.  Then these principles are applied to building a better skateboard.  Students will love the mishap with the rocket booster, which shows that all ideas are valued and considered.  An improved board is built and tested.

Some pages include a text box with an explanation of a scientific term used on the page. This immediate explanation is helpful to readers.  An additional page includes facts related to skateboards and other forms of transportation.  The glossary is simple, but the five titles in the “Read More” section appear to be only marginally related to the topic.  The only internet reference is to the publisher-sponsored FactHound site.  The index is rudimentary.

Students enjoy the Max Axiom series, and it does actually teach scientific information in a very palatable way.  There are four titles in the Graphic Science and Engineering in Action series, and there are many titles in the other Max Axiom series.       The series is recommended for reluctant readers grades 3-7.    

Summary: In graphic novel format, this title explains the processes engineers use, with improving a skateboard as the example.  Familiar series of action around scientific principles, for students in grades 3-7.

Principles of engineering                                         --Joan Theal