Geeky F@b 5: It's Not Rocket Science by Lucy and Liz Lareau - OPTIONAL

Geeky F@b 5: It’s Not Rocket Science by Lucy and Liz Lareau,53 pages.  Illustrated by Ryan Jampole.  GRAPHIC NOVEL. Papercutz (Macmillan), 2018. $13. 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying). 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – OPTIONAL. 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE.  

Lucy and her sister Marina are new at Earhart’s Elementary.  When Lucy falls off the monkey bars because they are broken, the school has to shut down the playground because it is unsafe.  Lucy makes three new friends and together with her sister Marina they have a fundraiser.  When the friends use their different talents together they are able to raise enough money and build a new playground.  

I liked that this book showed it’s possible for kids to get behind a cause and work together to make a change.  The friends are kind to each other and are positive examples.  The illustrations are comic book style and appealing, which is what will draw most kids to this book.  That said, the overall story line was kind of boring. The characters aren’t very memorable and I’m okay if I don’t read anymore about this group.  

C. Peterson.