This is a graphic novel I ordered for use in my secondary science classes. Sohn describes the adventures of Max Axiom as he teaches about Newton’s laws at an amusement park. I was surprised to see that "Max Axiom, Super Scientist" is not a child or teenager, but an adult man. The former might have been more engaging for young audiences. The characters are diverse in race and gender, and the graphic novel format may engage students who struggle to learn content from textbooks. Vocabulary is clearly defined, and the text includes diagrams to clarify important concepts. The main problem with the text, when used at the secondary level, is that all mathematics is omitted from the work. There is not even an appendix at the end outlining key formulas for understanding what has been discussed. Note that it is also only 32 pages long, including front matter and index As such, this work functions best as a supplemental text at the secondary level. ( )

This graphic novel follows super scientist Max Axiom as he explains, in easy to read text, the science behind force and motion. This is one graphic novel in a set with Max Axiom explaining various topics related to science. The collection would be a great add to a classroom library, especially a science classroom, with Max Axiom detailing various adventures while teaching critical topics in science. This would also be a great mentor text to use while teaching students about graphic novels. ( )

A Crash Course in Forces and Motion, part of the Max Axiom Super Scientist series, gives students a very clear introduction to the subject matter of forces and motion. Utilizing a graphic novel format, the book makes these scientific concepts accessible and fun. The settings of an amusement park, skate park and swimming pool compliment the teaching about forces and motion. For students not comfortable or particularly adept in science, the book states the facts very simply. For example, the definitions of “speed” and “acceleration” appear in a speech bubble spoken by Max while riding a roller coaster at an amusement park: “Speed is how fast we are going at any given moment. Acceleration is how fast we pick up speed as we go downhill.” Students that enjoy science and have some background knowledge with the subject should enjoy exploring how superhero Max demonstrates the laws of force and motion, including the related material on Sir Isaac Newton.

The illustrations are nicely drawn and compliment the text, but as this is a science book, the text is equally important. The layout of the panels is very pleasing to the eye, and includes a lot of compositional variety. Overall the book would enhance a school library science collection. There is a background section on Max, including family information and vital statistics, for those that want to take the hip, colorful scientist concept a notch higher. There are also suggestions for further reading (books and websites), and a glossary. Target audience grades 5-8. ( )