Tory Woollcott

I don't remember not being able to read - but I do have lots of memories of crying over my math homework and how much I hated that one cardboard book with the movable clock face on it. I don't know what it was about telling analog time that stumped me but it was a struggle. This book is great because of how simple it is. This is just Tory's story, exactly how it went, with the everyday heroes and villains that we all face in our lives; teachers who really shouldn't be teachers, tutors with infinite patience, best friends, bullies.… (meer)

There is a lot of information in this graphic novel. Nour wants to sell the most cookies for her Woodland Adventure Troop. Her sister Fahama is helping her. When they split up, Fahama ends up in a old mansion with a mad scientist and his sidekick. They want to take her brain to study. While trying to stall them, she asks a lot of questions about the brain, what it does, how it does things, what it is made of, the role of the various parts etc. This book gives so many facts, definitions etc. from the make up of a cell to the role of the spinal cord that I was a bit overwhelmed with all the vocabulary and information and I am an adult. This could be overload for some readers but it is a fun way to present the information to middle grade students. There is a glossary at the back that I was constantly checking while reading. If someone is interested in the brain, or if this is a topic being studied, this could be used as an introduction or overview, but I think more time would have to be spent on the various areas if this information was going to be retained. If it is just to read and maybe pick some information up, then this would definitely be an interesting way to learn some things about the nervous system. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (meer)

Science Comics: The Brain by Tory Woollcott follows Fahama who is out helping her younger bratty sister sell cookies. Fahama gets kidnapped by an Evil Brain and his zombie butler when she knocks on the wrong door. He wants to remove her brain! Fahama distracts him in a bid for time so rescue can arrive by asking about the brain and its functions. The Evil Brain is happy to talk about his specialty. As Fahama learns about the brain, so does the reader. The information is pretty thorough. I even learned a few new things! There's humour as well. I adored the Star Trek neurons! I also liked that they included umami among the flavour receptors. The writing seems more junior high and high school level, rather than elementary level. Recommended for those interested in science!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley and First Second Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (meer)