Howtoons: [Re]Ignition

Gr 4–9—This science-based adventure story simultaneously teaches about principles of energy and delivers an environmentally friendly lesson. Because of an energy crisis, Tucker and Celine's parents put their family into a state of suspended animation. Tucker and Celine wake up alone, with their parents gone. To survive this postapocalyptic world and its inhabitants, these knowledgeable siblings must build kid-friendly projects, such as a wind turbine, a solar cooker, and a go-kart. Step-by-step instructions and warnings for each device are included. The materials needed for each project varies. Each example features icons denoting what kind of energy this project represents. An icon glossary provides further explanation. While the story has an energetic pace, it stalls at the instructional sections (casual readers can skip over these). Aside from this misstep, the factual elements are flawlessly incorporated, jargon is used only as necessary, and the writing is accessible. Visually, this is an appealing tale, featuring expressive, somewhat wacky character designs that inject plenty of humor.