Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis

Some of my favorite books are what I call small town adventures. They're set in an older, more innocent time when kids could sneak out at night for adventures and build marvelous inventions in their backyards. Some of the best are the Mad Scientists' Club by Bertrand Brinley, Secret Agents Four by Donald Sobol, and the White Rose Rescue by Astrid Lindgren. Although some have tried to recapture this genre, it never quite works. Until now. Eleanor Davis has taken a classic genre, added some new elements, and captured the entire work of genius in a graphic novel.

• Midnight adventures? Check.
• Cool inventions? Check.
• Loving but not-in-the-way-when-they're-not-wanted parents? Check.
• An evil villain? Check.
• A mysterious crime? Check.
• Individual and well-drawn characters than transcend stereotypes? Check.
• Gorgeous and detailed art? Check.
• An adventure everyone will love? Double check!

Verdict: The smaller print will put off some children, but most will love this fun adventure that flips stereotypes and throws adventure, glue, and flying machines around in equal measure.


ISBN: 978-1599901428; Published September 2009 by Bloomsbury; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library