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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Max Finder: Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 5 by Craig Battle and Ramon Pérez

Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 5 by Craig Battle and Ramon Pérez (Rated: C)
Owlkids Books
ISBN: 978-1926818122
Published Feb 15, 2011
Trade Paperback, 96 pages
Ages: 9-12

I received this graphic book from Owlkids in March and while my daughter devoured it, I had put it aside because of my workload. I finally picked it up and was surprised to find how much I enjoyed reading it. This is the 5th volume of the award-winning graphic novel series that features 10 mystery comics, originally published in OWL Magazine. I was brought back to my middle-grade years of trying to solve mysteries alongside Encyclopedia Brown. Remember him? The young sleuth who made “being smart” a cool thing?

Well, amateur detective Max Finder and his best friend, Alison Santos do the same thing. They are junior high school kids who love cracking cases they encounter in their school life. Even though these are short graphic stories, the reader needs to have a sharp eye to look for the clues both in the dialogue, text boxes and images. It was fun trying to solve the mysteries! Sometimes, I guessed them quickly, but other times I really had to think it through and go back to look for the clues. The solution page gives all the details as to the clues and motive that leads to the culprit and also why the other suspects could not have done it. 

Initially, my unaccustomed eyes found the pages somewhat cluttered, but it didn't take long to appreciate the great story development within only four pages that it took to tell each story. Character development is also evident in the relationship between the friends, especially Max and Alison. My respect for graphic novels was enhanced. I can definitely see the appeal for young readers who love graphic novels and mysteries. 

The book also includes two never-before-published short mystery stories; an insightful interview with the creator, writer and illustrator; Max and Alison's guide on “How to Be a Detective”; and finally, tips on how to use this book in the classroom that teachers and parents are sure to find helpful, especially for reluctant readers. Highly recommended!

I will count this book toward the following challenges: Middle Grade Book Challenge

Disclosure: Thanks to Kendal Gerard from Owlkids for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Every Saturday, Booking Mama hosts a feature called Kid Konnection—a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, visit Booking Mama.

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3 comments :

  1. Hi Laura,

    This looks like a great book, that keeps youngsters entertained, whilst stretching their minds and imagination a little!!

    The kind of book I would have loved, if they had been around when I was a child!!

    I was checking oout the series a little more, when I came across this author, who produces similar material, which looks just as interesting.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ron-Roy/e/B001IGOP0Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

    Thanks for sharing and making me wish I was young again!

    Yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Yvonne,
    You're right. Ron Roy's books also look interesting. Yeah, I love books that bring me back to my childhood. Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Graphic novels are such a great way to get kids to read!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting! I appreciate your feedback.

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