School Library Journal
Gr 4-7–Four high school students become friends and create a special security force to save the world, called Recon Academy. Nuclear Distraction introduces Hazmat, whose special abilities include ballistics, toxicology, and fingerprint analysis. With his forensic skills, he tracks the bad Shadow Cell team through a nuclear plant and recovers the data they were stealing. Shadow Cell Scam begins with each team member being given a free laptop that soon explodes, sending them out to protect the Navy launch of a spy satellite and getting them in trouble with their families for blowing up the kitchen. This time, Emmi’s martial-arts skills save the day. The illustrations are done in an Americanized anime style with four to eight frames per page. There are additional graphic pages with data, and each title ends with a profile of the main character and some instant chat among the team members. The story and dialogue are appropriate for younger children and will also appeal to older reluctant readers. There are enough technological details to maintain interest, but not much background or character development. The theme of teamwork is clear, as each student uses a talent to help accomplish the task.–Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL
Back to Books Blog
Each member of the Recon Academy has been sold a fantastic new laptop but soon they discover they are ticking bombs. At the same time the Navy is launching a secret spy satellite nearby and the team has been too busy to provide any security but now they rush to save themselves and the satellite from the Shadow Cell. This book features the lone female in the four member group, Emmi, whose special skill is martial arts. Very intricate, exciting story with an involved plot which is suitable for the publisher's recommended ages 8-13. The artwork is well done and reminiscent of what one finds in cartoon shows of this nature. The book is much harder to read than the 1.7 RL would have you believe with such phrases as "they're only prototypes", "time to decrypt their code" and "heat detection monitor". With my son's reading level we had to do shared reading, with me reading the harder words but the story was definitely a hit with him. He wants to read all four books. Fortunately we have one more at home, then we'll be off to the library!
Library Media Connection
The Recon Academy series features four characters with unique skills, including forensics, martial arts, computers, and gadgetry. Together, these talented Seaside High students form an impressive secret security team as they battle the evil forces of Shadow Cell. Nuclear Distraction begins with Hazmat and Emmi at a karate tournament where Ryker and Jay call to inform them of the security breach at Seaside’s nuclear power plant. Shaw Cell Scam involves technological warfare as each member of Recon receives a free laptop, which they soon learn is a ticking time bomb filled wit toxic gas. The series features full color manga-like drawings with action, adventure, and high-tech gadgetry. The writing is minimal and simplistic while the plot is fast paced. Each book features case files that summarize the plot and provide some factual information related to the story. “Spyspace,” a la MySpace, highlights the main character along with his or her blog. Additional features include discussion questions and writing prompts. This high-interest, low-level series is sure to be a hit with many readers. Glossary. Recommended.
Bookworming in the 21st Century Blog
Summary: The US Navy is launching a secret spy satellite near Seaside High School. However, the Recon Academy is distracted. Each member has just received a brand-new laptop computer - for free! When the machines go haywire, the team must scramble to save themselves and the satellite. Review: This book was a fun, engaging read involving four high school students that have different superpowers. It probably would have helped if I had read the first book, but I got into the story nonetheless. I love the feel of this graphic novel, it's fun and adventurous and great for kids who are fans of comic book heroes. There are some great resources at the end for librarians and teachers - discussion questions, writing prompts, and a glossary. Recommended for 3rd grade and up. http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2010/01/recon-academy-shadow-cell-scam.html
