Food Fight

May 3, 2010
O’Donnell, the writer behind the Sherlockesque Max Finder series, successfully returns to mystery graphic novels for kids. This slim volume—the fifth of the Graphic Guide Adventures series—contains a single mystery story, rather than the short mysteries found in Max Finder, and revolves around the smarts of Devin Chang; his sister, Nadia; and their friend, Simon. Stuck at a summer camp while his mother, Dr. Chang, researches how to use water more effectively for crops, Devin initially tries to flee any responsibility by hiding from camp counselors or playing hooky with Simon. However, when his mother is framed for sabotaging the research, Devin needs to clear her name. In the midst of finding the real perpetrator, lessons on growing food, organic farming, and carbon footprints pop up, teaching both characters and readers. With the increased attention lately on caring for the Earth, these lessons feel especially apt, and it’s clear that O’Donnell has a knack for not only entertaining with an unsolved case but teaching important facts. Ages 8–12.