Power Play: A Graphic Guide Adventure

by Liam O'Donnell, Mike Deas (Illustrator)

Devin and Nadia team up with Bounce, Pema and Marcus as they all travel to Northern Ontario to watch their parents present to the Summit of World Leaders. A swarm of politicians, lobbyists, corporate bosses and protestors have all converged on the summit to get their messages heard. A tragic accident just hours before their parents' presentation plunges the kids into their biggest mystery yet and sets them on the trail of a murderer bent on stopping their parents' controversial message from being heard. It's a fight against the planet's power players as the kids dive into the world of politics, uncovering how government works, the history of democracy, the influence of lobbyists and corporations on politicians and the potential of civil society to change it all.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade

64 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

I’m an award-winning author, educator and literacy advocate. I have created over 35 graphic novels and books specifically for reluctant readers, including Max Finder Mystery, Graphic Guide Adventures, Geeked Out Mysteries and two new series Tank & Fizz and Battle of the Blocks.

Visit liamodonnell.com and say hi! That'd be awesome.

Reviews

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power Play takes place during the Summit of World Leaders where the biggest issue is about clean water for all. The main characters are a group of kids which are smack dab in the middle of the controversy- big companies vs. the little guys who want clean water- and the conflict is turning up. Soon someone is dead and only the kids are interested in finding out the truth behind what is going on.

Through the narrative, the story not only entertains but teaches as well. It discusses and introduces many different aspects of politics including how the government works, summits, democracy, protests & civil disobedience, lobbyists, and the different levels of government. And the book does such a good job at weaving the information into the story. It would be such a wonderful asset in a social studies or civics classroom.

What I loved most about the book is how seamlessly the authors switched intbetween teaching and entertaining. Very rarely did the informational parts of the story not seem to fit within the actual narrative. Though the informational aspects are shown almost as diagrams, less like a comic, the inclusion of the info doesn't seem forced.

Though I haven't read the other books in the Graphic Guide Adventure series yet, I did notice that this particular book includes the information differently than the others. In Power Play, the information is more of a sidebar or graphic aid added into the story while in the other books, if a certain piece of information is needed for that panel, a information box is put at the top of the panel explaining what you need to know. I look forward to reading the others in the series.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus's father is giving a talk on the importance of sharing, not selling, water at the World Leaders summit, and no sooner have they stepped off the plane than they're embroiled in controversy, vandalism, and harassment. Luckily, Marcus doesn't have to sort it all out in his own: along with his little brother, Bounce, and Bounce's best friend, Nadia and her brother Devin are attending the conference, too. With the whole gang working together, they'll get to the bottom of the conspiracy in no time.

In their sixth Graphic Guides collaboration, O'Donnell and Deas show off just how far they've come since writing informational comics about skateboard tricks and wilderness survival: Power Play gives an overview of democracy, political parties, civil disobedience, and even lobbyists. The conspiracy is a little far-fetched, but still gripping and propels the story. Upper-elementary and middle-school students will appreciate this new adventure, and might not even notice the civics lesson.

Caveat: At this point in the series it's becoming obvious that the creative team behind this series is pretty liberal and thinks conservatives are at the very least crazy. It's hard to stay impartial when your heroes ask questions like "why would anyone vote against this water accord that will give guarantee clean drinking water around the world?" and the answer is "because they would rather sell water than share it." Liberalism doesn't bother ME at all--I rather prefer it--but it's worth noting all the same.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was really good. Liam O'Donnell has done some really good graphic novels with the right amount of mystery and Action Adventure. I think that is why I like his books so much.

[Nicholas Miller]

It was awesome and I learned a lot about politacs.

[Saara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine intro to civics and rights, ensconced in an exciting adventure. Definitely for the 8-12 crowd.

[MrsHamel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description: Devin and Nadia, along with their friends, work to solve a mystery at the World Leaders Summit. There is plenty of adventure and educational material in this graphic novel.

Reaction: Not likely to be popular as a read-for-pleasure book, but a great way to highlight to social studies content. Canadian content is appreciated.

Recommended Level: Intermediate

Subjects/Themes: government, policy

Curriculum Connections: Grade 8 Social - Government

Awards: 2012 Diamond Willow Nominee

Series Information: Part of the Graphic Guide Adventure series