Graphic novels appeal to reluctant readers

These new books tell fascinating tales in the uber-popular graphic or comic book style. From a twisted tale of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to a new nonfiction-based “Science Comics” series, they make summer reading fun.

‘Spill Zone’ by Scott Westerfeld and Alex Puvilland; First Second; 211 pages; $22.99.

Though Addie’s hometown of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., was destroyed three years prior and is quarantined, Addie can’t help but visit, armed with a camera and curiosity. With no survivors and plenty of lethal dangers, the Spill Zone, as it’s now called, sinisterly awaits her.

With a feel of “Lost” meets “The X Files,” “Spill Zone” is certainly dark and twisted but also extremely fun and imaginative. Alex Puvilland’s comics are colorful, detailed and classically cool, while Scott Westerfeld’s exciting words are equal parts sarcastic, witty and subtly scary.

‘Compass South’ by Hope Larson; illustrated by Rebecca Mock; Farrar Straus and Giroux; 224 pages; $17.99.

For middle grade fans of adventures at sea, Hope Larson’s energetic book is a must. It introduces 12-year-old twins who join New York’s Black Hook gang in 1860 but have to separate in order to search for their lost father.

In order to avenge his burglary arrest, Alex has to serve on a Bay Area-bound ship, while Cleo stows away on a steamer ship, hoping to meet her brother at the end of his journey. What they don’t know is they both hold the keys to a lost pirate treasure and are being pursued by bloodthirsty pirates and gang leaders.

Rebecca Mock presents lots of exciting action scenes, and Larson’s comic bubbles are droll, funny and authentic to the time period.

‘Science Comics’ seires from First Second/MacMillan; 120 pages; $12.99 paperback/$19.99 hardcover.

First Second’s new science-based comic series is completely fun and playful, aimed at kids ages 8 to 12. It truly hits a mark other science graphic novels have not. Kids are taught topics in a unique, less involved way. There are concise lighthearted words and zesty illustrations. The editors worked hard to add characters and stories kids care about.

“Bats: Learning to Fly” by Falynn Koch introduces Little Brown Bat, who has a broken wing and is recovering at an animal rehabilitation center. While falling for the ailing bat, readers will learn how fruit bats help replant forests, and that bat saliva can be used to make life-saving medicine.

“Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared,” written by Alison Wilgus and illustrated by Molly Brooks, explains through vivid graphics how the Wright brothers battled mechanical failures, lack of information and competing aviators to conquer their goals.

“Volcanoes: Fire and Life” by Jon Chad explains magma vents and shifting continental plates, as explained by young explorer Aurora.

The whole series, six books in total so far, is available in paperback and hardcover, and there’s more to come.