It's summer, but instead of having a fun vacation, Devin Chang and his older sister Nadia are working at the Lil Brains Summer Camp at the university where their mother does research. When Dr. Chang gets blamed for accidents at the lab, the kids start investigating and discover that a multinational corporation that sponsors the research has plans to control the world's food supply with genetically modified foods. This entry in the Graphic Guide Adventure series incorporates a lot of information about natural foods versus genetically modified foods into a strong mystery that is great for series fans and new readers.

O%E2%80%99Donnell, the writer behind the Sherlockesque Max Finder series, successfully returns to mystery graphic novels for kids. This slim volume%E2%80%94the fifth of the Graphic Guide Adventures series%E2%80%94contains 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%E2%80%99s clear that O%E2%80%99Donnell has a knack for not only entertaining with an unsolved case but teaching important facts. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. (Apr.)