Heroes of Light and Sound (Superpower Science)

Lin and Brown question whether superheroes can stand up to the laws of biology and physics in this educational comics-format offering. After explaining in clear and accessible language how human ears and eyes work (“next stop for the vibrations is the cochlea in your inner ear”), the creators explore why various superpowers might be more distressing than enjoyable. For instance, invisibility would be rendered moot by dust in the air landing on the invisible person, and having super-hearing might mean never getting a peaceful night’s rest again. With an effective blend of superhero-related action panels and visual explanations that illuminate scientific concepts, this volume offers an engaging opportunity for readers to gain a stronger understanding of bodies and science. Also available: Fantastic Forces and Motion, Masters of Matter, and The Superhuman Body. Ages 9–16. (Apr.)