The stuff of life: a graphic guide to genetics and DNA, Schultz (Y, free review copy)
While it is a graphic nonfiction guide (with really good comic artists), it is not an easy read. Because it turns out that an accurate guide with complete coverage of the science, history (up to discoveries that happened after I was in school), and social effects of genetics is kinda complicated. I started skimming after a while but was very impressed. Some time when I feel smarter I may read it all the way through. Four stars.

The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook, David (Y free review copy)
Not only an excellent science story (three science-minded junior high students band together to form a secret science and invention club) but also excellently done: great characters, exciting story, and the graphic novel elements are beautifully rendered and laid out. The story and style are definitely enhanced by the format. Five stars! [Later note: I just realized that this book rekindles the feelings I had for Danny Dunn, Scientific Detective! Two other reviews compare the art to Chris Ware’s. I find it even more action-packed and vivid.]
*A brief footnote: The recent FTC rules clarification requiring bloggers to disclose free items received in exchange for publicity made me wonder if that would apply to the review books that I get for my day job and, as an extra bonus to you, review here. At any rate, if I note that a book is a free review copy it means I (through Washington State Young Adult Review Group or conference attendance or through friends who get them from publishers), got a free copy from the publisher to review. Though I will also note that I am not required to review it positively!

Andromeda Klein, Portman (Y)
I started reading it as a Y book, but kept reading it because I liked it for myself. Andromeda is charming and I was already familiar with the classical occult elements that form the motivating elements of the plot (some reviewers found this off putting) and enjoyed it a lot. HOWEVER! Don’t you think 424 pages is enough room to wrap up all of the mysteries you introduce? I would think so. Lots of ends were left not tied up. I enjoyed it while I was reading (ok, except the library policy parts: even more familiar to me than the occult, and he got parts wrong enough to take me out of the story), but after I felt that I had been led on for a weak ending. Three stars with a disapproving finger wag.