«This book features Hazmat whose special skill is forensics but as we start off he participating in a karate tournament which Emmi has been training him for. They soon receive a call that there has been a security breach at a nearby nuclear power plant. The four member group is on their way and who do they find on the scene but the Shadow Cell. Here they are all put to the test, but Hazmat is put front and centre as he rushes straight into the danger alone where he uses his forensic skills, new found karate moves, faces close death and ends up with a date. A very exciting installment in the series. My son is anxious to read the other two books in the series. Once again though the book is much harder to read than the 1.9 RL would have you believe and with my son's reading level we had to do shared reading, with me also reading the harder words. I enjoyed the way the 'date' was handled. My son is 9 so this idea creeped him out. While the one boy with the date smooth talks about his upcoming evening there is an opposing character who "oh brother's" him all the time adding a comic relief for kids who are younger. This series is very suitable for a wide range of ages and would be perfect for older struggling readers. I'd recommend this right up to Grade 6.»

Back to Books

«The Recon Academy series features four characters with unique skills, including forensics, martial arts, computers, and gadgetry. Together, these talented Seaside High students form an impressive secret security team as they battle the evil forces of Shadow Cell. Nuclear Distraction begins with Hazmat and Emmi at a karate tournament where Ryker and Jay call to inform them of the security breach at Seaside’s nuclear power plant. Shaw Cell Scam involves technological warfare as each member of Recon receives a free laptop, which they soon learn is a ticking time bomb filled wit toxic gas. The series features full color manga-like drawings with action, adventure, and high-tech gadgetry. The writing is minimal and simplistic while the plot is fast paced. Each book features case files that summarize the plot and provide some factual information related to the story. “Spyspace,” a la MySpace, highlights the main character along with his or her blog. Additional features include discussion questions and writing prompts. This high-interest, low-level series is sure to be a hit with many readers. Glossary. Recommended.»

Library Media Connection

«Four high school students become friends and create a special security force to save the world, called Recon Academy. Nuclear Distraction introduces Hazmat, whose special abilities include ballistics, toxicology, and fingerprint analysis. With his forensic skills, he tracks the bad Shadow Cell team through a nuclear plant and recovers the data they were stealing. Shadow Cell Scam begins with each team member being given a free laptop that soon explodes, sending them out to protect the Navy launch of a spy satellite and getting them in trouble with their families for blowing up the kitchen. This time, Emmi’s martial-arts skills save the day. The illustrations are done in an Americanized anime style with four to eight frames per page. There are additional graphic pages with data, and each title ends with a profile of the main character and some instant chat among the team members. The story and dialogue are appropriate for younger children and will also appeal to older reluctant readers. There are enough technological details to maintain interest, but not much background or character development. The theme of teamwork is clear, as each student uses a talent to help accomplish the task.»

School Library Journal