Science Comics: The Digestive System by Jason Viola

Illustrated by Andy Ristaino

In this entry of Science Comics, artist and writer attempt to break down a complicated system and explain it with clever illustrations, narrated by bacteria found throughout the digestive system.  Readers are taken through the major areas of digestion: the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the rectum.  Other organs discussed are the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and appendix.  Vomit, burping, and farting are also explained as products and necessary functions of digestion.

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I was initially thrown a bit off this title because the first concept that was chosen to to covered was the different elements that are in our food that the body must absorb for its functions.  This created an introduction full of complex terms and scientific processes without much background to go off of.  In other Science Comics titles, words in the glossary are highlighted a different color when they appear in the text, but not so with this one.  They are italicized, but not indicated that these words appear in the glossary at the end.  Once I got past the types of materials, the rest of the explanation of digestion and the parts of the process were broken down nicely and easier to digest ;). 

The accompanying illustrations more often provided comic relief, less often actually illustrated the process that was being described.  They did provide some needed levity to a very dense topic.

Sara's Rating: 7/10
Suitability Level: Grades 4-10

This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley. 

Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: March 21, 2021
ISBN: 9781250204059 (Hardcover)

Tags: Rating: 7/10, Suitability: Elementary School, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Graphic Fiction, Science, First Second