SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
SLJ Blog Network +
  • 100 Scope Notes
  • A Fuse #8 Production
  • Good Comics for Kids
  • Heavy Medal: A Mock Newbery Blog
  • Teen Librarian Toolbox
  • The Classroom Bookshelf
  • The Yarn
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About/Contact
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Manga
  • All Ages
  • Young Adult
  • Interviews
  • News

December 17, 2018 by Johanna

Review: ‘Science Comics: Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice’

December 17, 2018 by Johanna   Leave a Comment

Science Comics: Polar Bears

Science Comics: Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice
Written by Jason Viola, Illustrated by Zack Giallongo
First Second, $19.99 (hardcover), $12.99 (paperback)
Grades 4-8

The latest installment of First Second’s excellent non-fiction graphic novel series dives deep into the life of one of the world’s most distinctive animals.

Anik and Ila are sibling polar bear cubs. As they spat with each other and follow Mama around the Arctic, the reader learns in great detail the nature of life in such a harsh environment. Science Comics: Polar Bears covers types of ice, what makes polar bears mammals, how they swim, and the strategies they use for hunting. There’s also information on the unique anatomy that allows polar bears to survive in such an extreme setting and the life cycle of Arctic animals, from algae through krill to seals, the bear’s preferred meal.

Viola doesn’t shy away from the dangers and harsh conditions of this life, with mentions of why the cubs don’t know their father — he might kill and eat them — or showing the results of a seal hunt, with carcasses and bloody muzzles. This life is intense, but there’s also emphasis on the need for patience, stillness, and quiet.

SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Science Comics: Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice

Giallongo has a fluid, slightly exaggerated style that wonderfully captures the power and grace of these animals. The active cubs are constantly in motion, keeping the reader interested and giving every panel something new to see. They have a ton of personality, and the informative bits are kept visually interesting with pop culture references, like a fast food menu or a wifi signal indicator.

As the cubs contemplate growing up, they’re told about how they’ll need to fight, the mating process, building a birthing den, and interactions with humans. Later, things turn melancholy, as the effects of pollution are detailed, and a section covers how climate change is reducing the ice the polar bears need to survive.

As with other Science Comics, the volume concludes with a glossary, background notes, and reference reading. With its deep dive and rough conditions, Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice isn’t for everyone — teachers or parents may wish to be prepared to discuss some of the more violent or discouraging elements with young readers — but it’s a fascinating collection of facts about the biology and survival of a unique mammal.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Reviews, Young Adult

SHARE:

Read or Leave Comments
First SecondJason ViolaPolar BearsZack Giallongo

About Johanna

Johanna Draper Carlson has been reviewing comics for over 20 years. She manages ComicsWorthReading.com, the longest-running independent review site online that covers all genres of comic books, graphic novels, and manga. She has an MA in popular culture, studying online fandom, and was previously, among many other things, webmaster for DC Comics. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

February 2023

Insomniacs After School, vol. 1 | Review

by Johanna

February 2023

Kiss Number 8 | Review

by Johanna

January 2023

My Sister, the Cat, vol. 1 | Review

by Johanna

December 2022

Heartstopper Volumes 1 and 2 | Review

by Johanna

December 2022

Ride On | Review

by Johanna

ADVERTISEMENT

SLJ Blog Network

100 Scope Notes

2023 Caldecott Jump

by Travis Jonker

A Fuse #8 Production

Fuse 8 n’ Kate: A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

by Betsy Bird

Good Comics for Kids

Ben Mortara and the Thieves of the Golden Table | This Week’s Comics

by Lori Henderson

Heavy Medal

March suggestions: early Mock Newbery possibilities

by Emily Mroczek-Bayci

Teen Librarian Toolbox

New Reports Show a Decline in YA Book Sales and I Have Some Thoughts as to Why That Might be Happening

by Karen Jensen, MLS

The Classroom Bookshelf

The Classroom Bookshelf is Moving

by Erika Thulin Dawes

The Yarn

Newbery Medalist Amina Luqman-Dawson visits The Yarn

by Colby Sharp

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles on SLJ

Nonfiction Graphic Novels Spotlight Microhistories and Overlooked Historical Figures

12 Graphic Novel Series Updates for Young Readers

More and More Manga: An Updated Primer on Japanese Comic Books and Graphic Novels

2 Graphic Novels About Making Friends in Middle School

Funny Books for Unfunny Times

Commenting for all posts is disabled after 30 days.

ADVERTISEMENT

Archives

Follow This Blog

Enter your email address below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

Primary Sidebar

  • News & Features
  • Reviews+
  • Technology
  • School Libraries
  • Public Libraries
  • Age Level
  • Ideas
  • Blogs
  • Classroom
  • Diversity
  • People
  • Job Zone

Reviews+

  • Book Lists
  • Best Books
  • Media
  • Reference
  • Series Made Simple
  • Tech
  • Review for SLJ
  • Review Submissions

SLJ Blog Network

  • 100 Scope Notes
  • A Fuse #8 Production
  • Good Comics for Kids
  • Heavy Medal
  • Neverending Search
  • Teen Librarian Toolbox
  • The Classroom Bookshelf
  • The Yarn

Resources

  • 2022 Youth Media Awards
  • The Newbery at 100: SLJ Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Award
  • Special Report | School Libraries 2021
  • Summer Reading 2021
  • Series Made Simple Spring 2021
  • SLJ Diverse Books Survey
  • Summer Programming Survey
  • Research
  • White Papers / Case Studies
  • School Librarian of the Year
  • Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards
  • Librarian/Teacher Collaboration Award

Events & PD

  • In-Person Events
  • Online Courses
  • Virtual Events
  • Webcasts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Media Inquiries
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Content Submissions
  • Data Privacy
  • Terms of Use
  • Terms of Sale
  • FAQs
  • Diversity Policy
  • Careers at MSI


COPYRIGHT © 2023


COPYRIGHT © 2023