Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hint of romance in funny, high-energy graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Picking up right where the earlier volume left off, POTIONS & PARAMETERS has the Coders figuring out how to escape from a horde of fanged ducks. The kids solve the puzzle, but they are no match for Professor One-Zero, who has possession of the powerful Turtle of Light and intends to enslave the world with his brain-numbing Green Pop. Reunited with their beloved teacher, Professor Bee, Hopper, Josh, and Eni learn that their only hope may lie within another dimension. This installment ends with the Coders ready to journey into Flatland.
Is It Any Good?
Graphic novels are an excellent way to tackle educational subjects, and this high-energy comic provides plenty of action in addition to coding lessons. Writer Gene Luen Yang and illustrator Mike Holmes balance the puzzles and the sci-fi adventure in Potions & Parameters, creating the perfect mix of instruction and comedy. The Coders meet new allies, but they also learn new things about themselves and the feelings they're developing for each other. Readers who've come this far will be eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Potions & Parameters uses the graphic novel format to teaching coding. Why might comics be especially well suited to educational topics?
Does coding seem like a fun activity? Should computer programming be taught at all schools?
The relationships among the Coders are changing. How might a friendship feel different after a while?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mike Holmes
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School ) , Robots
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : March 27, 2018
- Number of pages : 112
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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