The Maker Comic series really delivered with this comic. Framed as a student needing to complete community service, the leader of the Community Garden shows him how to be sustainable. At first, the student is very much "no way" but things start to click for him as the week goes in. In traditional style, there are activities to try. It's a solid entry and very educational. I'd recommend for those even thinking about sustainability but have no idea where to start.

Misleading, in that this comic doesn't belong in this series. With the predominant message of environmentalism, it would be a better fit in the Science Comics line (explaining how interconnected the various process of gardening and life cycles are) or even the History Comics line (with discussion of changing attitudes towards reusability, for example).

I expect a Maker Comic to have a lot of activities kids can do, and while there are nods in that direction, with instructions on building a rain barrel or recycled notebook, I suspect a worm farm or bee garden is beyond most readers' abilities or interests.

That said, the characters and settings are well-drawn and expressive. It isn't really a do-it-yourself guide, though, so much as a polemic or evangelistic tract.

Note: The file I downloaded from NetGalley said Live Sustainably but was actually for Maker Comics: Conduct a Science Experiment so this review is for Conduct a Science Experiment.

Reed is stuck home with his college-age sister while his mom goes on vacation with her friend. And worst of all, his internet is being turned off and Olive is going to make him do science experiments with her all week. He just knows it is going to be awful. But Olive and her science experiments just may surprise Reed.

I like the variety of very accessible science experiments that Olive has Reed do. None of them require any super special ingredients or equipment (strawberries or rubbing alcohol might be the hardest to get your hands on, if that helps show how common the ingredients used are), so most readers should be able to follow along and do most of the experiments too. Solid science bits about friction, biological macromolecules, ecology, and astronomy are covered as the two do the experiments. None of it should be too hard for middle grade readers to grasp. A very nice educational graphic novel that will help kids unplug not just by reading, but giving them activity ideas as well.

Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues beyond a brother calling a sister stupid (he later apologizes). No sexual content. It is not stated whether their mom’s female friend who seems to live with them is a partner or not. No violence.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.