Sci-Fu

Gr 4–6—Wax, a budding deejay in 1980s Brooklyn, has a crush on his neighbor, Pirate Polly. He makes mixes with his friend Cooky P and works at his uncle Rashaad's ice-cream truck with Cooky and his sister D. One day Wax's beats accidentally get him, his crew, and his entire apartment building, including Polly and her pet cat, picked up by an alien ship and transported to the planet Discopia. Of course, the falling building kills the robot ruler King Chug Chug and rouses the anger of his son, Choo Choo, who vows revenge. All hopes of returning to Earth seem lost. With the help of Kabuki Snowman, who teaches Wax the art of Sci-Fu (or manipulating sound waves—the perfect talent for the aspiring deejay), our hero must create mixes that stop Choo Choo and his motley crew, the Five Deadly Dangers, in their tracks. Wax must learn Sci-Fu and remember what keeps him human before it's too late. This gem of a graphic novel is nostalgic but not overly retro. The art is exemplary, with a rich palette and eye-catching aliens, and the text is easy to read. Wax's raps are entertaining, and action words are interspersed liberally throughout. Thankfully, this fast-paced, lighthearted, fun title leaves room for a sequel.