Lab 101 by Benjamin Hulme-Cross
Published by Darby Creek Publishing on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541525817
Pages: 72
Goodreads

In Mission Alert, a new series from author Benjamin Hulme-Cross, simple language, action, and limited text per page are rolled into a quick chapter book. The storyline of  Lab 101  finds twin secret agents, Tom and Zilla sent by Mission Control to find out what is really going at a new robot center whose owners have criminal ties.  What is behind the guide’s “bright” blue eyes and why do the students have to have a 3-D body scan as they enter the facility? The book jumps right into the story with little character development and predictably concludes making the reader feel like there should be more.  

The book is well illustrated in manga style by Kanako and Yuzuru. There are comprehension questions at the end of the book that will be helpful to tutors and teachers.

Overall, Mission Alert: Lab 101 will appeal to older readers with limited reading skills and at the same time is appropriate for younger readers on a higher literacy level.   

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library