The Amazing Story of the Combustion Engine: Max Axiom STEM Adventures

At an auto show with his student niece, super scientist Max Axiom describes the workings of the internal combustion engine. The information, presented in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step manner (“Before learning how combustion works, we need to look at the parts that help the car run.”), includes the internal combustion engine’s operation, uses, and drawbacks. Other types of combustion engines and their capabilities are also compared. Explanations are supported by clear, labeled diagrams and illustrations. The energetic graphic-novel format adds a narrative element as the protagonists travel back in time to interview an inventor, for example, and shrink down to explore a working combustion engine. Occasional text boxes provide further detail. The ample back matter includes additional facts about the internal combustion engine, critical thinking questions, more about Max Axiom, a glossary, a list of text resources, a link to publisher-approved Web sites, and an index.