School Library Journal Review

Gr 4--8--La Ion is accused by the Battle Robot Team of being a spy for their rivals, the Robot Soccer Club! However, while he does feel that the battle robots are pretty cool, La Ion's not looking to become a full-fledged member of either club. Will either side be able to convince him that robotics are pretty darn cool?! This second installment deftly builds off the progress made in the first. The same elements that made the first book a successful outing (vibrant artwork, charismatic characters, informational post-chapter pieces) are back to give young readers another dose of edutainment fun. Deeper looks into newer characters (school Principal Park, his former student-turned-robotics engineer Cybo) add new angles to the story, while a handy character guide at the book's open makes sure that readers remember who everyone is and what distinguishes them from everyone else. Important and relevant themes, such as fitting in and respecting one another's interests, lie at the root of the story, making this title much more than just a fun ruckus with robotics. VERDICT Building on all that it does right in the previous volume, the series continues to be an enjoyable manga for young readers that'll teach them plenty of lessons applicable inside and outside the classroom.--Joe Pascullo