What do you think?
Rate this book
Science Comics
Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements: Understanding the Building Blocks of Everything
Step out of your element with Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements, the latest volume of First Second's nonfiction graphic novel series!
The periodic table helps us quickly understand the 118 elements, those tiny substances that make up everything in the world. By using the periodic table, we can recognize how these building blocks behave, find trends and patterns in the universe, and make predictions about elements that haven’t been discovered yet. Join us in learning about the periodic table...and maybe the next big discovery will be yours!
The periodic table helps us quickly understand the 118 elements, those tiny substances that make up everything in the world. By using the periodic table, we can recognize how these building blocks behave, find trends and patterns in the universe, and make predictions about elements that haven’t been discovered yet. Join us in learning about the periodic table...and maybe the next big discovery will be yours!
128 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2023
15 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 6, 2023
I’m so excited for another installment of the super-popular Science Comics series! In this one, all of the elements appear in creature form, and Mel and her pal Hydrogen have to make it past them using Mel’s knowledge of the periodic table to defeat the Elemancer.
I absolutely loved the way the chemistry information was presented with clear explanations, relevant examples, and engaging illustrations. It’s a great intro to chemistry for kids (and a great refresher for adults).
I will say, I really did NOT like the “Mel’s test-taking anxiety and lack of confidence” vs. the Evil Elemancer narrative used for the story - it was so cringey. That said, I can’t wait to have this book in our library - the kids love this series and it’s sure to be a popular addition.
* thanks to First Second Books for the NetGalley review copy. This publishes March 14, 2023.
I absolutely loved the way the chemistry information was presented with clear explanations, relevant examples, and engaging illustrations. It’s a great intro to chemistry for kids (and a great refresher for adults).
I will say, I really did NOT like the “Mel’s test-taking anxiety and lack of confidence” vs. the Evil Elemancer narrative used for the story - it was so cringey. That said, I can’t wait to have this book in our library - the kids love this series and it’s sure to be a popular addition.
* thanks to First Second Books for the NetGalley review copy. This publishes March 14, 2023.
Read
August 13, 2023How? Another Science Comics book my parents picked up for my kiddo and me during our long trip to NY.
What? Mel is worried about chemistry test she has to take, even though she's studied so hard, because she always cracks under the pressure to be perfect. Before going to bed, she plays an RPG with a friend, and the two combine into a dream where she has to defeat an evil chemist by invading his periodic table fortress, patrolled by monsters that represent different chemicals/periodic groups. Mel is constantly battling her own anxiety over the test, but with the emotional support of Hydrogen -- who she constantly has to tell about the chemicals and history of chemistry -- she overcomes her fears both in the dream and in the test.
Yeah, so? The emotional journey of this character takes a fair bit of time, but what can I say? As an anxious parent of an anxious kid, I appreciated it, and the framework works for a quick view of the periodic table and groups.
What? Mel is worried about chemistry test she has to take, even though she's studied so hard, because she always cracks under the pressure to be perfect. Before going to bed, she plays an RPG with a friend, and the two combine into a dream where she has to defeat an evil chemist by invading his periodic table fortress, patrolled by monsters that represent different chemicals/periodic groups. Mel is constantly battling her own anxiety over the test, but with the emotional support of Hydrogen -- who she constantly has to tell about the chemicals and history of chemistry -- she overcomes her fears both in the dream and in the test.
Yeah, so? The emotional journey of this character takes a fair bit of time, but what can I say? As an anxious parent of an anxious kid, I appreciated it, and the framework works for a quick view of the periodic table and groups.
September 14, 2022
Mel has been learning about the periodic table and school but is worried about an upcoming test. When she goes to bed the night before, she dreams about going into an alternate world where she journeys through the periodic table to defeat Elemenacer and save the world from a science experiment gone awry.
This was pretty cute and a nice way to give an overview of the periodic table. It briefly discusses how the periodic table was originally put together. Each different period of the table is highlighted to show how the different elements in it are similar and how they compare to the other elements.
This was pretty cute and a nice way to give an overview of the periodic table. It briefly discusses how the periodic table was originally put together. Each different period of the table is highlighted to show how the different elements in it are similar and how they compare to the other elements.
September 5, 2022
Why wasn´t it on the market when I needed it???? :)
What a great way to explain something that difficult (from a child's point of view)! This book really makes the periodic table easy to understand and fun, too, because the drawings are great! I read this with my kids and we all loved it.
I can´t recommend this book enough, really. What a fantastic help for parents and teachers. Well done!
What a great way to explain something that difficult (from a child's point of view)! This book really makes the periodic table easy to understand and fun, too, because the drawings are great! I read this with my kids and we all loved it.
I can´t recommend this book enough, really. What a fantastic help for parents and teachers. Well done!
May 23, 2023
I really enjoyed how this graphic novel was framed. So fun to have it in the world of a fantasy RPG to learn about the periodic table of elements!!!
May 26, 2023
I definitely learned (and retained) more about the periodic table of elements by reading this book than I did taking Chemistry in High School. I wish this book had been available back then! I would have gotten a better grade for sure :) Jon Chad does an amazing job clearly explaining the elements and how/why they are organized in the periodic table, while also keeping it fun with a dungeon crawl plot line with plenty of monsters and a evil sorcerer who must be defeated. I also really appreciated the message about self-confidence and how preparing for a test (or any other important task in life) can help you succeed. A great book for anyone wanting to learn more about how elements make up our universe!
February 26, 2023
Graphic Non-Fiction
I received an electronic ARC from First Second Books through NetGalley.
The latest in this series on various scientific topics. This time readers learn about all portions of the Periodic Table from the two main characters. Mel suffers from test anxiety and ends up in a strange dream the night before a big test. She enters a land and meets Hydrogen. Together, they have to defeat the Elemancer and save this world. To do so, they travel through the Periodic Table groups and defeat the monster elements. Mel finally gains confidence in herself after listening to Hydrogen's belief in her. They do defeat the Elemancer and Mel wakes up to tackle her own fears and nerves.
I appreciate the informative text woven in this story. The visuals bring the Periodic Table into focus and make it easier to understand.
I received an electronic ARC from First Second Books through NetGalley.
The latest in this series on various scientific topics. This time readers learn about all portions of the Periodic Table from the two main characters. Mel suffers from test anxiety and ends up in a strange dream the night before a big test. She enters a land and meets Hydrogen. Together, they have to defeat the Elemancer and save this world. To do so, they travel through the Periodic Table groups and defeat the monster elements. Mel finally gains confidence in herself after listening to Hydrogen's belief in her. They do defeat the Elemancer and Mel wakes up to tackle her own fears and nerves.
I appreciate the informative text woven in this story. The visuals bring the Periodic Table into focus and make it easier to understand.
March 20, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
I so enjoy reading the Science Comics! And reading The Periodic Table of Elements is no exception. Informative, colorful, and an engaging way to get information about the periodic table across with comics – a fun way to learn (or re-learn in my case).
Mel is worried about an upcoming exam on the periodic table as she seems to freeze up when writing exams – regardless of how much they know about the subject. I love a couple of the bubble thoughts as Mel falls asleep:
“I wish that I could be as brave and confident in the face of a test as I am in the face of an iron or bronze monster. But it’s always going to be the same result. No matter how much I study, I’ll mess it up…”
I certainly feel that many students feel the same way. All it takes is confidence.
So now Mel is asleep and enters a dream world – the Land of the Elements – a magical land where the elements come alive before one’s very eyes! Turns out that Mel must protect an important book. So the journey begins with Hydrogen and Mel. Mel walks the reader through the periodic table according to the elemental groupings all while evading Elemancer – who wants a book Hydrogen is holding on to!
The book gives a brief introduction as to how the periodic table was originally constructed. And as the journey continues, Mel and Hydrogen travel through the periodic table groups, defeating each monster element and ultimately saving the world. This journey gives Mel the confidence she needs to take her exam the next morning.
The graphics were colorful and the characters (Elemancer and Hydrogen specifically) were just as I would imagine them to be. The storyline would definitely be engaging for a middle school learner.
If you or a child you know is struggling with learning the periodic table, I suggest picking up this book and having a read. They will enjoy the journey of learning about the periodic table.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
I so enjoy reading the Science Comics! And reading The Periodic Table of Elements is no exception. Informative, colorful, and an engaging way to get information about the periodic table across with comics – a fun way to learn (or re-learn in my case).
Mel is worried about an upcoming exam on the periodic table as she seems to freeze up when writing exams – regardless of how much they know about the subject. I love a couple of the bubble thoughts as Mel falls asleep:
“I wish that I could be as brave and confident in the face of a test as I am in the face of an iron or bronze monster. But it’s always going to be the same result. No matter how much I study, I’ll mess it up…”
I certainly feel that many students feel the same way. All it takes is confidence.
So now Mel is asleep and enters a dream world – the Land of the Elements – a magical land where the elements come alive before one’s very eyes! Turns out that Mel must protect an important book. So the journey begins with Hydrogen and Mel. Mel walks the reader through the periodic table according to the elemental groupings all while evading Elemancer – who wants a book Hydrogen is holding on to!
The book gives a brief introduction as to how the periodic table was originally constructed. And as the journey continues, Mel and Hydrogen travel through the periodic table groups, defeating each monster element and ultimately saving the world. This journey gives Mel the confidence she needs to take her exam the next morning.
The graphics were colorful and the characters (Elemancer and Hydrogen specifically) were just as I would imagine them to be. The storyline would definitely be engaging for a middle school learner.
If you or a child you know is struggling with learning the periodic table, I suggest picking up this book and having a read. They will enjoy the journey of learning about the periodic table.
March 20, 2023
Mel is preparing her test on the periodic table. She’s studied hard, but she always gets so anxious during tests and freezes up. That night she dreams she has gone to a land where an evil wizard is threatening to destroy it and she must venture through a castle in the shape of the periodic table of the elements, making it past all the elemental monsters with her knowledge of what she’s studied. Hydrogen is a friendly companion for her as they make their way through all of the table’s sections to stop the evil wizard, but Hydrogen is relying on Mel’s knowledge of the elements’ weaknesses to get them through. Can Mel get them through or will she freeze up?
The author did their best to make this interesting and gave this a very creative premise, but parts of it still read a bit like a textbook. It’s a little hard to avoid these info dumps when explaining things like valence electrons and radiation in a short amount of pages. It is definitely the most creative book on the elements and period table I’ve come across, and does a thorough job of explaining all the different groups and their characteristics so middle school and high school intro to Chemistry teachers could use this instead of the textbook. I like that the book also tackles test anxiety along the way as I haven’t seen that addressed very much in middle grade literature.
Notes on content: Elemental monsters look like rocks and just get melted or tied up or things like that.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author did their best to make this interesting and gave this a very creative premise, but parts of it still read a bit like a textbook. It’s a little hard to avoid these info dumps when explaining things like valence electrons and radiation in a short amount of pages. It is definitely the most creative book on the elements and period table I’ve come across, and does a thorough job of explaining all the different groups and their characteristics so middle school and high school intro to Chemistry teachers could use this instead of the textbook. I like that the book also tackles test anxiety along the way as I haven’t seen that addressed very much in middle grade literature.
Notes on content: Elemental monsters look like rocks and just get melted or tied up or things like that.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2023
This could be used as a great resource for science classes and in the home to learn aid learning in a fun way. It makes science a bit more fun, not that this substitutes the usual text books, but is instead a great addition to them. It will be a useful resource in schools and at home. Here’s why:
The book has a story throughout it, but done in a way that also encourages learning of the periodic table and has the necessary facts throughout. It also has a little about exam anxieties and how they can be overcome too. It helps show science in a positive light and would be an asset to classrooms. It could be used as a useful tool to assist learners engage and especially those who struggle in their learning using more traditional methods.
In the home it can be used as an adventurous story that has trepidation in its fun, engaging plot and whilst readers can be enjoying this, they will naturally be soaking up the factual elements too.
Rated 4 1/2 stars on the blog
The book has a story throughout it, but done in a way that also encourages learning of the periodic table and has the necessary facts throughout. It also has a little about exam anxieties and how they can be overcome too. It helps show science in a positive light and would be an asset to classrooms. It could be used as a useful tool to assist learners engage and especially those who struggle in their learning using more traditional methods.
In the home it can be used as an adventurous story that has trepidation in its fun, engaging plot and whilst readers can be enjoying this, they will naturally be soaking up the factual elements too.
Rated 4 1/2 stars on the blog
April 19, 2023
One of the most creative framing devices I've seen in the Science Comics series. Sure, the intent is to teach about the periodic table of the elements, giving a basic understanding of how it works, but it's also about the main character's intense testing anxiety, something I bet a lot of the kids who will read this will be able to identify with. Here, the main character isn't being taught anything about the science. She knows a lot already, and is re-teaching to another character. The action mostly takes place in her D&D inspired dream, where facing an evil sorcerer helps her learn to have confidence in her own knowledge. Sure, there's a bunch of information, but the framing device also means regular breaks into action. Definitely more fun than some of the more straightforward Science Comics.
October 2, 2022
This middle grade graphic novel follows the story of Mel, a young girl who has been studying the periodic table for an upcoming test. The night before she dreams about an adventure travelling through the periodic table and saving the world from an evil science experiment. This book has some really fun elements (pun intended) while also giving some background information about the periodic table including the history behind it and comparing/contrasting different elements. I could see this being used by middle school science teachers as a way to introduce the subject or for parents of kids who really love science. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
March 16, 2023
I'm not going to pretend that this is a super gripping read for someone who's not into the subject. However, it makes the subject more interesting for someone who's not super into the subject, or someone who remembers their science better if they have a story to tie it to. The framing device works well, the information is laid out clearly, the art is well done, the panels easy to read, and the art is cute without being cutesy. Long and short, it does its job, and kids who like this series will probably enjoy this installment, and kids who need to study this subject will probably appreciate access to this one, too.
October 14, 2023
My son and I read a lot of the Science Comics series and are always excited when a new book comes out. This one came to his school library, and he picked it up right away. It’s the most technical of the Science Comics that I’ve read, which makes sense because it’s the periodic table we’re talking about.
It’s also a bit about anxiety and positive self-talk as much as it’s about chemistry. One of the main characters suffers from test anxiety as she navigates a dream journey through the periodic table were her trusty sidekick Hydrogen.
It’s the same artist who did the Pinball history, so if you like that one (and you’re not scared off by a chemistry lesson), you may like this one as well.
It’s also a bit about anxiety and positive self-talk as much as it’s about chemistry. One of the main characters suffers from test anxiety as she navigates a dream journey through the periodic table were her trusty sidekick Hydrogen.
It’s the same artist who did the Pinball history, so if you like that one (and you’re not scared off by a chemistry lesson), you may like this one as well.
March 4, 2023
This was the first Science Comics book I have ever read and now I look forward to exploring more books in the series. This book was filled with great information about the periodic table of elements and provided great illustrations and examples, especially for some of the harder concepts. I learned new stories and better ways to explain concepts! While the overall story structure wasn’t my favorite, I think it would appeal more to younger readers. I would highly recommend this for elementary and middle school readers and for classroom libraries.
June 27, 2024
Once again, a graphic novel has taught me more than a textbook could. It was refreshing to find a book that had a subject I was familiar with. Having all of the information on the periodic table stuffed into a graphic novel made it hard for me to continue to be interested and read all the way to the end. But I did it! It just took me a few days.
Great work Jon! I thought the elements in monster form was pretty cool. The illustrations helped me process all of the scientific terms and see on the page what they were talking about.
Great work Jon! I thought the elements in monster form was pretty cool. The illustrations helped me process all of the scientific terms and see on the page what they were talking about.
December 30, 2022
This one is less entertainment/information than straight information because it's chock full of explanations with a little bit of humor and storytelling. The others had a stronger storyline with the science added in.
This would be a great addition to pick up and put down in certain sections in a science classroom and less just because a kid was curious about the periodic table because it's dense.
This would be a great addition to pick up and put down in certain sections in a science classroom and less just because a kid was curious about the periodic table because it's dense.
September 12, 2022
This graphic novel does a great job of introducing the Periodic Table of Elements! It includes background information, history, and fun. It's an adventure through a fantasy land where all the elements take on a physical form. With help from his new friend Hydrogen and his knowledge of chemistry, Mel will face the Elemancer to try to save the world!
October 7, 2022
I felt like I learned more about chemistry from this graphic novel than I ever did in high school. What a clever and unique graphic novel.
It's the night before a big chemistry test and Mel is stressing herself out. She always freezes during tests despite knowing the materials inside and out. So when she falls asleep, it's no surprise that she is dreaming about the period table. But she never thought she would find herself IN the period table.
Mel awakens in the land of the periodic table where a Elemancer is running amuck and causing chaos. She must team up with Hydrogen to traverse the table and battle the elements to save the land. Can she beat the Elemancer and his testing schemes to save the land from his evil science experiment? Will Mel ace her test? Read on to find out!
I loved this blend of chemistry and dungeons and dragons. There is a Mel in every single class I have ever taught and I love that this book normalizes test anxiety and gives some strategies to help with it.
It's the night before a big chemistry test and Mel is stressing herself out. She always freezes during tests despite knowing the materials inside and out. So when she falls asleep, it's no surprise that she is dreaming about the period table. But she never thought she would find herself IN the period table.
Mel awakens in the land of the periodic table where a Elemancer is running amuck and causing chaos. She must team up with Hydrogen to traverse the table and battle the elements to save the land. Can she beat the Elemancer and his testing schemes to save the land from his evil science experiment? Will Mel ace her test? Read on to find out!
I loved this blend of chemistry and dungeons and dragons. There is a Mel in every single class I have ever taught and I love that this book normalizes test anxiety and gives some strategies to help with it.
May 3, 2023
This was such a cute book! I had to read it for my masters program and k thought it was so fun. I teach chemistry and physical science and there are SO many standards that this can relate to. I actually learned a few things too which was so fun! I will be using some ideas from this book for sure. Highly recommend if you want to know more about the periodic table and science in general.
October 13, 2024
Too much science. Too many words. And I really dislike any framing device that happens in a dream. This book was slow. But there were some interesting ways shown to demonstrate the difference between elements. And the framing device did work. So not bad. But I remember liking some text element books more. I did appreciate both the intro and the bibliography. 3.5 of 5
March 10, 2025
This was a pretty good introduction to the Period Table but Mel’s anxiety got overwhelming at times. I mean there are definitely kids with really bad test anxiety; I myself was one! But her anxiety was reaching melodramatic hurt/comfort fanfic territory. But I learned that sodium is a reactive metal so that’s fun.
April 18, 2023
Jon Chad does his usual outstanding job of weaving together interesting facts, compelling imagery, and a fun story to present the Periodic Table to middle/early grade high school readers. A great way to present an important topic!
May 15, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)
This is possibly the best science comic I've read so far. It explained the periodic table of elements in such an easy to understand way and also had a subplot about anxiety/being okay with the possibility of making mistakes.
This is possibly the best science comic I've read so far. It explained the periodic table of elements in such an easy to understand way and also had a subplot about anxiety/being okay with the possibility of making mistakes.
December 24, 2023
Perfection
I am Grade 6 although im dont have chemistry yet but i am still learning from home and i liked this book, especially the element characters, they inspired me to make characters that have different substances.
I am Grade 6 although im dont have chemistry yet but i am still learning from home and i liked this book, especially the element characters, they inspired me to make characters that have different substances.
October 3, 2025
It's time to review my elemtlental chemistry. It's been years since I reviewed my periodic table. This comic book lightly touches the surface, but definitely help remind me the basics of transition/non-transiton metals, halogens, alkali, etc.
March 16, 2023
5000 ⭐️
June 25, 2023
Too much going on
August 20, 2023
Much better than expected!
December 10, 2023
Good book
This book helped me understand the many wonders of the periodic table, although it was a bit unclear at times. Definitely recommend 👍
This book helped me understand the many wonders of the periodic table, although it was a bit unclear at times. Definitely recommend 👍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews