Readers eager for greater representation of women in the sciences will cheer to this empowering if squeaky-clean spy adventure. Taj, Simone, and Maya, three freshmen with distinct scientific specialties, get tapped to join the Curie Society at Edmond University. But first they must overcome their differences long enough to work together and identify whoever stole the society's research. The heroines, while diverse--Maya even gets a queer love story--form a familiar trio: Simone is the adorkable life scientist; Taj, the edgy tech connoisseur; and Maya, the sophisticated but uptight mathematician. Their narrative arcs are similarly uncomplicated: Maya learns to be a leader by working with a team, not outshining them; Simone must deal with panic attacks; and Taj mostly acts as a foil. The infusion of science, such as the society's research into de-extinction and a brief explanation of the team's ionic plane, is aided by a beginner-friendly scientific glossary and readable scientific graphics. Art by Sonia Liao (A Thief Among the Trees), meanwhile, is bright and accessible. Though chock-full of girl power, this mission is reminiscent enough of classics like Totally Spies to feel formulaic for adult fans--but could prove motivational for teens. (Apr.)

A secret society for women in science taps three brilliant undergrads as new members. Maya, Simone, and Taj don't seem like the most harmonious of freshman roommates. Maya struggles to do her own laundry, Taj only wants to play video games, and they both refuse to share space with Simone's ant farms. When the roommates each receive pieces of a cryptic invitation that they must work together to read, their conflicting personalities and complementary specialties contribute to the suspense in the adventure that follows. A pleasingly intellectual mystery hunt leads to a surprise escape room challenge at a secret lab--their college's chapter of a clandestine organization founded by Marie Curie. The ensuing training montage and mission might be the most fascinating parts of the book: Decorative and informative art explores current or plausible near-future technologies like nanofiber bulletproof suits, ionic wind biplanes, and species de-extinction. Before long, the young women find themselves in a battle of both wits and fists, protecting cutting-edge research from corporations who would cut every corner. An emerging rogue organization nicely sets up a sequel. The characterization is deft and snappy, and the visual storytelling efficient and dynamic with an expressive color palette and varied panel layout. Maya is Indian American, Simone is Black, and Taj reads as White; there is ethnic diversity in the supporting cast. A STEM treat for the curious. (scientist biographies, glossary, maps) (Graphic science fiction. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 7 Up--Three college roommates learn to work together as they discover the power of friendship. But it's a rocky road--the three Edmonds University freshmen couldn't be more different. Overeager Simone, who is African American, started college at 15 and wants to prove she belongs. Rebellious, green-haired Taj, who is brown-skinned, prefers robots and circuits to people, while privileged super-student Maya, who is brown-skinned, staggers under the weight of her parents' expectations and grapples with her entitlement. Though the three grate on one another, they must cooperate when they receive a strange invitation; deciphering the code, they find their way to an initiation test for the Curie Society: a secret organization dedicated to supporting women scientists. To succeed, the trio will need to use their scientific prowess and prove they can work together, especially since their first mission will pit them against rogue agents from the Society itself. In other hands, a story immersed in the STEM world might have sacrificed plot for educational content, but this is a well-paced adventure full of twists and a cast of strong, relatable female characters. Readers who want to explore the science further will appreciate the glossary and the appended biographies of female scientists. VERDICT Budding scientists and fans of exciting graphic novels are in for a rollicking journey that stresses that women in STEM truly are better together.--Lara Goldstein, Forsyth County P.L., NC