Adapted and illustrated by Victoria Ying Based on Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger 3 stars I really enjoyed this series as a kid and it was fun to revisit this story in graphic format. The illustrations are great. Ying’s character designs are wonderful and the art really captures their movements and…
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Illustrated by Tony Ross 3.5 stars I loved this series as a kid and wanted to give it a reread after finishing the graphic novel adaption. In this one, Amber is upset that her best friend, Justin, is moving away. Every time she tries to talk to him about it, he acts like nothing is…
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2.5 stars I am usually a huge fan of novels-in-verse so I was really excited to read this one. Maddie lives a relatively normal life. But when a state-wide evacuation takes place during a secret sleepover, Maddie finds herself alone. Can she figure out how to survive? Is anyone coming back for her? The premise…
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Illustrated by Emily Balsley 5 stars A delectable read about finding the right cake to tell your story. Phil loves baking with his parents, but after their divorce, things are different. His favorite recipe doesn’t feel right anymore. After talking it out with his friend, inspiration strikes, and Phil creates something entirely new, a blending…
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3 stars Written as part of her Master of Fine Arts project, this book gives glimpses into El Sayed’s life, both from childhood to adolescents and into adulthood. The book tackles many topics including cancer, parental expectations and double standards, racism, bullying, divorce, friendship, religion, and moving to a different country. It deals largely with…
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4 stars Ten authors pair up with Chad Sell to create interconnected stories from the world of the Cardboard Kingdom. Sell does the artwork throughout, giving it consistency while letting the characters and authors shine. Reality and fantasy converge as the neighborhood kids play their way through summer, making new connections and learning lessons along…
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2 stars Not a fan of this one. I’ll admit, I never got into the Baby-Sitters Club series as a kid so I’m probably missing out on some of the nostalgia of this reboot. Kay Farina’s illustrations were great. The cutesy style fit well with the story and characters. However, I did not like Ann…
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3 stars I’ll start by saying I’m not usually a huge fan of realistic, middle-grade graphic novels and did not initially realize this was a memoir. Overall, I thought the story was okay. There is plenty readers can relate to: parental divorce, fighting with siblings, new friendships, school drama, growing need for independence, friends moving…
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