Graphic Novel Review: Crunch

* Book 5 in the Click series *

Olive has too many things going on her life - she's trying to be a good friend to everyone. She's taking guitar lessons - and she's supposed to be practicing 3 hours a week. She ends up taking scout lessons after a failed intervention with a friend's parents. She's involved in student council - and taking on the school's unfair dress code. And she just saw an advertisement for a local film festival. With school and family life - could it all be too much?

My Thoughts: I love this graphic novel series - there's so much about friendship and school and family. This addition is great - talking about spreading yourself too thin, picking which activity is right for you, and giving yourself a break. I love how Olive tries many different activities. Middle schoolers are already trying to figure out who they are, it's great that they have the abilities to figure about their favorite activities. Of course, I loved the talk about mental health. It's so important to be happy in your own skin. Another great chapter in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: If this series isn't an auto-buy for your library, it should be. 

Graphic Novel Review: Clash

* Book 4 in the Click series * 

Olive's used to be friends with everyone - floating between groups is easy for her. Until Natasha arrives. Olive shows the new girl around school, but it's clear that Natasha isn't interested in being friends.

It's hard for Olive. She dismisses Natasha's mean comments - until she can't. She worries that her friends might choose Natasha over her...

My Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Olive - especially the more she tried to hide her hurt feelings. There are so many feelings in middle school. I wanted to wrap Olive up in a hug. I felt terrible for her for dealing with all the friendship drama, the insecurities, and the meanness of Natasha. I did love how everything turned out. I do hope there are more Olive stories coming!

Oh and the art work is great too. I love the facial expressions. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public libraries. 

Graphic Novel Review: ACT

Sixth grade means things will be different. Olive's excited about the class field trip, but afterwards she learns that not everyone can afford the field trips. Those students have to stay behind. Olive doesn't believe that's right. 

When she hears about the election for student council, she realizes that she has a chance to make a difference. But that's not the only injustice that she hears. Soon Olive has a list of ideas to make the school better.

To bad her opponents only want better snacks. They don't care about the school. As the election draws closer, Olive and her friends have different views. Will the election tear them apart?

My Thoughts: I really loved this addition to the series. I loved Olive learning more about the inner workings of the school. I loved that students shared their troubles with her. I felt bad for her about her friendship hardships, but I loved how she wanted to make a difference. And that she knew she could make a different. I enjoyed how everything turned out. I wonder if this book might spark some reader's political interest.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Click

Olivia's excited to hear about the talent show her 5th grade class is putting on - until she discovers that all of her groups of friends have come up with their own ideas. No one asked her to be part of a group. Suddenly being friends with everyone seems a lot har
der when you don't have a best friend. Luckily Oliva's aunt has an idea that might solve her problem.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved Olivia and felt terrible for her when she felt left out. I loved the solution and how everything worked out for her. I enjoyed her family - from their support to their playfulness with each other. Fun story and great illustrations. Looking forward to Camp.


Cover Thoughts: Great - love the spotlight
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have for your school and public libraries - perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier