Graphic Novel Review: Crush

* Book 3 in the Awkward series *

Jorge uses his size to make sure people feel comfortable - and not bullied. He has a great group of friends. But he doesn't like everyone - especially the jocks. Jorge knows enough about this mind not to want a relationship with them - even though they're interested in hanging out with him. He knows they aren't the nicest guys on the planet.

When he's around Jazmine, He's tongue-tied. He can't seem to talk with her, even though he wants to. Could this be a crush?

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love how it centers around the nerdy kids and not the jocks (who are a bunch of jerks). I felt terrible for Jorge for what he went through. I love that through the whole ordeal, Jorge holds on to his ideals. A great book for middle school students!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries

Graphic Novel Review: Brave

Jensen looks at middle school like a video game - one he's losing. Jensen has big dreams, but his reality isn't great. He's failing math, he doesn't have any real friends, and he's the target of major bullying.  He just wants things to get better and for maybe someone to save him a seat at lunch or someone to need his help with something.

My Thoughts: I just want to give Jensen a hug. I hate that he has no real friends and the people who he hangs out with him pick on him too. I love how he became brave and how people helped him understand the difference between friendship. I like the cast of characters and how passionate they are about their art, the newspaper, reading, or science. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA book (signed)

* I really hope there are more books coming in this series because I love them both. And I want to know more about the characters. 

Library Recommendation: Get both of them for your public and school libraries! Your middle graders will gobble these up!

Graphic Novel Review: Awkward

Peppi starts a new school and it's rough going. The first day she trips in the hallway. A boy comes to her rescue, but the bullies are already taunting them. So she does the unthinkable - she pushes him away from her.

She feels horrible about it. As time goes on, Peppi needs help and Jamie might be the only one available. But how do you say you're sorry. And how does a friendship move past an event like that?

Misunderstandings follow. Can Peppi and Jamie ever be friends?

My Thoughts: A fantastic comic featuring the awkwardness and agony of middle school. I love the war between the art club and the science club and how the two almost friends are on opposite sides, it's great for building the tension between them. Lots of feelings (non romantic, which is great). 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A graphic novel perfect for all middle school readers (and all libraries)