Enemies
by Svetlana Chmakova
Felicity, known as Flick to her friends, is tired of being the sister who never finishes anything. While her older sister Letty seems perfect and accomplished, Flick is still searching for her 'big thing.' To prove she has what it takes and to finally silence her sister's teasing, Flick enters a high-stakes contest. However, the pressure of competition starts to take a toll on her relationships, and she begins to wonder if winning is worth losing her friends.
As the line between friends and enemies begins to blur, Flick must navigate the complex social waters of middle school and figure out who really has her back. This engaging graphic novel is perfect for children who love relatable stories about school drama, art clubs, and growing up. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in realistic depictions of sibling rivalry and the ups and downs of friendship. Fans of the Berrybrook Middle School series will find this a great choice for understanding the nuances of social dynamics and the importance of perseverance.
Highlights:
- Relatable middle school setting and realistic social challenges.
- Exploration of sibling dynamics and the pressure to succeed.
- Expressive artwork that captures emotional nuances perfectly.
- Valuable lessons on empathy and what it truly means to be a friend.
Karen's Sleepover
by Katy Farina
Karen's Sleepover is a delightful and relatable graphic novel that captures the excitement and occasional drama of a child's first big social event. Karen Brewer is thrilled to host her very first sleepover with her best friends, complete with spooky stories, cookie baking, and late-night snacks. However, things take an unexpected turn when a disagreement with her best friend Nancy leads to a falling out. When Karen invites a new girl, Pamela, to take Nancy's place, she quickly realizes that friendship isn't always easy and that some bonds are worth mending.
This book is perfect for children who love the Baby-sitters Club universe or fans of Raina Telgemeier. It is ideal for readers interested in stories about navigating friendships, managing big emotions, and the ups and downs of growing up. With vibrant illustrations by Katy Farina, this graphic novel makes reading accessible and engaging for transitional readers who are moving into longer stories but still enjoy visual storytelling. It's a great choice for parents looking to discuss conflict resolution and empathy with their children.
Highlights:
- Relatable story about navigating friendship fights and making up.
- Engaging graphic novel format that encourages reluctant readers.
- Explores themes of blended families and social dynamics in a gentle way.
- Part of the popular Baby-sitters Little Sister series.
Narwhal's Otter Friend
by Ben Clanton
Dive back into the underwater world with the fourth installment of the beloved Narwhal and Jelly series! In Narwhal's Otter Friend, the exuberant Narwhal and the ever-skeptical Jelly encounter a new face in the ocean: Otty the super-adventurous otter. This delightful early graphic novel explores the relatable dynamics of making new friends and the feelings of jealousy that can sometimes bubble up when a duo becomes a trio. It is a perfect choice for children who love funny animal stories and are just beginning to explore independent reading.
Ben Clanton’s signature humor and charming illustrations make this book ideal for readers interested in lighthearted adventures and silly puns. The story is broken down into short, manageable chapters, interspersed with fun facts about ocean life and "waffle-tastic" jokes. Parents will appreciate how the book gently teaches lessons about inclusion and emotional intelligence while keeping kids entertained with its high-energy characters and imaginative plot. It is a great choice for fans of Dog Man or The Bad Guys who are looking for something a bit more whimsical.
Highlights:
- Engaging early graphic novel format that builds reading confidence.
- Explores important social themes like inclusion and managing jealousy.
- Includes educational fun facts about real-life sea creatures.
- Features vibrant, expressive illustrations and hilarious wordplay.