Review: Prairie Evers

Prairie Evers 
by Ellen Airgood

Book Description:
Prairie Evers is finding that socialization isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's been homeschooled by her granny and has learned the most from traipsing through nature. But now she has to attend public school, and feels just like her chickens--cooped up and subject to the pecking order. School is a jolt for Prairie until she meets Ivy, her first true friend. But while raising chickens and the great outdoors have given Prairie wisdom and perspective, nothing has prepared her for the give and take of friendship. When Prairie finds out that Ivy's home may not be the best place for Ivy, Prairie must corral all her optimism and determination to hatch a plan to help.

Review: 

This is a sweet story. It's about a girl who is trying to figure out how to interact with other people since she's never been to school before.  It has that slower pace that you find from stories set in the South or the Mountains and Prairie is a girl who feels like she could really be any age.  It's an easy book to read with a story that will leave your heart warm. 

A slightly younger title, but one that I think anyone could read and enjoy. 

Review: Drama

Drama

by Raina Telgemeier

Book Description:

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

 

Review:

I have to admit, I'm not a huge graphic novel reader and that's partly because I have a little bit of trouble following the panels in the manga style ones. I do, however, occasionally find some graphic novels that I truly adore and both of Raina Telgemeier's fall into this category.

 

I love the colors, the drawing styles and they are easy to follow! While her first one, Smile, was somewhat autobiographical, Drama is just a cool middle school story. Callie loves theater and wants to become a set designer someday for Broadway. Seeing her passion made me think back about all the plays and musicals I've seen and how important the stage set can actually be...

 

I also loved seeing her embrace her passion and not be ashamed at all of being into a "dorky" club. It was great to see all the drama "geeks." I was once a drama geek so I loved that connection! Callie's friends each had their own passion and none of them hesitated to do the very best they could in their own facet of the show. 

 

The friendships and crushes seemed very realistic and reminiscent of how I remember feeling about people and interacting with them in my own middle school years. I really thought this was a great read that left me smiling. I would love to read more about Callie and her friends. 

Review: Smile

Smile
by Reina Telgemeier

Book Description:
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

Review:
I actually really liked this graphic novel. The pictures were easy to look at and understand. The style was very simple, but still fun-looking.

The storyline was pretty great, too, though it had some gross moments to do with her teeth, lol! It was really interesting because not only was it a good story with a character that was very relatable, but it turns out it's a memoir! The events really happened to the author. Cool.
Another graphic novel I may never have picked up on my own, but after having heard great things about it from other people, I decided to give it a shot, and it turned out to be really good! :)

Review: Addie on the Inside

Addie on the Inside

by James Howe 

companion to The Misfits

Book Description:

The Gang of Five is back in this third story from Paintbrush Falls. Addie Carle, the only girl in the group of friends is outspoken, opinionated, and sometimes…just a bit obnoxious.

But as seventh grade progresses, Addie’s not so sure anymore about who she is. It seems her tough exterior is just a little too tough and that doesn’t help her deal with the turmoil she feels on the inside as she faces the pains of growing up.

Review:

I have to confess I've never read The Misfits, but if it's anything like Addie on the Inside, I will be going back and reading it soon!

I loved the poems that this author used to tell Addie's story.  They were easy to read and captured her emotions really well.  This book tackled a lot of serious issues like interracial dating, politics, and grief, but all without sounding "preachy."

This was a really quick, but good read.