Tag Archives: New Friends

Elem./MG – Four Eyes

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Ogle, Rex, and Dave Valeza, illustrator. Four Eyes. Graphix. 2023. 978-1-338-57496-8. 218 p. $12.99. Grades 3-7.

In Four Eyes by Rex Ogle, with illustrations by Dave Valeza, Rex faces the many universal perils of starting middle school. He hasn’t had a growth spurt, the county’s recent redistricting means most of his friends aren’t at his new school, and money is tight at home despite his mom and step-dad’s best efforts. In addition, his vision problems are causing headaches and trouble taking accurate notes (no, WWII did not begin in 1989). The solution? Glasses! Glasses are expensive, though, and Rex must ask his father to help pay for them. His dad reluctantly agrees, but Rex’s new accessory triggers the school bullies to single him out. Even worse, Rex’s longtime friend Drew ditches him for the popular kids. Rex wonders if he can survive sixth grade with new glasses and no friends, until a new friend and some advice from his abuela help get his life back in focus. Bright artwork and a relatable protagonist will endear readers to the spectacle of Rex’s story.

THOUGHTS: This middle grade graphic novel chronicles the author’s own experience with getting glasses in sixth grade. It’s funny, heartfelt, and almost painfully real. 

Graphic Novel

Rex is dreading the start of middle school, especially when his best friend Drew suddenly seems too cool for him. In fact, Drew’s new friends from the football team constantly bully Rex while Drew stands by silently. In class, Rex finds that he cannot see the board, and he comes home with a splitting headache every day. That means Rex needs glasses. At first, he is excited about a cool gunmetal pair, but when his mother sees the price, she makes him go with a cheaper, uglier pair. His mom’s waitressing job and his stepfather’s landscaping business do not make a lot of money, and even though Rex’s dad pitches in from time to time, money is tight. This didn’t bother Rex too much before, but now, his ugly glasses mean Rex gets picked on even more. Rex sinks into self-pity and negativity until he has a conversation with his abuela, who lived a very difficult life in Mexico before she came to the United States. It puts his life into perspective. With the support of a new friend and a newfound confidence, Rex learns to love himself and find gratitude for all that his parents do for him. 

THOUGHTS: Rex Ogle’s Four Eyes is the first in a series of autobiographical graphic novels. The illustrations will draw in fans of Raina Telegemeier’s work and similarly, the theme of fitting in will resonate with middle school students. This story is touching yet funny; it would be a solid addition to middle grade graphic novel collections.

Graphic Novel

Elem. – Back to School, Backpack!

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Rich, Simon, and Tom Toro, illustrator. Back to School, Backpack! Little, Brown, and Company. 2023. 978-0-316-62834-1. unpaged. $18.99. Grades PreK-2.

Backpack has a secret: the first day of school always makes him nervous. When he hears the words “Back to school!” the anxiety sets in. Author Simon Rich brings readers along on Backpack’s hilariously chaotic day. He gets strange new binders shoved down his throat, stuffed in a locker, and dragged up the steps. Throughout it all, he is basically naked! But even worse, Backpack feels like he doesn’t fit in anywhere or with anyone. When he meets another backpack, a new friendship forms. Things suddenly seem better when Backpack realizes that “you don’t have to carry everything alone.” Tom Toro’s illustrations are hand-drawn and painted in watercolor, then rendered digitally. Lively panels in shades of green and blue against neutral backgrounds draw the reader’s attention to Backpack’s worried eyes and unhappy mouth (it’s also a zipper). 

THOUGHTS: While the first day of school can be nerve-wracking for kids, it’s even scarier for backpacks! Readers will laugh out loud while embracing the message of finding a supportive friend in the midst of a brand new experience. Back to School, Backpack! is an exceptional all-ages choice for a back-to-school read aloud!

Picture Book

MG – The Baby-Sitters Club: Claudia and the New Girl

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Epstein, Gabriela. The Baby-Sitters Club: Claudia and the New Girl. Graphix, 2021. 978-1-338-30458-9. 165p. $24.99. Grades 5-8.

In the ninth volume of the Baby-Sitters Club, Claudia and the crew are back to setting up babysitting jobs and meeting at Claudia’s house. When a new student named Ashley arrives, Claudia is instantly intrigued with her blue hair, eclectic style, piercings, and outstanding art. Ashley is an amazing artist, even better than Claudia! But when Ashley starts paying attention to Claudia and complimenting her artistic abilities, Claudia starts spending more time with Ashley than with her friends. Claudia starts to forget her responsibilities to the club and ends up turning into someone even she hardly recognizes. As with other titles in the series, the Baby-Sitters Club comes together to support one another and help Claudia realize that you can balance art and the club while making new friends.

THOUGHTS: The 9th volume in the graphic novel of the Baby-Sitters Club does not disappoint! The story is relatable to anyone who has wanted to befriend a new student at school. Another hit!

Graphic Novel            Jillian Gasper, Northwestern Lehigh Middle School