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"Build. Build things. Build friendships. Build yourself. Bit by little bit. It may feel like you're not adding that much...but in the end, it will add up to a lot."
Bridging the chasm between art and science with beautiful storytelling and attractive illustration. I loved this book. I wish to read more books on collaboration of science and arts. They are not mutually exclusive really! They complement each other to make the whole.
A cute, feel-good graphic novel about the awkwardness of middle school, and the triumph of friendship. Pep (Penelope) is in the art club, along with all her friends. When they learn they will not have a table at the upcoming club fair, they decide it is time for the art club to take action. Unfortunately, the science club has it out for the art club, and an all out war breaks out between the two clubs. Mix into this storyline that of Jamie the nerd. Jamie tried to help Pep up when she tripped on her first day of school. When Pep realized she was being helped by the school nerd, she did the inexcusable and shoved him away in front of a whole crowd. The real gem in this story is that of Pep and Jamie learning to forgive and to be friends. It's a fun story, well-written and well-drawn. I loved it.
I liked this book, but did not care for the characters too much. None of them really spoke to me as a reader. This book would be perfect for 6th graders as they go through some of the awkwardness in the story. There is one part that's a little concerning when it comes to a character's parents. However, I'm sure plenty of students see that on a daily basis.
this was so cute and I love the diversity of the characters and the art is ADORABLE!
So adorable!
I'm glad I read the second book, [b:Brave|30079697|Brave (Awkward, #2)|Svetlana Chmakova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465496997s/30079697.jpg|50499708], first because it put this one into a more favorable context; I think I'd have been peevish in my reading had I not known what comes next. Awkward is a little awkward, it doesn't quite have its flow, yet. Everything that comes off so gracefully in the next book - diverse characters, middle-school problems, family problems - feel a little more forced, less organic, in this first volume.
Regardless, it's a great start, following the very likeable and relatable Penelope as she enters a new school and makes a mistake the very first day, a gaffe that haunts her for weeks to come. Shyness, bullying, social acceptance, competition, working together, friendship, forgiveness, parental pressure to succeed, family fighting, and daily middle school survival are all themes in this story.
Characters have defined personalities beyond the way they're drawn, which are built up further in Brave. Adults are supportive, for the most part - no Dahlian parents or teachers here! You know, had my middle school been peopled with these characters, I'd have had crushes on 90% of the population, both teachers and students!
The one weird thing I've noticed, though, is a lack of siblings. I have never encountered so many single-child families represented in a middle grade book. So far, Letitia and Felicity are the sole representation of sisters in the school; the three households we get to visit are only child households. That was strange to me but maybe it's an accurate reflection of contemporary families, I have no idea.
Highly recommended for fans of [a:Raina Telgemeier|21618|Raina Telgemeier|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1200153437p2/21618.jpg] and of [b:Roller Girl|22504701|Roller Girl|Victoria Jamieson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447914095s/22504701.jpg|41951492]. And, seriously, make sure this is in both your school and public library because this needs to be available to kids everywhere.
I'm glad I read the second book, [b:Brave|30079697|Brave (Awkward, #2)|Svetlana Chmakova|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465496997s/30079697.jpg|50499708], first because it put this one into a more favorable context; I think I'd have been peevish in my reading had I not known what comes next. Awkward is a little awkward, it doesn't quite have its flow, yet. Everything that comes off so gracefully in the next book - diverse characters, middle-school problems, family problems - feel a little more forced, less organic, in this first volume.
Regardless, it's a great start, following the very likeable and relatable Penelope as she enters a new school and makes a mistake the very first day, a gaffe that haunts her for weeks to come. Shyness, bullying, social acceptance, competition, working together, friendship, forgiveness, parental pressure to succeed, family fighting, and daily middle school survival are all themes in this story.
Characters have defined personalities beyond the way they're drawn, which are built up further in Brave. Adults are supportive, for the most part - no Dahlian parents or teachers here! You know, had my middle school been peopled with these characters, I'd have had crushes on 90% of the population, both teachers and students!
The one weird thing I've noticed, though, is a lack of siblings. I have never encountered so many single-child families represented in a middle grade book. So far, Letitia and Felicity are the sole representation of sisters in the school; the three households we get to visit are only child households. That was strange to me but maybe it's an accurate reflection of contemporary families, I have no idea.
Highly recommended for fans of [a:Raina Telgemeier|21618|Raina Telgemeier|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1200153437p2/21618.jpg] and of [b:Roller Girl|22504701|Roller Girl|Victoria Jamieson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1447914095s/22504701.jpg|41951492]. And, seriously, make sure this is in both your school and public library because this needs to be available to kids everywhere.
Super cute GN that is great for middle schoolers. Teaches kids about conflict resolution and how to make the tough decisions they are faced with in school.
Great graphic novel - well thought out characters, good plot and sub plots and excellent drawings!
This is such a wonderful book. I loved it even more the second time I read it!
It's a great portrait of growing up, and learning how to navigate the daunting social realm of middle school (and Life In General, Really) with honesty, kindness, and bravery. The diversity of the cast is great to see also!
It's a great portrait of growing up, and learning how to navigate the daunting social realm of middle school (and Life In General, Really) with honesty, kindness, and bravery. The diversity of the cast is great to see also!