A review by kjboldon
Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale

5.0

"Superficially ridiculous and yet legitimately powerful. A rare and perfect combination." That's how one character describes Squirrel Girl but it also works as a compliment to this book and the comic-book series it's a prequel to. This book is a delight and a wonderful complement to the ongoing comic-book series The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Doreen, a fourteen year old girl who happens to have a squirrel tail and the powers of squirrels, is such a joy of a character to hang out with, and I loved meeting her friend Ana Sofia and finding out the origin of Doreen's sidekick squirrel, Tippy-Toe. This book passes the Bechdel test with flying colors, is inclusive, body and difference positive, in addition to being a good story and a funny one, too! Doreen's new to school, and treated badly by mean kids but she also has to hide her tail in the real world and quash her urges to fight crime. Fortunately, neither the tail nor the crime fighting stay stifled for long. The story is told from multiple viewpoints, with some funny text exchanges with members of the Avengers and the Marvel Universe, especially Rocket and Groot. On its own, the story went on a bit long and the squirrel speak wasn't quite funny enough to carry how much of it there was, BUT then there was a trio of squirrel babies named The Chives whose mom's name is Sour Cream, and so many other utterly delightful details that I have to give this one the full five stars of love. I read Squirrel Girl the comic (and this book) with my 12 and 14yo sons. This series and character are great for all but I'd guess especially for young girls. Everyone should read and enjoy Squirrel Girl! As one character notes in the book: "Its time to defend the weak the frightened and the interesting. It's time to be brave and silly. Its time to prove ourselves SQUIRREL SCOUTS!"