Well, I'm glad for the twist at the end, because I was hella confused as to why there were 2 points of view here. I'm not really sure they work, to be honest -- it's just too disconnected, and weaving the two points of view together implies a whole lot happening that isn't really there. At least it's a related book that you can hand to the kids who loved Drama, but I think it's at about 75% of the charm of that book. ( )

I get the ending, but I feel like it's slightly confusing. I anticipate having to explain it to my middle school students... ( )

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aNoviqOja4

Enjoy! ( )

A readable middle school graphic novel hybrid featuring characters first introduced in Libenson's first book Invisible Emmie. I didn't think this one was as strong as the first and the twist ending here left me a bit confused. An enjoyable read but not as successful as the first. ( )

Izzy can't seem to focus on school but absolutely loves things that use her creative side, so she cannot wait for the school's talent show. On the flip side, Brianna is nicknamed "the Brain" and would much rather be studying than on stage. Both girls are put to the test when their mothers interfere and push them outside their comfort zones.

This was an engrossing middle-grade read that deals with a lot of common issues tweens deal with (balancing school work, making new friends, having crushes, etc.). It does so deftly, highlighting positive responses without being overly didactic. The two stories converge in an epilogue that is rather surprising. If you really want the big spoiler, here it is: It turns out the two stories are not happening simultaneously as the reader is lead to believe, and that in actuality Izzy is Brianna's mother. However, I think working towards that conclusion is much better.

The illustrations are great. I keep seeing this book referred to as a "hybrid" between chapter book and graphic novel, and that seems fair. Brianna's story is told more in a traditional comics panel style, while Izzy's story looks like a hand-written diary accompanied by some sketches.

This book is a sort-of sequel to Invisible Emmie, although I did not feel lost without having read that book prior. (There may be some Easter eggs that readers of both books might spot.) In terms of diversity, there are definitely secondary characters of color, although the main ones appear to be Caucasian. Izzy's mother is a single parent while Brianna is being raised by divorced parents. ( )