Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk. Scholastic Graphix, 2018. 9781338139211
Format: ARC
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Genre: Graphic novel fantasy
What did you like about the book? For Danny, 7th grade is full of inscrutable social rules. Nothing feels as fun and effortless as 6th grade. When she is able to conjure a new best friend magically from a deceased great aunt’s sketchbook, life seems to improve. But then her new best friend has needs too. I love the mashup of real middle grade angst with nerdy fandom and cosplay. Nerds, geeks, punks, goths, family dysfunction, also come into play. Clever and relatable. Artwork, unfinished in this ARC, is engaging and active, and echoes Raina Telgemeier’s expressive characters.
To whom would you recommend this book? Fans of Chmakova and Telgemeier may enjoy this.
Who should buy this book?Elementary and middle school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Children’s graphic novels
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: May 13, 2018
Youth Services Book Review 
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