All’s Faire in Middle School
by
Victoria Jamieson
Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
Penguin Random House
Imprint
Dial
ISBN
9780525429982
Awards and Honors
2018-2019 Black-Eyed Susan Award Winner, Graphic Novels Grades 6-9
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award 2018—2019 Nominee
ALSC Notable Children’s Books 2018, Middle
Capitol Choices 2018, Ten to Fourteen
YALSA 2018 Best Graphic Novels for Teens
CCBC Choices 2018 Choice: Fiction for Children
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2017, Middle Grade
VOYA’s Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2017,br>
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2017, Middle Grade
The New York TimesNotable Children’s Books of 2017, Middle Grade
Brightly Best Children’s Books of 2017, According to Kids
Los Angeles Public Library Best of 2017: Children’s Books
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Language: Mild Language, Language: Racial or Ethnic Epithet/Slur, Discrimination: Reference/Discussion, Discrimination: Disability, Language: Crude Humor, Violence: Mild Violence, Sexual Content: Mild Sexual Content/Themes
Eleven-year-old Imogene (Impy) has grown up with two parents who work at the Renaissance Faire, and she’s eager to begin her own training as a squire. First, though, she’ll need to prove her bravery. Full-color illustrations.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Language: Mild Language, Language: Racial or Ethnic Epithet/Slur, Discrimination: Reference/Discussion, Discrimination: Disability, Language: Crude Humor, Violence: Mild Violence, Sexual Content: Mild Sexual Content/Themes
Details
Format
Page Count
248
Trim Size
5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
AR
3.4: points 3
Lexile
GN460L
Genre
Fiction
Scholastic Reading Counts
6
JLG Release
Oct 2017
Book Genres
Topics
Graphic novels. Renaissance fairs. Middle schools. Family life. Friendship. Student life.
Standard MARC Records
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Cover Art
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Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine, Kirkus Reviews*, Publishers Weekly*, School Library Journal*
Praise & Reviews
School Library Journal
[STARRED REVIEW]
Helping her parents with their jobs at the Renaissance Faire is all 11-year-old homeschooler Imogene “Impy” Vega has ever known. While working with her family is fun, she wants to go to middle school and meet kids her own age. Unfortunately, sheltered Impy is ill-equipped for the realities of draconian teachers, frenemies, and boys. Her new challenges begin to wear her down, and she struggles to develop empathy for others, even in the midst of adolescent angst. This utterly charming graphic novel rivals the author’s Newbery Award—winning debut title, Roller Girl. Whereas in the earlier book Jamieson subtly incorporated elements of realism (wrinkles, scuffs, and scrapes on the characters), here she has committed to a more unified cartoonlike look, with fewer details and sketchlike lines. The result is a slightly more polished work. Exaggerated character expressions add further to the appeal. This is a lengthy coming-of-age story that weaves in subplots involving Impy’s first real friend, her younger brother, and other cast members of the Faire. Tweens seeking a light read with a quick payoff will shy away, but those who enjoy weightier narratives will lose themselves in Jamieson’s world and appreciate the realistic life-goes-on conclusion. VERDICT As heartfelt as it is gorgeous, this is a worthy addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.—Matisse Mozer, County of Los Angeles Public Library
Horn Book
Roller Girl (rev. 3/15) meets the Ren Faire in Jamieson’s new read-alike graphic novel. After years of homeschooling, Imogene Vega, a squire-in-training at the Florida Renaissance Faire where her family works seasonally, starts middle school. Embarrassingly hilarious and tragic moments ensue, involving name-brand clothing and knockoffs, sexy romance novels, frenemies, maybe-crushes, retellings of “Saint George and the Dragon,” and a stuffed squirrel. Between classmates, teachers, parents, and Imogene’s vibrant extended “faire-mily,” nobody seems to get how hard it is to be a sixth-grader in transition (until they do). Imogene is reflected with depth as she manages her anxiety and grows to better understand her family’s precarious finances as well as microaggressions endured by her Latino father at the Faire and at his retail job. Roller-coaster moments stem from relatable, everyday adolescent experiences, always with a sense of high stakes. There is just enough commitment to the Renaissance theme to bring it to life without alienating those unfamiliar with Elizabethan English or other “rennie” references. The illustrations, loose, energetic, and expressive, let plot and characterization shine. Each chapter starts with third-person narration, presented within decorative borders featuring shields, dragons, and other illuminations; it’s as if Imogene’s story is a Renaissance tale itself—an experience complete with tension, laughter, anticipation, heartbreak, and delight. elisa gall
Grades 5-8
Graphic Novels Middle Plus
For Grades 5-8
Book-length narratives presented in comic book style, graphic novels foster both visual and verbal comprehension skills while exposing readers to interesting dialogue and satire, as well as affirming diversity.
JLG's selection of these unique books, some of them only published in softcover, are ideal for attracting reluctant readers and introducing them to literature they might not encounter otherwise. You may find that the 14 books in this category will turn your reluctant readers into eager readers.
14 books per Year
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Interests
Diversity,ESL,Fiction,Graphic Novels,Reluctant Readers,Transitional Readers,Funny/Humorous
Grades 5-8
Graphic Novels Middle Plus
14 books per Year
$293.02 per Year
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