Gr 4-6 Brianna's mom has a way of talking her into taking center stage, but when Brianna reluctantly agrees to have a Bat Mitzvah, she realizes that things have gone too far. Not only must she be in the spotlight but she also has to write and perform a speech and read passages in Hebrew, a language she doesn't know, in front of her friends and family. Her mom has gone into preparation overdrive, her parents are fighting constantly, and the whole school thinks that this will be the party of the year. Will Brianna survive the school yearincluding a change in social status and friend dramawhile still managing not to embarrass herself at the big event? Libenson's newest installment in the "Emmie & Friends" series is a hybrid graphic novel that uses different illustration techniques to tell Brianna's story in alternating time lines. Chapters focusing on events from the prior eight months rely on a mixture of prose text and comic illustrations, while the "now" chapters, which depict the Bat Mitzvah celebration, are in a traditional sequential comic panel format. Readers will relate to Brianna's attempts to manage her stress load as well as her insecurity and flaws as she works to form and maintain friendships. VERDICT For middle grade graphic novel collections, especially where Libenson's previous works are popular.Amanda Melilli, University of Nevada

Cast in a customary tumble of quick doodles, more finished sequential panels, and short bursts of prose in a hand-lettered style font, Libenson's latest middle-grade angst-fest propels 13-year-old Brianna toward her bat mitzvah amidst a whirl of friendship issues ong with lingering doubts about her religious commitment. An excellent student who is both a champion procrastinator and grudge-holder, Brianna chronicles bouts between her Jewish helicopter mom ("Queen of Guilt") and non-Jewish dad, as she wrestles with learning the requisite Hebrew prayers. At the same time, she stubbornly prolongs a falling out with her long-time BFF Emmie (last met in Invisible Emmie, 2017) and is inexplicably courted by queen bee Zoe. Lacing the dialogue with spirited banter and laying on the life lessons with a light touch, the author supplies her confused and unhappy protagonist with a not-quite-boyfriend, an amiable rabbi, and a cantor who all step in to deliver sound advice. All ends with party time . . . plus a climactic hora exuberant enough to leave everyone, readers included, smiling.