Starred Review ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Starred Review Adults are often challenging to please, especially when they think they know what's best for you. Dale and his friends face a daunting challenge as they endeavor to convince Vice Principal Ruffin that art is as meaningful and valuable as any other profession. With the guidance of Miss Je'Nae, this misfit group collaborates to resurrect their school's art club and explore ways to make it "profitable." The heartwarming, adorable, and highly informative narrative is perfectly tailored for middle-grade readers who are figuring out how to stand up for themselves. With vibrant, textured colors spilling over bold comic book lines, this book incorporates the best elements of a classic comic with a charming, warm twist. Beyond its visual appeal, the story imparts valuable life lessons about staying true to what's important, resisting the pressure to choose a career path too soon, and the beauty of adult support for dreams. With an empowering message of the importance of the arts and following personal passion projects, Doucet is poised to inspire a new generation of comic book enthusiasts and creators. The inclusion of a guide detailing the book's creation adds an extra layer of insight. Belongs on the same shelf as Jerry Craft's New Kid series, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham's Real Friends series, and Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl (2015).

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2024)

Gr 4 Up— Dale Donavan loves comics and video games, and he imagines a future where he can turn his creativity into a job that he would actually enjoy. But many of the grown-ups in Dale's life keep telling him that he needs to focus more on "important" subjects like math and science if he wants to get a good job and make money. When Dale has the idea to start an after-school art club, he meets resistance every step of the way. But the creation of the art club means new friends and new allies for Dale, and these creative students are determined to prove that you don't have to be starving to be an artist. This story is filled with different kinds of tension that will keep readers hooked: rocky friendships, family problems, artists trying to prove themselves, and the struggle between creativity and financial security. Since this graphic novel is about art and artists, it's also a colorful treat for the eyes as the art club kids learn about different visual styles and ways to create art, from painting and sculpture all the way to game design. VERDICT For readers who enjoy realistic fiction about school and friendship, and for creative kids who want to incorporate art into their futures.— Andrea Lipinski

Kirkus Reviews

An African American middle schooler who loves to draw struggles to establish an art club at his school.Dale Donavan loves to read comics and play video games. However, his dad's been deployed, his mom works night shifts at the hospital, and his grandfather has moved in. Dale misses his late grandmother and their shared love of comics (something his pragmatic grandfather dismisses), and he's less excited about helping his grandfather with his vegetable garden. At school, Dale clashes with vice principal Mr. Ruffins, who, like Grandpa, lectures the kids about financial stability. For his class project on a future career, Dale is inspired by a dream in which Grandma encourages his desire to be a comic book artist. Mr. Ruffins' dismissive, discouraging response upsets Dale, who replies angrily and is sent to Principal Johnson's office. The kindly principal listens to him and supports the idea of an art club-but they must find a faculty sponsor and a way to generate revenue. Despite the various obstacles, Dale and his friends persevere, proving the importance of art in their lives. This lively graphic novel incorporates colorful scenes from Dale's favorite video game and comics into his story and will delight readers. Dale's plight is handled realistically and will be recognizable to the target audience.An engaging and satisfying depiction of a real-life issue that affects many artistic students. (creator's notes and sketches) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)