Starred Review Lucy's entering a new school for sixth grade, where her sister, GiGi, is an eighth-grader. Almost right from the start, the thick tension between them at home spills over at school when GiGi trips Lucy and Lucy challenges GiGi to a duel with GiGi's own fencing foil. Despite warnings from the principal, Lucy sticks to her plan and secretly trains with the help of her late father's fencing guidebook, hoping to take GiGi, the best fencer in school, down a peg. Jessixa Bagley's story of sister rivalry gradually builds in emotional depth, as the origin of GiGi and Lucy's conflict eventually comes to the fore: still dealing with the grief of losing their father, a notable fencing instructor, each girl is jealous of the time he spent with the other, feelings that intensify as they practice techniques he taught them. Aaron Bagley's nimble cartooning makes great work of the speedy, minute moves in fencing matches, as well as the expressive faces and body language that signal the girls' big emotions. Each chapter opens with a page from the guidebook, which neatly echoes the story's plot. With an uncommonly keen eye for the convoluted way kids deal with grief, this heartening story of growth and a family healing from loss is a natural pick for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.

Constantly fighting sisters face off in a high-stakes duel.GiGi has worked hard to be the perfect eighth grader and the best athlete on the fencing team. New sixth grader Lucy is nervous about starting middle school. The only thing they have in common is a love of fencing, and ever since their father died, their bickering has worsened. Everything culminates in a public scene in which GiGi humiliates Lucy in the school cafeteria. Lucy pulls out her foil and challenges GiGi to a duel. As the sisters prepare for their bout, the whole school begins picking sides. GiGi and Lucy must also choose: themselves or each other? The story is told from both sisters' perspectives, allowing readers to sympathize and understand each of their sides, ensuring that neither one is seen as merely cruel. Each chapter opens with a sepia-toned page resembling an excerpt from an old sporting manual that explains an aspect of fencing. Those not interested in fencing may get bogged down in the technical details, but those who reflect on them retroactively will notice the clever way they relate to the events of the story. The artwork is simple, with flashbacks drawn in light indigo against a white background and contemporary events in full color with an emphasis on the characters' expressions. The sisters read biracial, with a white-presenting mother and a father who appears Black.Intense and complex, exploring siblings' grief, love, and forgiveness. (author's note, photos, sketches) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)