Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Graphic novelist Ying adapts the late Danziger's story of a bold girl navigating change.Third grader Amber Brown can be messy and forgetful, but her best friend, Justin Daniels, doesn't mind. The two mesh and love teaming up to help each other out. The humor from the original novel is left intact, from overly imaginative Amber's dramatic warnings about why Justin shouldn't eat leaves off the ground to their inside jokes about ordering pizza ("Hold the anchovies!"). Their friendship is on borrowed time, however, as Justin's family is about to move to Alabama. Amplifying Amber's stress over losing Justin are her lingering feelings over her parents' divorce; she hardly sees her father since he relocated to France. Her mother is an affirming presence, but together Amber and Justin must learn to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth about his upcoming move. Amber Brown is most definitely not a crayon-as she tells classmates who tease her about her name-but her world tends to assume a stylized palette that sets the tone of each scene, especially moody blues and purples. The story ends on an optimistic note; those familiar with the original series will be hoping for future installments. Amber is tan-skinned, Justin presents white, and their class is racially diverse.A faithfully executed adaptation worth visiting for new and returning readers. (character art, information on the production process) (Graphic fiction. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Graphic novelist Ying adapts the late Danziger's story of a bold girl navigating change.Third grader Amber Brown can be messy and forgetful, but her best friend, Justin Daniels, doesn't mind. The two mesh and love teaming up to help each other out. The humor from the original novel is left intact, from overly imaginative Amber's dramatic warnings about why Justin shouldn't eat leaves off the ground to their inside jokes about ordering pizza ("Hold the anchovies!"). Their friendship is on borrowed time, however, as Justin's family is about to move to Alabama. Amplifying Amber's stress over losing Justin are her lingering feelings over her parents' divorce; she hardly sees her father since he relocated to France. Her mother is an affirming presence, but together Amber and Justin must learn to acknowledge the uncomfortable truth about his upcoming move. Amber Brown is most definitely not a crayon-as she tells classmates who tease her about her name-but her world tends to assume a stylized palette that sets the tone of each scene, especially moody blues and purples. The story ends on an optimistic note; those familiar with the original series will be hoping for future installments. Amber is tan-skinned, Justin presents white, and their class is racially diverse.A faithfully executed adaptation worth visiting for new and returning readers. (character art, information on the production process) (Graphic fiction. 6-9)

School Library Journal (Mon Oct 07 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 1–3 —Another of the classics-turned-graphic novels, this adaptation of Amber Brown Is NOT a Crayon is a charming reimagining of Paula Danziger's original. Amber Brown is a third grader with olive skin and messy, brown pigtails. Despite her parents' recent divorce and her dad relocating outside of the country, she is doing well, especially since she has her best friend Justin (who is blond, with white skin) by her side. They make a good team, helping each other with math and reading, and having fun with their teacher, Mr. Cohen (who has brown skin) and his imaginative travel lessons. Unfortunately, things can't always stay the same—Justin's dad got a great new job in Alabama, far away from New Jersey, and they'll be moving soon. Amber is devastated, but why doesn't Justin care? Ying's warm, expressive illustrations do a great job of imbuing the characters with emotion, and Amber's iconic pigtails take on a life of their own in each panel. The last pages include examples of character development and interior art development of the book. VERDICT Highly recommended for younger fans of "The Baby-Sitter's Club" graphic novel series. A first purchase for most collections.—Kadie Seitz