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October 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-Outgoing fifth grader Olive has a problem: she's good friends with almost everyone in her class, but she isn't best friends with anyone. She's perfectly happy in her role as floating social butterfly until it comes time for the big variety show, when all her friends form acts without her before she realizes what's going on. Olive sinks slowly into depression as she fails to "click" with any of her cliquey friend groups, until funky, green-haired Aunt Molly invites her over for an aunt-niece sleepover. After spending the night watching old TV variety shows, Olive is inspired by the witty hosts and hostesses who introduce and banter with the acts on their shows, and dreams about taking on that role herself for the variety show. Can she convince her friends and family that this is the right fit for her? Heavy lines and calm pastels create the perfect tone to offset this introspective story of self-discovery. Well-defined, consistent frames and gutters, along with clear-cut visual storytelling and readable lettering, make this an excellent recommendation for fans of the format and newcomers alike. VERDICT Those who enjoy Raina Telgemeier, Victoria Jamieson, and the like will find this a lighter but welcome addition and be happy to hear Olive's adventures will continue.-Darla Salva Cruz, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 29, 2018
Olive has lots of friends at school, but when Mr. Florez announces the fifth grade talent show, no one invites her to be part of an act. Feeling abandoned, Olive experiences an existential crisis about her place in the universe, complete with anxiety dreams, advice sessions with her aunt, and tense confrontations with her mother. She’s confused about how to address her feelings of alienation without begging to be included, but eventually, she finds inspiration for her role in the show, as well as insight into how she fits in with her friends. Thick lines, pastel colors, and uncluttered panels help make the story easy and enjoyable to follow. In both the text and art, Miller’s debut authentically conveys nuanced challenges and everyday moments of childhood, offering a guide for kids navigating friendship, family, and goals. Ages 10–12.

October 15, 2018
Grades 5-7 Olive is well-liked by her pals and peers in school, but she is distraught when her teacher announces the fifth-grade variety show, and everyone else immediately groups up without her. Who can't relate to feeling left out? Miller has introduced a rather large cast in this lovely debut, but everyone is distinct, and there are cues within each warmly illustrated, full-color panel to help keep readers on track. And speaking of visual cues, this is one of those books in which the silent panels say just as much as the ones with word balloons. Olive is a family-oriented girl and leans on her mother and aunt when she runs into her insecurities, and it feels like a real win when she figures out what her place is going to be among her classmates. Kids who have ever worried about their friendships or popularity will find solidarity in Olive's familiar story. This story of a kid learning how to use her voice will appeal to fans of Shannon Hale's Real Friends (2017).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

September 15, 2018
Sometimes you can feel lonely without being alone.When a talent show is announced to Olive's fifth-grade class, everyone is excited. Olive has lots of friends and moves seamlessly among different peer groups that include karate-loving boys, a cheer-obsessed trio of girls, and a pair of friends who are aspiring magicians. No one, however, has invited Olive to join their group for the talent show, and her confidence wanes. While her friends are not actively excluding her, she suddenly feels adrift without a clique of her own. A weekend with her funky, green-haired aunt helps Olive decide that she will have her own act, without a group behind her. A bit apprehensive, she announces her decision and discovers that not only have things worked out well, but that she has gained a new measure of self-confidence. This bright and friendly graphic novel is rendered with pleasing, pastel-toned illustrations reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier's art and should appeal to a similar audience. While many offerings have delved into mean-girl middle school culture or finding acceptance, Miller's examination takes a more introspective approach with its female protagonist who ultimately determines that she can find happiness both within herself and in her different groups of friends. Main character Olive presents white, while many of her friends, both male and female, are people of color.A pleasantly quiet exploration of friends, fitting in, and finding one's own way. (Graphic fiction. 7-11)

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