ALL'S FAIRE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

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This colorful graphic novel is rich with themes of belonging, friendship, family, making tough choices, and finding your own way.

Victoria Jamieson did a live interview for the New York Times Books Facebook page with Maria Russo. The video already has over 79,000 views! Read more...

This really is a perfect book for middle-schoolers. Especially new middle-schoolers. Especially new middle-schoolers who love Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games.

Though All's Faire in Middle School is technically a middle-grade novel, all lovers of children's literature, and especially fans of authors like Jennifer L. Holm or Raina Telgemeier, will enjoy it!

I love the setting in All's Faire: it offers the framework of a quest, the rising and falling actions of a piece of theater, and the juxtaposition of what's "real/normal" vs what's "ideal/unusual." When Imogene breaks down and accuses her parents of "not even having real jobs," she is really accusing them of not having a "normal," year-round job. In a way, as readers, we all are a bit envious of that almost dream-like existence of Faire Life and finding ourselves question what IS real and who's to say what makes something "normal."

Jamieson doesn’t disappoint in her first graphic novel since her Newbery Honor–winningRoller Girl. Imogen Vega’s parents perform at a Renaissance fair in Florida, immersing the family in a world of jousting and archaic language (“Thou qualling toad-spotted clack-dish!”). Imogen has been homeschooled all her life; now, at 11, she’s headed to public school. In her first weeks, she falls victim to the wiles of a mean girl, hurts a girl who might have been a good friend, and throws her younger brother’s treasured stuffed animal into the lake. As Imogen undergoes a period of self-enforced solitude, the extended family of the fair community offers unexpected support. Jamieson’s sturdy artwork (her figures are decidedly unglamorous, as if to offer regular kids reassurance) and sharp dialogue make it easy to care about her characters. Readers will also appreciate the irreverent humor of the fair’s adults: as a treatment for bullies, one recommends “a large quantity of chicken feathers and a few pots of honey.” The fair emphasizes adventure and theater, but its unconventional performers teach Imogen about kindness, too

As she did in Roller Girl, Victoria Jamieson perfectly - and authentically - captures the bittersweetness of middle school life with humor, warmth, and understanding.

As she did in her debut... Jamieson nails tween life.

Italy: Editrice Il Castoro ; Spain: Ediciones Maeva S. L.

Best to get it on your radar now.

All's Faire in Middle School is a delightful, funny, and thoughtful adventure through the challenging worlds of friends and family. Huzzah!

This might be the best graphic novel that I have ever read.

Might as well buy two copies of this right now, because it will never be on the shelf.

I loved ROLLER GIRL, but this one is even better... This is a surefire hit for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile, Cece Bell's El Deafo, or Shannon Hale & LeUyen Pham's Real Friends. Hand it to them post haste, for it's sure to garner many admirers.

In her neatly drawn sequential panels, Newbery honoree Jamieson portrays a diverse cast of expressive, naturally posed figures occupying two equally immersive worlds. Readers will cheer [Imogene's] victories, wince at her stumbles, and likely demand visits to the nearest faire themselves to sample the wares and fun.

Jamieson reprises the illustration style of her previous graphic novel, Roller Girl but also embraces the opportunity to riff on the Renaissance theme with illuminated manuscript styled chapter openings that introduce Imogene's fresh woes in troubadour fashion, while narration boxes throughout the text are in Imogene's beleaguered voice. The mean girls/oddball family themes feel fresh, and the explicitly stated moral of "You're not the center of the damn universe!" goes down easy.

This utterly charming graphic novel rivals the author's Newbery Honor Awardwinning debut title, Roller Girl. As heartfelt as it is gorgeous, this is a worthy addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.

'Roller Girl' was terrific. Her 'All's Faire in Middle School' is even better. The art seems equally effortless. The story has shades of 'Harriet the Spy', Monty Python and Peanuts, and the ending is tremendously satisfying without feeling false or unearned. I dub thee brilliant.

The illustrations, loose, energetic, and expressive, let plot and characterization shine. Each chapter starts with third person narration, presented within decorative borders featuring shields, dragons, and other illuminations; it's as if Imogene's story is a Renaissance tale itself an experience complete with tension, laughter, anticipation, heartbreak, and delight.

An Indie Bestseller, A Publishers Weekly Bestseller, A New York Times Editor's Choice Selection, An Indie Next Top Pick for Autumn 2017, A PW Most Anticipated Fall Book of 2017, An Amazon Editor's Best Book of September 2017, An Oklahoma Bestseller

Raina Telgemeier fans will love this new book from Victoria Jamieson.

Middle school is about to get a lot more Faire thanks to Victoria Jamieson's latest graphic novel.