Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

I’ve had Kristen Gudsnuk’s Making Friends on my library shelf for an embarrassing amount of time–think years–and I’m honestly not sure why it took so long to make it to the top of my to-read list. (I only got to it this month because I’ve been making a concerted effort to go through the graphic novels I have waiting, partly in preparation for Christmas and partly to have library-procured bribes for my youngest’s ongoing piano saga.) I have to say, though–having now read it–that I’m not actually sure what my graphic novel-obsessed girlies will think. I was sort of expecting a realistic-fiction-with-a-magical-twist kind of story, where yes, Dany draws herself a best friend, but the emphasis is on that being a catalyst for a novel of figuring out middle school friendships. (Which is awful, by the way. My son is currently floundering in that mire.)

What I didn’t realize is that before Dany draws herself a best friend named Madison, she sketches the head of the villain from her favorite Netflix–excuse me, “Newtflax”–show, whom she’s convinced is just misunderstood. Prince Neptune’s head is as important to the plot as Madison, giving the plot a much higher level of drama with a fairly spectacular conclusion. Is it still, ultimately, about how to make (and be) friends and how to treat people? Yes–but in a sci-fi, “that escalated quickly” kind of way. Amazingly, despite my distinct lack of enthusiasm for sci-fi, I find myself committedly curious about the sequels, so I’d recommend this one for graphic novel fans in general. What my realistic-fiction-preferring 14-year-old will think, however, is anyone’s guess.

In the meantime, our October PTA meeting had another amazing turnout, but now that I’ve completed my report for that, I have the miserable task of finding financial documentation for 3 of our 213 members to face. Wish me luck!