Review by Booklist Review
After finding success with collaboration on the graphic novel adaptation of the popular, multiple awarding-winning novel-in-verse Crossover (2014), once again Alexander and Anyabwile have teamed up for this adaptation of Booked (2016), another multiple award-winning novel-in-verse. Anyabwile's stunningly detailed and expressive artwork does an excellent job of enhancing an engaging story about an eighth-grade rising soccer star named Nick, who struggles with a series of complex challenges. As if his parents' impending separation, his dad's exceedingly high expectations, and continuously having to deal with a pair of bullies aren't bad enough, Nick faces an unexpected and sudden health scare that threatens to get in the way of his soccer aspirations, and the tween begins to feel like it's all far too much to handle. In representing how Nick deals with his struggles, Booked does an excellent job at conveying an important mental health message. Overall, this graphic novel, with excellent artwork, free verse text, an engaging story, and a thoughtful, important message, will appeal to many young readers.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5--8--After a stunning turn with the 2016 graphic novelization of The Crossover, Alexander and Anyabwile once again team up, this time for an adaptation of Alexander's 2016 novel in verse. Eighth grader Nick Hall lives and breathes soccer, but he's got plenty of other things on his mind. His best friend is on a rival team; his dad's expectations for him are astronomically high; a couple of brutish bullies keep getting in his business; he's trying to figure out what to do about his crush, April; and his parents have separated, and, even worse, his mom is moving from their home in Texas to Kentucky to train racing horses. Readers will find Nick relatable and funny--his malapropisms and wordplay brim with rhythmic joy, even when he addresses tough topics. Nick finds himself succeeding in some spaces while drowning in others. Luckily, supportive adults help pull him to shore, like the Mac, a rapper-turned-librarian who (along with April) reframes Nick's relationship with words and reading, laying the groundwork for a fresh start for the boy and his dad. The grayscale palette, highlighted by lime green accents, allows the poetry to take center stage. Nick and his family are Black. VERDICT Conveying an important mental health message, this graphic novel adaptation is one more feather in the cap of a truly iconic author.--Abby Bussen, Muskego P.L., WI
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Eighth grader Nick Hall is a smart kid and a rising soccer star struggling with some rather sizable obstacles off the pitch in this graphic adaptation of Alexander's 2016 verse novel by the same name. Despite being quick on his feet and clever enough to dodge his schoolwork, Nick can't as easily maneuver around his parents' impending separation, sending his life into a bit of a spiral. Black-and-white illustrations with striking green accents from Anyabwile complement an emotional narrative about the forces kicking Nick while he's already down. High expectations from his father, incessant bullying, and a sudden health scare that gets in the way of soccer aspirations pile on top of Nick during an already challenging stage of adolescence. But distance from his mother throughout all of this exacerbates a heartbreakingly relatable sinking feeling that necessitates professional intervention to help Nick work through his hurt. While the free-verse text may not always be an intuitive read for many traditional graphic-novel fans--especially when it comes to following dialogue--Alexander's poetic storytelling and knack for language wrap around fun and expressive artwork to make for an inarguably charming format that may especially hold appeal for reluctant readers. Main characters are Black, and there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. A hard-fought emotional score. (Graphic fiction. 10-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
