Positively Izzy (utgåvan 2018)

My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aNoviqOja4

Enjoy! ( )

A readable middle school graphic novel hybrid featuring characters first introduced in Libenson's first book Invisible Emmie. I didn't think this one was as strong as the first and the twist ending here left me a bit confused. An enjoyable read but not as successful as the first. ( )

Izzy can't seem to focus on school but absolutely loves things that use her creative side, so she cannot wait for the school's talent show. On the flip side, Brianna is nicknamed "the Brain" and would much rather be studying than on stage. Both girls are put to the test when their mothers interfere and push them outside their comfort zones.

This was an engrossing middle-grade read that deals with a lot of common issues tweens deal with (balancing school work, making new friends, having crushes, etc.). It does so deftly, highlighting positive responses without being overly didactic. The two stories converge in an epilogue that is rather surprising. If you really want the big spoiler, here it is: It turns out the two stories are not happening simultaneously as the reader is lead to believe, and that in actuality Izzy is Brianna's mother. However, I think working towards that conclusion is much better.

The illustrations are great. I keep seeing this book referred to as a "hybrid" between chapter book and graphic novel, and that seems fair. Brianna's story is told more in a traditional comics panel style, while Izzy's story looks like a hand-written diary accompanied by some sketches.

This book is a sort-of sequel to Invisible Emmie, although I did not feel lost without having read that book prior. (There may be some Easter eggs that readers of both books might spot.) In terms of diversity, there are definitely secondary characters of color, although the main ones appear to be Caucasian. Izzy's mother is a single parent while Brianna is being raised by divorced parents. ( )

This was enjoyable for 2 reasons. The first reason was because of the message of friendships and the issues surrounding it as they focus on how to better understand others. For example, there is a pivotal moment in the book where the characters are working together by comforting and motivating each other through their hardships. It really allows the message of friendship and how to better understand others shine. The second reason why this book was so enjoyable was because of the illustrations, mainly the color. Terri Libenson does a phenomenal job of incorporating color to narrate different characters. It is always very easy to see when the perspective is shifted to another character solely based on the pigment of colors and the variety of color choices. For example, Izzy’s perspective is always more minimalistic and less colorful while Brianna’s perspective is always bold and pigmented with color as she fills the whole page with her words and actions. ( )

I was so glad to be able to start this book right after I finished Invisible Emmie, and I think I loved it even more than the first! It took me a minute to notice this book had alternating chapters, too, but once I did, I was blown away! The stories were both so amazing and the twist at the end brought tears to my eyes! Such a great story. Can’t wait to read more in this series! ( )