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Emmie & Friends #8
Always Anthony
The eighth book in the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series, told from the alternating POVs of popular Anthony and timid Leah as they grapple with a bullying incident at school. Friends. Bullies. MIDDLE SCHOOL Anthony is TPFW (Too Popular For Words), loves science, hates writing. Leah is a super-shy nerd who’s finally making friends of her own. What could they have in common? A lot more than they thought, as it turns out! But then one day they witness Anthony’s teammates bullying a sixth grader. What happens next could cement their new friendship—or blow it up forever. New York Times bestseller Terri Libenson is back with a story about unexpected friendship and everyday bravery.
330 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2024
258 people are currently reading
2644 people want to read
About the author
Terri Libenson
22 books707 followersTerri Libenson (pronounced LEE-ben-son) is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author and award-winning cartoonist of the syndicated daily comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, which ran from 2006-2020. She was also an award-winning humorous card writer for American Greetings.
Terri graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BFA in illustration and a minor in art history. Her daily syndicated comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, launched with King Features in 2006 and ran in hundreds of newspapers internationally until its retirement in January, 2020. Pajama Diaries has been nominated four times for the Reuben Award for “Best Newspaper Comic Strip” by the National Cartoonists Society and won in 2016. You can read the Pajama Diaries archives daily on ComicsKingdom.com.
Terri has three Pajama Diaries book collections: Deja To-Do, Having It All–And No Time To Do It, and Bat-Zilla. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of the middle grade series, Emmie & Friends (Balzer + Bray).
Born and raised in Kingston, PA, Terri lives with her husband and two daughters in Cleveland, OH.
Terri graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BFA in illustration and a minor in art history. Her daily syndicated comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, launched with King Features in 2006 and ran in hundreds of newspapers internationally until its retirement in January, 2020. Pajama Diaries has been nominated four times for the Reuben Award for “Best Newspaper Comic Strip” by the National Cartoonists Society and won in 2016. You can read the Pajama Diaries archives daily on ComicsKingdom.com.
Terri has three Pajama Diaries book collections: Deja To-Do, Having It All–And No Time To Do It, and Bat-Zilla. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of the middle grade series, Emmie & Friends (Balzer + Bray).
Born and raised in Kingston, PA, Terri lives with her husband and two daughters in Cleveland, OH.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 14, 2024
3.5 / 5
8 books! Can you believe it? This book was so silly and sweet and sometimes powerful, much like the rest of the series. I loved Leah's character as a whole, and loved seeing more of her! I'm so proud about how she stood up to the bullies. Anthony was also interesting to read about.
In this series people are always told to be in cliques, like nerds or jocks (or TPFW), but I think it's just a label middle schoolers put on each other. I think each character is so much more than that, and I would love to see more of them from a person instead of just a shy girl or a nerd. This is probably just my opinion though, haha, but I still really enjoy reading this series.
8 books! Can you believe it? This book was so silly and sweet and sometimes powerful, much like the rest of the series. I loved Leah's character as a whole, and loved seeing more of her! I'm so proud about how she stood up to the bullies. Anthony was also interesting to read about.
In this series people are always told to be in cliques, like nerds or jocks (or TPFW), but I think it's just a label middle schoolers put on each other. I think each character is so much more than that, and I would love to see more of them from a person instead of just a shy girl or a nerd. This is probably just my opinion though, haha, but I still really enjoy reading this series.
August 29, 2024
ngl i’m always a sucker for this series no matter how old i get. pretty solid graphic novel, i enjoyed the surprising friendship and the story flowed well. i wish it was a bit more suspenseful but i still enjoyed it.
September 23, 2024
I’m a sucker for this series. Good book, not my fave, but still really good. Can’t wait for the next one
May 28, 2024
As always, another thoughtful, nuanced depiction of the trials and tribulations of middle school. I appreciate how Libenson manages to tackle bullying without going too far.
July 20, 2024
pretty good, relatable, cute story
Read
May 8, 2024Content warnings: bullying (past and present), including physical violence bullying, and verbal bullying.
Rep: Anthony (MC) is cis, POC, is dyslexic, and hetero. Leah (MC) is cis, POC (? she looks it) and hetero.
I adore these books - they're filled with middle grade drama that is so real, and can still relate to anyone of any ages.
Told in dual perspective, Anthony and Leah come together because Anthony needs to be tutored in English, and Leah is his student tutor.
We get to see glimpses into each of these characters' lives, and friends. And we get a very relatable bullying backstory for Leah.
The bullying is a pretty important plot point, so please take care when reading this one.
This was as awesome as the rest of the series, and I look forward to reading many more volumes.
Rep: Anthony (MC) is cis, POC, is dyslexic, and hetero. Leah (MC) is cis, POC (? she looks it) and hetero.
I adore these books - they're filled with middle grade drama that is so real, and can still relate to anyone of any ages.
Told in dual perspective, Anthony and Leah come together because Anthony needs to be tutored in English, and Leah is his student tutor.
We get to see glimpses into each of these characters' lives, and friends. And we get a very relatable bullying backstory for Leah.
The bullying is a pretty important plot point, so please take care when reading this one.
This was as awesome as the rest of the series, and I look forward to reading many more volumes.
May 9, 2024
Public library copy
This volume concerns the relationship between Anthony, who is popular but struggles with some academic courses because of his dyslexia, and Leah, who is rather shy but ends up tutoring him. The two become friends. There is a scene where they both see another boy being bullied by some of the boys on Anthony's team, and both have to decide how to handle it.
This is similar to the other books in the level of dysfunction and anxiety that all of the characters seem to have. My students enjoy these a lot, especially if they are fans of Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School or Scrivan's Nat Enough.
This volume concerns the relationship between Anthony, who is popular but struggles with some academic courses because of his dyslexia, and Leah, who is rather shy but ends up tutoring him. The two become friends. There is a scene where they both see another boy being bullied by some of the boys on Anthony's team, and both have to decide how to handle it.
This is similar to the other books in the level of dysfunction and anxiety that all of the characters seem to have. My students enjoy these a lot, especially if they are fans of Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School or Scrivan's Nat Enough.
July 5, 2024
When Libenson does the dual point of view, it is probably my favorite way of bringing in multiple characters in her stories. However, it can be tricky to switch, but she does it well when she makes the two characters different with the style of illustrations (one is "panel-less" and smooth; the other bubbly, loud, and even though both sides are colorful, even more colorful). While I felt she had gone too many times to this theme because Sarah was not my favorite addition to the series, but she brings it back with a realistic arch and contemporary themes.
May 26, 2024
This is another solid entry in the series, with platonic friendship blossoming between a boy and a girl, parents with some character depth, and its tried-and-true format.
I've been thinking about the series as a whole since I picked up this volume at my local indie bookstore. I talked all of it up to the bookseller - maybe more than the four stars I've consistently given most of the books. Is "I really liked it" accurate? This is a series that I keep buying, enjoying, and passing along to my students. And it tends to get read soon after I buy it, while my overflowing physical bookshelf of "to be read" books looks on.
I guess it's not among my favorites, but it is most enjoyable.
I've been thinking about the series as a whole since I picked up this volume at my local indie bookstore. I talked all of it up to the bookseller - maybe more than the four stars I've consistently given most of the books. Is "I really liked it" accurate? This is a series that I keep buying, enjoying, and passing along to my students. And it tends to get read soon after I buy it, while my overflowing physical bookshelf of "to be read" books looks on.
I guess it's not among my favorites, but it is most enjoyable.
May 7, 2025
I am always reading graphic novels to find new books to recommend to fans of Raina Telgemier. Kids really like to read stories about "real life" drama, and this checks that box for them.
I highly recommend this series.
I highly recommend this series.
June 18, 2024
WONDERFUL AMAZING AND DELICIOUS
February 4, 2026
its ight
September 17, 2024
Best book of the series IMO.
October 4, 2025
Terri Libenson is such a great writer! I’ve read Positively Izzy, Becoming Breana, Just Jaime, Remarkably Ruby and they’ve all been so good! I love how they switch point of views, she makes each of their chapters so datailed and life like.
June 29, 2024
(4.5 Stars)
What another great addition! I enjoyed this latest book in the series so much! It provided a new dynamic and lens to the series that I never thought we would get, but adds so much! For starters, I really liked the development of Anthony and Leah’s friendship. When I first started reading the book, I expected them to get closer (as these types of stories typically go) but the path and development they ultimately ended up going down was so nice! I loved how much they bonded and how it unfolded over the course of the story. I like how they break the ice pretty quickly and then grow from there, becoming more comfortable with each other and finding common ground and interests with each other. I also liked how it wasn’t a totally easy road to get to that position, between the bullying and their pasts. It was just a super nice development, and I’m very happy that it ended up even better than I thought. Next, I also loved the character development. This is something I feel gets even better with each book in this series. With each book, we’ve gotten more and more into the characters, and even the side characters who we originally never thought we’d know much about have gotten their own great stories and development. This is the case once again. The development of the characters, particularly the two leads, was excellent. I loved Anthony’s arc of becoming more open with other people and coming to terms with who he was in the past and working through his judgements. I also liked learning more about Leah’s past and how her experiences then shaped who she is now, as well as how she changes during the story. It all also makes the growth of their relationship even better since these aspects play into that growth and therefore contribute to how great their friendship ends up being. The same applies to side characters, like Jesse. While he wasn’t given a whole arc since he’s not really fleshed out until the end of the book, but I liked the extended part and depth he’s ultimately given at the end. I also once again liked the book’s inclusion of the series’ signature humor and style. This is something I’ve praised with all the books, but I will continue to praise it because it’s always so good. Both the general humor and middle school pokes are sublime, giving the book a unique feeling to it since the jokes not only land well, but are told in a way that makes them stand out from other books. They use really good illustrations and one-liners to create the humor and look of the series, per usual, and it’s done very well once again. The only things that I didn’t like about the book were how rushed some plot lines were, and I wish that we would jump back ahead to after “Just Jamie” instead of constantly jumping back to seventh grade. In terms of pacing, there were certain plot lines and parts that I felt were included and completed way too fast, like the side plot with Ruby and Juan and the last conflict scene between Anthony and Leah near the end. While the Ruby and Juan side plot was built up in the book, the actual conflict in that plot is resolved very quickly and only lasts a couple scenes max, so it feels very underwhelming. Also, while Anthony and Leah’s final big conflict scene provides a great end to the book and I really liked it, it felt slapped into its place in the story, especially when it felt like the book was just starting to end. Even though it’s meant to be this book’s big plot twist, I felt that it could have been paced/placed better in the story. The other critique is more of something in the entire series. While I’ve since gotten used to it, I wish that “Just Jamie” wasn’t made the third book of the series, as it made the timeline of the series really weird, as we immediately just jump back to seventh grade after going through the entire last day of seventh grade. I feel that it would’ve been better to either have had the following books take place in eighth grade, or to have made “Just Jamie” a much later book in the series, so in either scenario, the timeline would feel less weird. I’m very thankful that no gigantic plot holes came of this, though, and I hope we soon get to stories in eighth grade. Overall, though, this was a fantastic addition to the series, and I can’t wait to see which side character will get their story next.
What another great addition! I enjoyed this latest book in the series so much! It provided a new dynamic and lens to the series that I never thought we would get, but adds so much! For starters, I really liked the development of Anthony and Leah’s friendship. When I first started reading the book, I expected them to get closer (as these types of stories typically go) but the path and development they ultimately ended up going down was so nice! I loved how much they bonded and how it unfolded over the course of the story. I like how they break the ice pretty quickly and then grow from there, becoming more comfortable with each other and finding common ground and interests with each other. I also liked how it wasn’t a totally easy road to get to that position, between the bullying and their pasts. It was just a super nice development, and I’m very happy that it ended up even better than I thought. Next, I also loved the character development. This is something I feel gets even better with each book in this series. With each book, we’ve gotten more and more into the characters, and even the side characters who we originally never thought we’d know much about have gotten their own great stories and development. This is the case once again. The development of the characters, particularly the two leads, was excellent. I loved Anthony’s arc of becoming more open with other people and coming to terms with who he was in the past and working through his judgements. I also liked learning more about Leah’s past and how her experiences then shaped who she is now, as well as how she changes during the story. It all also makes the growth of their relationship even better since these aspects play into that growth and therefore contribute to how great their friendship ends up being. The same applies to side characters, like Jesse. While he wasn’t given a whole arc since he’s not really fleshed out until the end of the book, but I liked the extended part and depth he’s ultimately given at the end. I also once again liked the book’s inclusion of the series’ signature humor and style. This is something I’ve praised with all the books, but I will continue to praise it because it’s always so good. Both the general humor and middle school pokes are sublime, giving the book a unique feeling to it since the jokes not only land well, but are told in a way that makes them stand out from other books. They use really good illustrations and one-liners to create the humor and look of the series, per usual, and it’s done very well once again. The only things that I didn’t like about the book were how rushed some plot lines were, and I wish that we would jump back ahead to after “Just Jamie” instead of constantly jumping back to seventh grade. In terms of pacing, there were certain plot lines and parts that I felt were included and completed way too fast, like the side plot with Ruby and Juan and the last conflict scene between Anthony and Leah near the end. While the Ruby and Juan side plot was built up in the book, the actual conflict in that plot is resolved very quickly and only lasts a couple scenes max, so it feels very underwhelming. Also, while Anthony and Leah’s final big conflict scene provides a great end to the book and I really liked it, it felt slapped into its place in the story, especially when it felt like the book was just starting to end. Even though it’s meant to be this book’s big plot twist, I felt that it could have been paced/placed better in the story. The other critique is more of something in the entire series. While I’ve since gotten used to it, I wish that “Just Jamie” wasn’t made the third book of the series, as it made the timeline of the series really weird, as we immediately just jump back to seventh grade after going through the entire last day of seventh grade. I feel that it would’ve been better to either have had the following books take place in eighth grade, or to have made “Just Jamie” a much later book in the series, so in either scenario, the timeline would feel less weird. I’m very thankful that no gigantic plot holes came of this, though, and I hope we soon get to stories in eighth grade. Overall, though, this was a fantastic addition to the series, and I can’t wait to see which side character will get their story next.
June 20, 2024
Anthony Randall knows his strengths. He's good at basketball, Chemistry, Science and Maths, and so a low grade at Language Arts doesn't bother him much. But his mum has other thoughts on the matter when she sees his online grade. To help him improve his marks, he is lined up with Leah Ruben who has volunteered to tutor other students.
Leah is intimidated to begin with, her perception of Anthony being a popular boy in the school basketball team who will think himself above her. Anthony along with others in their grade, knew Leah as a high achiever and a teacher's pet. They enter the tutoring with trepidation.
To their joint surprise, they begin to enjoy each other's company and after time even begin to confide in one another about personal things. Anthony's facade finally begins to crack after rarely showing his feelings. Leah's tutoring helps him delve deeper into his emotions to help with his essay writing.
When one day they see Anthony's team mates bullying a younger boy, they are not only forced deeper into their own past experiences with bullying, they know they must do something after a second incident.
Truths are shared, memories rear up, and friendships bend. Middle school is seldom straight forward, and Anthony and Leah must make decisions, forgive, understand and grow from it all.
Although named Always Anthony, like other books in this popular graphic novel series, there are two main characters. Leah is an equal and important part of this story about unlikely friendships, misconceptions about people around you, and bullying.
Leah has been bullied before and can relate to a younger boy's fear and feelings as he flees from older boys. Anthony is on the basketball team with these boys and doesn't want to rock the boat, attract the bullying or make a big deal of it. Both Anthony and Leah have to deal with the complicated feelings that rise up at seeing a younger boy bullied.
There are other things happening as Anthony and Leah work together on his English class grade. Leah's friends become jealous, Anthony's friends are dismissive of Leah, and then his best friend Tyler is left feeling out in the cold after an essay project.
Wrangling friendships in school can be difficult - especially when group dynamics change, but it's all part of the growing process for us all, and this bright, engaging episode in the emmie & friends series is a fun foray into all sorts of possible connections.
I always enjoy the two distinct styles of illustration and storytelling for each character's point of view in this series. In between the more serious themes are amusing drawings that add even more to the tale. I love them all!
Leah is intimidated to begin with, her perception of Anthony being a popular boy in the school basketball team who will think himself above her. Anthony along with others in their grade, knew Leah as a high achiever and a teacher's pet. They enter the tutoring with trepidation.
To their joint surprise, they begin to enjoy each other's company and after time even begin to confide in one another about personal things. Anthony's facade finally begins to crack after rarely showing his feelings. Leah's tutoring helps him delve deeper into his emotions to help with his essay writing.
When one day they see Anthony's team mates bullying a younger boy, they are not only forced deeper into their own past experiences with bullying, they know they must do something after a second incident.
Truths are shared, memories rear up, and friendships bend. Middle school is seldom straight forward, and Anthony and Leah must make decisions, forgive, understand and grow from it all.
Although named Always Anthony, like other books in this popular graphic novel series, there are two main characters. Leah is an equal and important part of this story about unlikely friendships, misconceptions about people around you, and bullying.
Leah has been bullied before and can relate to a younger boy's fear and feelings as he flees from older boys. Anthony is on the basketball team with these boys and doesn't want to rock the boat, attract the bullying or make a big deal of it. Both Anthony and Leah have to deal with the complicated feelings that rise up at seeing a younger boy bullied.
There are other things happening as Anthony and Leah work together on his English class grade. Leah's friends become jealous, Anthony's friends are dismissive of Leah, and then his best friend Tyler is left feeling out in the cold after an essay project.
Wrangling friendships in school can be difficult - especially when group dynamics change, but it's all part of the growing process for us all, and this bright, engaging episode in the emmie & friends series is a fun foray into all sorts of possible connections.
I always enjoy the two distinct styles of illustration and storytelling for each character's point of view in this series. In between the more serious themes are amusing drawings that add even more to the tale. I love them all!
May 29, 2024
The bullying of another kid could cement or blow up a new friendship.
Anthony, a 7th-grade boy, isn't exactly what you call an open book, so you can never tell what he's thinking. One day, he received a poor grade in English due to his failure to express himself correctly. Despite being allowed to improve his grade, he refused, causing his overall grade to plummet. Consequently, Anthony's parents tutored him to fix his English grade. Enter Leah, Anthony's tutor. Their time together led to an improvement in Anthony's grades and a blossoming friendship. But when they witness a kid getting bullied by Anthony's fellow Basketball teammates, their friendship is in jeopardy...
As a passionate reader, I could not contain my excitement when I delved into the next book of this fantastic series I had been enjoying. The captivating humor and unforgettable characters that had kept me hooked from the beginning continued to amaze me. I couldn't help but feel that my recent misstep in English class mirrored the characters' struggles in their own lives.
Despite his difficulty expressing emotions, Anthony's character was exceptionally well-written and had some lovely moments throughout the book. On the other hand, Leah was a unique and quirky character with a deep passion for poetry and cooking.
This book is a must-read for fans of the Emmie and Friends series and anyone who loves a captivating and inspiring story.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you @harperkids @theshelfstuff for sending me a copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2024
The first books in this series had twists at the end that put a new perspective on events. Now the books have settled into a fairly consistent pattern. They are still enjoyable, and offer some good lessons to middle grade readers a out getting to know others before judging them. Characters often reveal an element of themselves that they have hidden from others, but which makes up a core element of their mormtivations.
I appreciate how Libenson continues to spiral the story out from the original characters, showing that everyone has their own story, and no one is just a background character; everyone has a reason for the way they act, and everyone is the center of their own experience.
In this story, I liked that . This is an EXCELLENT message for Middle Grades readers!
I also appreciated how the second main character, Leah, explains her connection to her Jewish faith. And the way she and her family have learned to deal in a healthy way with their grief over the loss of her father a decade earlier is nicely done.
Kudos, too, to Libenson for having diverse characters. That being said, I am honestly unsure how to feel about a white woman writing a Black character who thinks a white girl is cute, but then realizes he actually likes the only other Black character in the series. This might just be me over analyzing or being overly sensitive, but it did pop into my head almost immediately on reading.
I appreciate how Libenson continues to spiral the story out from the original characters, showing that everyone has their own story, and no one is just a background character; everyone has a reason for the way they act, and everyone is the center of their own experience.
In this story, I liked that . This is an EXCELLENT message for Middle Grades readers!
I also appreciated how the second main character, Leah, explains her connection to her Jewish faith. And the way she and her family have learned to deal in a healthy way with their grief over the loss of her father a decade earlier is nicely done.
Kudos, too, to Libenson for having diverse characters. That being said, I am honestly unsure how to feel about a white woman writing a Black character who thinks a white girl is cute, but then realizes he actually likes the only other Black character in the series. This might just be me over analyzing or being overly sensitive, but it did pop into my head almost immediately on reading.
June 9, 2024
I usually don't read that many graphic novels, so my expectations were high. However, this book was AMAZING! Always Anthony had an incredibly interesting way of switching view points. I thought it was SO cool how the different views had different formatting styles.
The characters were relatable, and the circumstances were believable and accurate to real life ones. It was so awesome how the characters were not always (Ha! Didn't mean to make a pun!) the "good-guy."
I recommend this book to kids ages 8-10 and grades 3-5.
-SnowSnowKitty
Helpful Links:
Author: Terri Libenson
In This Series:
Invisible Emmie
Positively Izzy
Just Jaime
Becoming Brianna
Truly Tyler
Remarkably Ruby
Surprisingly Sarah
Other Books by This Author:
You-niquely You: An Emmie & Friends Interactive Journal
Pajama Diaries: Déjà To-Do!
The Pajama Diaries: Bat-Zilla
The characters were relatable, and the circumstances were believable and accurate to real life ones. It was so awesome how the characters were not always (Ha! Didn't mean to make a pun!) the "good-guy."
I recommend this book to kids ages 8-10 and grades 3-5.
-SnowSnowKitty
Helpful Links:
Author: Terri Libenson
In This Series:
Invisible Emmie
Positively Izzy
Just Jaime
Becoming Brianna
Truly Tyler
Remarkably Ruby
Surprisingly Sarah
Other Books by This Author:
You-niquely You: An Emmie & Friends Interactive Journal
Pajama Diaries: Déjà To-Do!
The Pajama Diaries: Bat-Zilla
June 10, 2024
I'm just gonna say it...
🥰 Awwwwwwww 🥰
That was probably the cutest, most feel-worthy installment yet. Or at least right up there!
When I first discovered the Emmie and Friends series, I marketed it as "A Smile Read-Alike". These days, Smile (or Drama) is what I give people who want something like this series. I love how they're relatable and how they all tie in together without having to be read in order. And I love how each and every one has a happy ending where the characters come out of their experiences better people.
I wonder whose story Terry Libenson will decide to tell next?
Ceilia would be a good choice. I'm a sucker for a villain redemption story, when it's done well. And no villain needs a harsh tough-love lesson more than Ceilia. I mean, a character that one-sided and awful... She's got to have a tragic backstory. She can't just remain a flat-Stanley mean girl.
Guess time will tell...
If Ms. Libenson publishes it, I will read it.
🥰 Awwwwwwww 🥰
That was probably the cutest, most feel-worthy installment yet. Or at least right up there!
When I first discovered the Emmie and Friends series, I marketed it as "A Smile Read-Alike". These days, Smile (or Drama) is what I give people who want something like this series. I love how they're relatable and how they all tie in together without having to be read in order. And I love how each and every one has a happy ending where the characters come out of their experiences better people.
I wonder whose story Terry Libenson will decide to tell next?
Ceilia would be a good choice. I'm a sucker for a villain redemption story, when it's done well. And no villain needs a harsh tough-love lesson more than Ceilia. I mean, a character that one-sided and awful... She's got to have a tragic backstory. She can't just remain a flat-Stanley mean girl.
Guess time will tell...
If Ms. Libenson publishes it, I will read it.
January 3, 2025
⭐️4.25⭐️
One of my favourites from the Emmie & Friends series! I usually rate the books from this series as 3 or 4, because there are some books in it that I find mediocre and forgettable, and others that I actually remember the story of or have a fun twist. This book falls into the latter category for the former reason.
Unlikely friendships are always charming to read about, and I found it especially enjoyable because we got to see Anthony open up to Leah! Anthony has been a staple character since the beginning of the series, but we’ve never delved into his personality much before. Forcing him to befriend a polar opposite and be thrown into situations he would normally avoid provide great character development for him!
This book actually resonates with me because I think tackles some really relevant problems for junior high. The true test however will be that of time, to see if I still remember it later on, unlike a few others in the series. Until then, ‘Always Anthony’ joins ‘Becoming Brianna’ and ‘Positively Izzy’ as my top picks from the series!
One of my favourites from the Emmie & Friends series! I usually rate the books from this series as 3 or 4, because there are some books in it that I find mediocre and forgettable, and others that I actually remember the story of or have a fun twist. This book falls into the latter category for the former reason.
Unlikely friendships are always charming to read about, and I found it especially enjoyable because we got to see Anthony open up to Leah! Anthony has been a staple character since the beginning of the series, but we’ve never delved into his personality much before. Forcing him to befriend a polar opposite and be thrown into situations he would normally avoid provide great character development for him!
This book actually resonates with me because I think tackles some really relevant problems for junior high. The true test however will be that of time, to see if I still remember it later on, unlike a few others in the series. Until then, ‘Always Anthony’ joins ‘Becoming Brianna’ and ‘Positively Izzy’ as my top picks from the series!
May 30, 2024
Two complete opposites become the most unlikely of friends in this wonderful middle-grade graphic novel.
Anthony is a reserved kind of guy who loves science and basketball but needs help in Language Arts. Leah is the shy and nerdy tutor who loves cooking and writing tasked with helping him. Their blossoming friendship was heartwarming. The more time they spent together the more they could be themselves and open up about personal stuff. I found their respective journeys to be relatable and encouraging.
The bullying situation that Anthony and Leah witnessed was handled really well. It felt honest and genuine, expressed in an accessible way for middle-grade readers. I liked that you got several different perspectives on bullying in general and how to approach it. You also see how the main characters work through their complicated feelings on the matter.
I very much enjoyed this funny, thought-provoking, and pleasant story.
Anthony is a reserved kind of guy who loves science and basketball but needs help in Language Arts. Leah is the shy and nerdy tutor who loves cooking and writing tasked with helping him. Their blossoming friendship was heartwarming. The more time they spent together the more they could be themselves and open up about personal stuff. I found their respective journeys to be relatable and encouraging.
The bullying situation that Anthony and Leah witnessed was handled really well. It felt honest and genuine, expressed in an accessible way for middle-grade readers. I liked that you got several different perspectives on bullying in general and how to approach it. You also see how the main characters work through their complicated feelings on the matter.
I very much enjoyed this funny, thought-provoking, and pleasant story.
August 16, 2024
Libenson does it again. A lovely story about middle schoolers figuring things out and overcoming challenges. The alternating POVs and styles work in this one, and I found that we got enough time with both characters to understand and relate to them. They were both likeable but flawed, although Anthony was the one who had to overcome more. While the book is titled and focused on him, Leah is just as important. I do think that she is coming from a more stable space, having dealt with some of her challenges earlier on. But she still develops and grows.
Artwork is, as always, lovely. And these are great books for reluctant readers because they're graphic novels but with more words. And in this one, Anthony's story is more journal than graphic which is even better.
Unlike some of the earlier Emmie and Friends books, this one can stand alone without more context. So, it can be read on it's own as. way to get into the series or as a continuation.
Artwork is, as always, lovely. And these are great books for reluctant readers because they're graphic novels but with more words. And in this one, Anthony's story is more journal than graphic which is even better.
Unlike some of the earlier Emmie and Friends books, this one can stand alone without more context. So, it can be read on it's own as. way to get into the series or as a continuation.
May 20, 2024
4 stars for the latest book in the Emmie and Friends graphic novel series. Always Anthony is about friendship, speaking up, avoiding assumptions, first crushes, and middle school. This book, and this entire series, is perfect for middle school life reading.
It’s fun and good and one I highly recommend. I loved learning about Anthony. I loved that tho he is “popular” there are things that are hard for him as well as insecurities he had.
Always Anthony is fantastic. It isn’t necessary to read this book in order, but it also helps when you do.
If you have a middle schooler or upper elementary aged kiddo I highly recommend this book and series. Then talk about bullies and what to do if you see something happening.
Thank you @theshelfstuff for sharing this one with me.
It’s fun and good and one I highly recommend. I loved learning about Anthony. I loved that tho he is “popular” there are things that are hard for him as well as insecurities he had.
Always Anthony is fantastic. It isn’t necessary to read this book in order, but it also helps when you do.
If you have a middle schooler or upper elementary aged kiddo I highly recommend this book and series. Then talk about bullies and what to do if you see something happening.
Thank you @theshelfstuff for sharing this one with me.
December 16, 2024
The latest book from Terri Libenson was fantastic! I was able to find this series and I really do enjoy the changing perspectives in these books. We get new characters and old characters becoming the main characters in all of these books.
"Always Anthony" is about two unlikely friends, Anthony and Leah, who have more in common than they thought but bullying occurs between two of Anthony's basketball team mates and a younger kid. Leah has flashbacks to when other kids would bully her when she was little. Leah wants to tell somebody but Anthony wants to keep it under wraps. Anthony learns from his mistakes and we get a twist (wonderfully done each book) about who/why about Leah's past bullies. Overall a great book, I just wish we got to see more bonding between Tyler, Anthony and Joe but I understand this was less about basketball and more with tutoring.
"Always Anthony" is about two unlikely friends, Anthony and Leah, who have more in common than they thought but bullying occurs between two of Anthony's basketball team mates and a younger kid. Leah has flashbacks to when other kids would bully her when she was little. Leah wants to tell somebody but Anthony wants to keep it under wraps. Anthony learns from his mistakes and we get a twist (wonderfully done each book) about who/why about Leah's past bullies. Overall a great book, I just wish we got to see more bonding between Tyler, Anthony and Joe but I understand this was less about basketball and more with tutoring.
May 27, 2024
Anthony is a basketball player who is good at STEM, but is getting a D in English. Leah is assigned as his student tutor. At the first meeting they are both uncomfortable, but they begin to open up and grow a deeper friendship. They see bullying happening twice and first both freeze, then have different reactions. Leah yells at the 8th graders, while Anthony tries to almost shrug it off as the older boys are on the team and could make his life difficult. Leah decides to tell, but before she can, Anthony confronts the 2 boys in the locker room and has the backing of the rest of the team. Leah and Anthony agree to still hang out as friends, and encourage the other to get with their crush.
I love this series.
I love this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2025
WAY deeper than the cartoony covers might suggest, Libenson consistently fills the Emmie & Friends with complex characters and excellent life lessons for readers. Here Leah and Anthony become unlikely friends when Leah becomes his ELA tutor. Leah's nerd crew is worried she'll defect to the cool table. Anthony's jock/cool crowd questions his connection to the little Jewish brainiac. Their friendship prevails, but not in a butt-bow way. They have to work through confronting bullies (past and present) and the middle school caste system.
Note: On pg35 when Leah's friends find out she's going to tutor Anthony, they say "Sorry, but he's TPFW." I can't find its meaning anywhere, including the Urban Dictionary. Anyone?
Note: On pg35 when Leah's friends find out she's going to tutor Anthony, they say "Sorry, but he's TPFW." I can't find its meaning anywhere, including the Urban Dictionary. Anyone?
July 5, 2024
Have you met Emmie & Friends? The kids featured in these volumes are racially diverse and dealing with real middle school dilemmas like bullying and needing a tutor and navigating new friendships.
Anthony is in the cool crowd and he needs help with language arts. Leah is his new tutor. She is not in with the popular kids. When the two of them start finding common ground, what do they do about the other friends who don't like the changes? Love the glimpses we get of these kids at school, out and about, and at home. A really strong series with two graphic styles (one for each of the two featured characters) in every installment.
Anthony is in the cool crowd and he needs help with language arts. Leah is his new tutor. She is not in with the popular kids. When the two of them start finding common ground, what do they do about the other friends who don't like the changes? Love the glimpses we get of these kids at school, out and about, and at home. A really strong series with two graphic styles (one for each of the two featured characters) in every installment.
May 14, 2024
I love this series because the themes are always on point and I love getting to know the characters. This one deals with bullying and I love how Leah and Anthony solve the problem. Rather than telling a teacher which isn’t the wrong thing to do but it creates more problems, Anthony gets his friends to help stop the bullies. I also like how Anthony apologizes to Leah for bullying her prior to this book and how they help and befriend Jesse. I wonder if the next book will be about Jesse. I can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
When basketball player Anthony receives a D on his English assignment, his teacher gives him the chance to rewrite it and assigns Leah as his tutor. Leah is smart and quirky and very intimidated to be helping Anthony, who is one of the TPFW (Too Popular For Words) students. As we follow their sessions together we also get a glimpse of their separate lives. A friendship forms as they face the rocky past they share. This graphic-style story is a compelling read and faces the serious issues of bullying and taking a stand against it.
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