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Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel
Even when her best friend is moving away, Amber Brown is always bold, bright, and colorful. #Amber Brown is out now on Apple TV+
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They've known each other for practically forever, sit next to each other in class, help each other with homework, and always stick up for each other. Justin never says things like, "Amber Brown is not a crayon." Amber never says, "You're Justin Time." They're a great team—until disaster strikes. Justin has to move away, and now the best friends are fighting. Will they be able to work it out before it's too late?
Along with the ups and downs of shared custody, the Amber Brown chapter books are beloved for tackling relatable dilemmas with thoughtfulness, humor, and plenty of puns.
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They've known each other for practically forever, sit next to each other in class, help each other with homework, and always stick up for each other. Justin never says things like, "Amber Brown is not a crayon." Amber never says, "You're Justin Time." They're a great team—until disaster strikes. Justin has to move away, and now the best friends are fighting. Will they be able to work it out before it's too late?
Along with the ups and downs of shared custody, the Amber Brown chapter books are beloved for tackling relatable dilemmas with thoughtfulness, humor, and plenty of puns.
112 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2024
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Paula Danziger
116 books351 followersPaula Danziger was an American children's author. She wrote more than 30 books, including her 1974 debut The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, for children's and young adult audiences. At the time of her death, all her books were still in print; they had been published in 53 countries and translated into 14 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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May 26, 2024Memories of that giant wad of chewing gum have apparently been buried in my brain for 25 years.
May 26, 2024
Adorable adaption of one of my favorite series as a kid. :)
May 28, 2024
I'm not a big fan of graphic novels because I prefer that children read from actual printed pages of text and allow their imagination to flesh out the scenes and action, the characters and their expressions. I believe this expands their ability to imagine and formulate on their own and to put identity to words. However, there is a time and place where graphic novels can benefit and lend enjoyment. This is especially true for the reluctant reader.
Amber Brown's stories are engaging and bring to life children in their day to day settings of school, etc. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is a re-telling of the original book that was printed as a text novel with some illustrations.
Amber's parents are divorced. Amber has been best friends with Justin since kindergarten. Justin's family is moving to another city. Amber's emotions are on a roller coaster.
Their teacher seems to have lots of engaging activities and also a good degree of tolerance of lively third graders. A "trip to China" with Chinese food brought in for their lunch is a grand way to learn about another country. Writing post cards from China to family and friends is one of the activities. The teacher also has a high tolerance of their ill temper, spats, and general ill behavior.
Amber is experiencing unsettling emotions from her parent's divorce and her father moving far away and then she gets the news that her best friend's father's work is changing and they are moving far away. She is angry. Justin is angry. They lash out at each other and their classmates. Secret word: kindness
This book can provide a glimpse into the shattering of children's emotions caused by major events in their lives. It gives voice to their hurt, their discord, their struggles. It also shows that it is important to say "I'm sorry" when you hurt others.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Amber Brown's stories are engaging and bring to life children in their day to day settings of school, etc. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is a re-telling of the original book that was printed as a text novel with some illustrations.
Amber's parents are divorced. Amber has been best friends with Justin since kindergarten. Justin's family is moving to another city. Amber's emotions are on a roller coaster.
Their teacher seems to have lots of engaging activities and also a good degree of tolerance of lively third graders. A "trip to China" with Chinese food brought in for their lunch is a grand way to learn about another country. Writing post cards from China to family and friends is one of the activities. The teacher also has a high tolerance of their ill temper, spats, and general ill behavior.
Amber is experiencing unsettling emotions from her parent's divorce and her father moving far away and then she gets the news that her best friend's father's work is changing and they are moving far away. She is angry. Justin is angry. They lash out at each other and their classmates. Secret word: kindness
This book can provide a glimpse into the shattering of children's emotions caused by major events in their lives. It gives voice to their hurt, their discord, their struggles. It also shows that it is important to say "I'm sorry" when you hurt others.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
October 12, 2024
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
I really enjoyed this series as a kid and it was fun to revisit this story in graphic format.
The illustrations are great. Ying's character designs are wonderful and the art really captures their movements and mannerisms.
The chapters are quite short so this works well for a young audience. The artwork really pushes the story along with manageable dialogue and narration throughout. The plot is quick-paced and the visuals nicely capture the emotions of the scene. Makes for a pretty quick read.
The story deals with various aspects of friendship from fights to forgiveness, moving away to having difficulty communicating. Also touches on divorce and growing distant from a parent.
Does a good job of staying true to the original while making sense to a modern reader.
A cute adaptation overall. For me, the pacing felt a bit rushed. While it contains a lot of the original dialogue, the illustrations replace some of Amber's narration, making it move more quickly and replacing some of the natural pauses. Still a nice adaptation for a modern audience.
Makes me want to go back and re-read some of the originals.
I really enjoyed this series as a kid and it was fun to revisit this story in graphic format.
The illustrations are great. Ying's character designs are wonderful and the art really captures their movements and mannerisms.
The chapters are quite short so this works well for a young audience. The artwork really pushes the story along with manageable dialogue and narration throughout. The plot is quick-paced and the visuals nicely capture the emotions of the scene. Makes for a pretty quick read.
The story deals with various aspects of friendship from fights to forgiveness, moving away to having difficulty communicating. Also touches on divorce and growing distant from a parent.
Does a good job of staying true to the original while making sense to a modern reader.
A cute adaptation overall. For me, the pacing felt a bit rushed. While it contains a lot of the original dialogue, the illustrations replace some of Amber's narration, making it move more quickly and replacing some of the natural pauses. Still a nice adaptation for a modern audience.
Makes me want to go back and re-read some of the originals.
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October 22, 2023I had fond memories of this series from childhood but this just feels fine, not special as my memory was.
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May 19, 2024See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/amber-...
AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is an engaging and approachable look at tough topics around a friend moving away, teasing, and divorce. Amber Brown hates when other kids tease her for having a name like a crayon, but she has come to appreciate her name over time. This year, in third grade, she is sad that her best friend, Justin, may be moving away. His father got a job in Alabama, which means that once they sell their house in New Jersey, he will be leaving.
Amber and Justin are the best of friends, and Amber is not sure what she will do when he leaves. As the time approaches, she considers her feelings and possibilities. She knows what it feels like to lose someone, as her father moved to another country after the divorce. Luckily, with good friends and her mother, Amber will learn how to approach these changes and feelings.
What I loved: This is a really relatable and approachable graphic novel that tackles some tough topics in a way that young elementary schoolers can appreciate. The story is illustrated well with plenty of details in each panel, plus plenty of color and silliness that will appeal to the intended age range. The characters are expressive and the story is primarily told with images, without having too much text on any page, which works well for the intended audience. Some particular jokes that make readers giggle are concerns about kids who pick their noses and Justin's telling of his plane trip.
Amber is a compelling character, and the story spells out her emotions, why she feels that way, and how she and other characters are handling these big feelings. This is great for elementary school aged kids who are working on understanding, naming, and dealing with tough emotions. The experience of having a good friend move away is one that many kids will understand, as are the feelings left behind after a divorce. While these are tough topics, the story handles them well and includes many light-hearted moments to help break them up along the way.
The text in the story is mainly told through narrative call-outs, but there are places of dialogue in key moments. This style works well for young readers who need things spelled out. They are easy to follow and the order is clear throughout, which is great for young independent readers who can easily travel the graphic novel on their own. The story is also broken into chapters to make it even more digestible.
Final verdict: AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON is a delightful graphic novel that handles tough topics in an approachable way and with plenty of humor to keep young readers engaged and giggling. Recommend for elementary schoolers who love a story with heart, expressive illustrations, and memorable characters, and/or who might be facing their own similar situations.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is an engaging and approachable look at tough topics around a friend moving away, teasing, and divorce. Amber Brown hates when other kids tease her for having a name like a crayon, but she has come to appreciate her name over time. This year, in third grade, she is sad that her best friend, Justin, may be moving away. His father got a job in Alabama, which means that once they sell their house in New Jersey, he will be leaving.
Amber and Justin are the best of friends, and Amber is not sure what she will do when he leaves. As the time approaches, she considers her feelings and possibilities. She knows what it feels like to lose someone, as her father moved to another country after the divorce. Luckily, with good friends and her mother, Amber will learn how to approach these changes and feelings.
What I loved: This is a really relatable and approachable graphic novel that tackles some tough topics in a way that young elementary schoolers can appreciate. The story is illustrated well with plenty of details in each panel, plus plenty of color and silliness that will appeal to the intended age range. The characters are expressive and the story is primarily told with images, without having too much text on any page, which works well for the intended audience. Some particular jokes that make readers giggle are concerns about kids who pick their noses and Justin's telling of his plane trip.
Amber is a compelling character, and the story spells out her emotions, why she feels that way, and how she and other characters are handling these big feelings. This is great for elementary school aged kids who are working on understanding, naming, and dealing with tough emotions. The experience of having a good friend move away is one that many kids will understand, as are the feelings left behind after a divorce. While these are tough topics, the story handles them well and includes many light-hearted moments to help break them up along the way.
The text in the story is mainly told through narrative call-outs, but there are places of dialogue in key moments. This style works well for young readers who need things spelled out. They are easy to follow and the order is clear throughout, which is great for young independent readers who can easily travel the graphic novel on their own. The story is also broken into chapters to make it even more digestible.
Final verdict: AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON is a delightful graphic novel that handles tough topics in an approachable way and with plenty of humor to keep young readers engaged and giggling. Recommend for elementary schoolers who love a story with heart, expressive illustrations, and memorable characters, and/or who might be facing their own similar situations.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2024
Opening Line: "In ten minutes, our entire class is getting on a plane for our flight to China."
Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is the adaptation of Paula Danziger's chapter book first written in 1994, into a graphic novel. It was also adapted into a TV series for Apple TV+ in 2022 and lasted for one season.
Since preschool, third-grader Amber Brown and Justin Daniels have been inseparable, the best of friends. They have always sat together at school; Justin helps Amber with her fractions, while she helps with any writing assignments. They also spend time together at each other's houses after school. Justin was the one who was there for Amber when her parents got divorced and her dad moved away to France.
But now that Justin's dad got a new job in Alabama, his parents are planning to sell their house and move away, leaving Amber really sad. She struggles to imagine her life without Justin, who will be her best friend now? Justin seems to be adjusting quite well to the move, claiming that "everything is going great." While also avoiding discussing his feelings about how the move makes him really feel with her, despite her many attempts to bring up the topic, leaving Amber confused and really mad.
While helping Justin pack his room, they find a ball made of chewing gum which they both contributed to. Justin decides to throw it away, which sparks a huge argument, and Amber vows she'll never speak to him ever again. Thankfully, Amber's hurt feelings don't last long and soon she's trying to find a way for them to makeup before Justin has to move.
I deeply related to Amber's feelings of not wanting her friend to move and the fear of being alone. As an army brat, my family moved roughly every three years during my childhood. Often, I was the one leaving or a friend's dad received orders to move to a new post. Saying goodbye can be incredibly tough and challenging for kids to adapt to. I believe the story addressed this with sensitivity, conveying how Amber had already experienced loss due to her parents' divorce, and how now having to deal with Justin's impending move compounded things for her. She shows considerable sadness and anger, yet you can tell that she really cares for Justin. With its short chapters, vibrant, full color illustrations and concise text this book is an excellent adaptation for young readers tackling similar issues and emotions. I'm really hoping that the rest of Danziger's chapter books will be adapted into graphic novels. As a bonus the back of the book features a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the characters and insight into Victoria Ying's process for creating the interior artwork.
**A huge thank you to Media Matters Publicity and the Publisher for the E-ARC via NetGalley**
Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is the adaptation of Paula Danziger's chapter book first written in 1994, into a graphic novel. It was also adapted into a TV series for Apple TV+ in 2022 and lasted for one season.
Since preschool, third-grader Amber Brown and Justin Daniels have been inseparable, the best of friends. They have always sat together at school; Justin helps Amber with her fractions, while she helps with any writing assignments. They also spend time together at each other's houses after school. Justin was the one who was there for Amber when her parents got divorced and her dad moved away to France.
But now that Justin's dad got a new job in Alabama, his parents are planning to sell their house and move away, leaving Amber really sad. She struggles to imagine her life without Justin, who will be her best friend now? Justin seems to be adjusting quite well to the move, claiming that "everything is going great." While also avoiding discussing his feelings about how the move makes him really feel with her, despite her many attempts to bring up the topic, leaving Amber confused and really mad.
While helping Justin pack his room, they find a ball made of chewing gum which they both contributed to. Justin decides to throw it away, which sparks a huge argument, and Amber vows she'll never speak to him ever again. Thankfully, Amber's hurt feelings don't last long and soon she's trying to find a way for them to makeup before Justin has to move.
I deeply related to Amber's feelings of not wanting her friend to move and the fear of being alone. As an army brat, my family moved roughly every three years during my childhood. Often, I was the one leaving or a friend's dad received orders to move to a new post. Saying goodbye can be incredibly tough and challenging for kids to adapt to. I believe the story addressed this with sensitivity, conveying how Amber had already experienced loss due to her parents' divorce, and how now having to deal with Justin's impending move compounded things for her. She shows considerable sadness and anger, yet you can tell that she really cares for Justin. With its short chapters, vibrant, full color illustrations and concise text this book is an excellent adaptation for young readers tackling similar issues and emotions. I'm really hoping that the rest of Danziger's chapter books will be adapted into graphic novels. As a bonus the back of the book features a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the characters and insight into Victoria Ying's process for creating the interior artwork.
**A huge thank you to Media Matters Publicity and the Publisher for the E-ARC via NetGalley**
July 7, 2024
Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel, adapted by Victoria Ying from Paula Danziger’s beloved chapter book series, breathes new life into the story of Amber Brown and her best friend, Justin Daniels. This graphic novel is a vibrant and engaging retelling that resonates with both new readers and longtime fans of the series.
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels share an inseparable bond. They've known each other for years, sharing classes, homework, and unwavering support. Their friendship is a beacon of consistency in Amber’s life, especially as she navigates the challenges of shared custody between her parents. However, their world is turned upside down when Justin announces he’s moving away. The impending separation tests their friendship, leading to misunderstandings and arguments. The question looms: can they reconcile before it’s too late?
The graphic novel format enhances the story’s accessibility and appeal, particularly for younger readers. Victoria Ying’s illustrations are bold and colorful, mirroring Amber’s own vibrant personality. The visual storytelling is expressive, capturing the emotional highs and lows of Amber and Justin’s friendship. The illustrations bring a new dimension to the narrative, making it more immersive and engaging.
One of the strengths of this adaptation is its ability to tackle complex themes such as friendship, change, and conflict with a lighthearted yet thoughtful approach. The humor and puns that are characteristic of Paula Danziger’s original books are seamlessly integrated into the graphic novel. These elements not only provide comic relief but also make the story more relatable and enjoyable for children.
Amber Brown is a character that many children can see themselves in. She’s bold, bright, and unafraid to express her feelings. Her struggles with Justin’s move and the resultant emotional turmoil are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. This makes the book a valuable tool for discussing themes of change and coping with difficult emotions with young readers.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember the excitement of discovering Paula Danziger’s books. Seeing an author with the same first name was a big hit for the 8-9-year-old me. This graphic novel adaptation rekindles that nostalgia while offering a fresh take for the current generation.
In conclusion, Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is a delightful read that captures the essence of Paula Danziger’s beloved series while adding a modern twist. It’s perfect for children navigating their own friendships and changes, providing both comfort and entertainment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Amber Brown’s world, this graphic novel is a must-read.
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels share an inseparable bond. They've known each other for years, sharing classes, homework, and unwavering support. Their friendship is a beacon of consistency in Amber’s life, especially as she navigates the challenges of shared custody between her parents. However, their world is turned upside down when Justin announces he’s moving away. The impending separation tests their friendship, leading to misunderstandings and arguments. The question looms: can they reconcile before it’s too late?
The graphic novel format enhances the story’s accessibility and appeal, particularly for younger readers. Victoria Ying’s illustrations are bold and colorful, mirroring Amber’s own vibrant personality. The visual storytelling is expressive, capturing the emotional highs and lows of Amber and Justin’s friendship. The illustrations bring a new dimension to the narrative, making it more immersive and engaging.
One of the strengths of this adaptation is its ability to tackle complex themes such as friendship, change, and conflict with a lighthearted yet thoughtful approach. The humor and puns that are characteristic of Paula Danziger’s original books are seamlessly integrated into the graphic novel. These elements not only provide comic relief but also make the story more relatable and enjoyable for children.
Amber Brown is a character that many children can see themselves in. She’s bold, bright, and unafraid to express her feelings. Her struggles with Justin’s move and the resultant emotional turmoil are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. This makes the book a valuable tool for discussing themes of change and coping with difficult emotions with young readers.
Reflecting on my own childhood, I remember the excitement of discovering Paula Danziger’s books. Seeing an author with the same first name was a big hit for the 8-9-year-old me. This graphic novel adaptation rekindles that nostalgia while offering a fresh take for the current generation.
In conclusion, Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel is a delightful read that captures the essence of Paula Danziger’s beloved series while adding a modern twist. It’s perfect for children navigating their own friendships and changes, providing both comfort and entertainment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Amber Brown’s world, this graphic novel is a must-read.
February 5, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this graphic novel adaptation of the 1994 chapter book, we meet third grader Amber Brown, who is dealing with a lot. Her parents are divorced, and her father has taken a job in France. On top of that, her neighbor and long time friend Justin is moving away because his father has gotten a job elsewhere. There are some good moments, like the class "trips" that their teacher, Mr. Cohen, arranges for their social studies classes, but as Justin's house sells and the move comes closer and closer, Amber is worried about missing Justin. She's also not sure who will be her new best friend. Justin doesn't seem to be phased by the move, and is excited about his new school and house. When the two are cleaning out Justin's room and packing his possessions, they come across their gum ball, something they have been adding to for years. Justin throws it away, and the two fight. Amber feels horrible not talking to her former best friend, but her mother encourages her to make up before he moves away. This is the first book in a twelve book series that was started in 1994, the last thre of which were written by Bruce Coville after Danziger's untimely death in 2004. It is apparently now an Apple TV series, where Amber is starting middle school.
Strengths: I don't know that I have read the original book, since it a bit on the young side for middle school, but the graphic novel treats emotions in a modern and updated way. Amber's classroom setting was fun to visit, and Mr. Cohen assigned interesting and engaging projects. There are fairly standard classroom dynamics; there are some boys Amber doesn't like as much, there's a girl who always tries to be perfect, etc., but she does identify some classmatese with whom she thinks she can get along. The issues with her parents' divorce and new living situation is realistically portrayed; in the television trailer, her father moves back to town. Ying's art is engaging, and the story moves along quickly. I'll be curious to see if the other books are also adapted.
Weaknesses: Amber doesn't have much of a range of emotions in this book; she's mainly angry. This made it hard to get a feel for her character.
What I really think: I would definitely buy this for an elementary library, but even with a television show with Amber in middle school, I'm not sure how well this would circulate in middle school.
In this graphic novel adaptation of the 1994 chapter book, we meet third grader Amber Brown, who is dealing with a lot. Her parents are divorced, and her father has taken a job in France. On top of that, her neighbor and long time friend Justin is moving away because his father has gotten a job elsewhere. There are some good moments, like the class "trips" that their teacher, Mr. Cohen, arranges for their social studies classes, but as Justin's house sells and the move comes closer and closer, Amber is worried about missing Justin. She's also not sure who will be her new best friend. Justin doesn't seem to be phased by the move, and is excited about his new school and house. When the two are cleaning out Justin's room and packing his possessions, they come across their gum ball, something they have been adding to for years. Justin throws it away, and the two fight. Amber feels horrible not talking to her former best friend, but her mother encourages her to make up before he moves away. This is the first book in a twelve book series that was started in 1994, the last thre of which were written by Bruce Coville after Danziger's untimely death in 2004. It is apparently now an Apple TV series, where Amber is starting middle school.
Strengths: I don't know that I have read the original book, since it a bit on the young side for middle school, but the graphic novel treats emotions in a modern and updated way. Amber's classroom setting was fun to visit, and Mr. Cohen assigned interesting and engaging projects. There are fairly standard classroom dynamics; there are some boys Amber doesn't like as much, there's a girl who always tries to be perfect, etc., but she does identify some classmatese with whom she thinks she can get along. The issues with her parents' divorce and new living situation is realistically portrayed; in the television trailer, her father moves back to town. Ying's art is engaging, and the story moves along quickly. I'll be curious to see if the other books are also adapted.
Weaknesses: Amber doesn't have much of a range of emotions in this book; she's mainly angry. This made it hard to get a feel for her character.
What I really think: I would definitely buy this for an elementary library, but even with a television show with Amber in middle school, I'm not sure how well this would circulate in middle school.
May 26, 2024
As I read the latest adaptation of Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon - The Graphic Novel, I was reminded why this series is so popular. Amber is a charming third grader who's messy and forgetful, but she is also an amazing friend.
Amber and Justin have been best friends since they were little. The story begins with the friends in third grade and dealing with a big hurdle. Justin's dad took a job in Alabama and his family will move once they sell their home. As it gets closer to Justin's family moving it feels like the two friends are pushing each other away. Amber struggles with the idea of Justin moving and losing her best friend, while Justin is nervous about starting a new school and making friends. In the end, Amber and Justin realize the importance of communication in their friendship.
What I Liked: The graphic novel format breathes new life into the Amber Brown series. Victoria Ying perfectly captures Amber Brown's personality and emotions in her illustrations.
Many readers can relate to the book's topics, which include friendship, divorce, and moving. I really like how the author isn't afraid to show her characters having emotions that they need to process. A touching moment occurs when Amber and her mom discuss Justin's move and Amber's frustration with him. Amber's mother was so supportive, and it was wonderful to see a positive family relationship like this. There is another heartfelt moment between Amber and Justin where they open up about their fears about the move. It's emotional and funny all at once, and I think it captures Amber and Justin's friendship perfectly.
This graphic adaptation of Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon is the perfect introduction to the popular series and is a must read for young readers.
** This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here :
https://www.yabookscentral.com/amber-...
Amber and Justin have been best friends since they were little. The story begins with the friends in third grade and dealing with a big hurdle. Justin's dad took a job in Alabama and his family will move once they sell their home. As it gets closer to Justin's family moving it feels like the two friends are pushing each other away. Amber struggles with the idea of Justin moving and losing her best friend, while Justin is nervous about starting a new school and making friends. In the end, Amber and Justin realize the importance of communication in their friendship.
What I Liked: The graphic novel format breathes new life into the Amber Brown series. Victoria Ying perfectly captures Amber Brown's personality and emotions in her illustrations.
Many readers can relate to the book's topics, which include friendship, divorce, and moving. I really like how the author isn't afraid to show her characters having emotions that they need to process. A touching moment occurs when Amber and her mom discuss Justin's move and Amber's frustration with him. Amber's mother was so supportive, and it was wonderful to see a positive family relationship like this. There is another heartfelt moment between Amber and Justin where they open up about their fears about the move. It's emotional and funny all at once, and I think it captures Amber and Justin's friendship perfectly.
This graphic adaptation of Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon is the perfect introduction to the popular series and is a must read for young readers.
** This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here :
https://www.yabookscentral.com/amber-...
May 29, 2024
In this graphic novel adaptation of Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon, third grader Amber is dealing with her best friend Justin's impending move to far away Alabama. As the move gets closer, Amber worries more and more about losing Justin and who will be her best friend after Justin leaves, while Justin seems excited about moving to a new home and a new school. While cleaning out Justin's room, the two squabble and Amber vows to never speak to Justin again. Amber's mom serves as the voice of reason, helping to temper Amber's feelings and lead her to a resolution of her conflict with Justin.
The graphic novel's supportive illustrations along with touches of humor mixed in deliver an accessible message to readers about complex issues around friendship and communication. The situations and emotions in this book will be relatable to many elementary grade readers and with its short chapters, it will be especially engaging to reluctant readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
The graphic novel's supportive illustrations along with touches of humor mixed in deliver an accessible message to readers about complex issues around friendship and communication. The situations and emotions in this book will be relatable to many elementary grade readers and with its short chapters, it will be especially engaging to reluctant readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
November 5, 2024
3.5/5 (rounded down to 3)
CW: parental abandonment, bullying, violence (mentioned)
Thought the book was okay and it’s a cute story, but there’s not as much substance to it. You do get some inklings as Amber tries to navigate these sudden changes in her life, but I don’t think that it was really given the chance to be explored more. Though, I think because I’m not the target audience for this book and I didn’t this series when I was a kid influenced some of my opinions on this book since I don’t have that connection to the series compared to somebody who had read the original series when they were younger. Nevertheless, it could be a good option for young readers who need an easy-reader graphic novel that touches on some personal issues relating to being a child of divorce and friends moving away.
CW: parental abandonment, bullying, violence (mentioned)
Thought the book was okay and it’s a cute story, but there’s not as much substance to it. You do get some inklings as Amber tries to navigate these sudden changes in her life, but I don’t think that it was really given the chance to be explored more. Though, I think because I’m not the target audience for this book and I didn’t this series when I was a kid influenced some of my opinions on this book since I don’t have that connection to the series compared to somebody who had read the original series when they were younger. Nevertheless, it could be a good option for young readers who need an easy-reader graphic novel that touches on some personal issues relating to being a child of divorce and friends moving away.
February 17, 2024
In this graphic novel adaptation of the 1994 chapter book, we follow third grader Amber Brown navigating her challenging life—divorced parents, her father’s move to France, and her friend Justin relocating. Despite moments like engaging class trips arranged by Mr. Cohen, Amber grapples with the impending separation from Justin and uncertainty about a new best friend. The story unfolds as Justin, seemingly unfazed by the move, cleans out his room, leading to a conflict Amber must resolve before he departs. While the graphic novel provides a more modern emotional take, Amber’s character could benefit from a broader emotional range beyond her continual anger. The portrayal of divorce and new living situations feels realistic, and the artwork by Ying propels the story forward.
July 19, 2024
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends and neighbours. They sit beside each other in class and do everything together. When Justin’s parents put their house up for sale, Amber and Justin start fighting. Amber feels like she’s lost her best friend before he’s even moved away. They must try to make up before Amber loses her best friend forever.
I loved the Amber Brown books when I was a kid, so I was excited to read this graphic novel. These stories show kids dealing with relatable problems, like parents divorcing, friends moving away, and bullying. I really enjoyed this graphic novel!
Amber Brown is Not a Crayon is a great children’s graphic novel!
Thank you Penguin Young Readers for providing a digital copy of this book!
Content warnings: parents divorce, bullying
I loved the Amber Brown books when I was a kid, so I was excited to read this graphic novel. These stories show kids dealing with relatable problems, like parents divorcing, friends moving away, and bullying. I really enjoyed this graphic novel!
Amber Brown is Not a Crayon is a great children’s graphic novel!
Thank you Penguin Young Readers for providing a digital copy of this book!
Content warnings: parents divorce, bullying
March 9, 2024
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
The dialogue and artwork capture Danziger's characters and plot. Amber and Justin have been best friends since preschool. Now. Justin is moving to a different state and it is one more loss Amber has to cope with. This series sensitively offers readers a look at difficult topics like divorce, relocation, coping with anger and grief over loss. I appreciate how realistic the characters are. Mid-elementary level readers will connect with the plot and relate to the characters. Well done graphic edition of a classic series.
I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
The dialogue and artwork capture Danziger's characters and plot. Amber and Justin have been best friends since preschool. Now. Justin is moving to a different state and it is one more loss Amber has to cope with. This series sensitively offers readers a look at difficult topics like divorce, relocation, coping with anger and grief over loss. I appreciate how realistic the characters are. Mid-elementary level readers will connect with the plot and relate to the characters. Well done graphic edition of a classic series.
July 1, 2024
This graphic novel edition of Paula Danziger's classic does justice to the original warmth and humor of the story, and I hope introduces one of my all-time favorite characters to a new generation of readers. This book is a perfect contemporary-realistic tale of two friends separated by a move, much in the spirit of Ramona Quimby and Beverly Cleary's beloved stories, simply great books about realistic situation which kids can relate to.
The graphic illustrations perfectly compliment the story. I highly recommend for emerging readers, reluctant readers, boys and girls, classroom settings, and just an all-out fun read aloud with lots of puns.
The graphic illustrations perfectly compliment the story. I highly recommend for emerging readers, reluctant readers, boys and girls, classroom settings, and just an all-out fun read aloud with lots of puns.
August 4, 2024
Don't have any concept of the graphic novel other than this graphic novel so taken at face value it's a book about friendship and it's sweet. Amber and her friend Justin go on awesome adventures with their cool teacher but things are getting harder at school and home because Amber is dreading Justin moving away because his dad got a promotion. Her dad moved away but that was after a divorce.
Her emotions are bottling up and she gets in a fight with him until her mom helps her work through them.
This elementary graphic novel works on many levels to address common issues and doesn't overcrowd or overcomplicate the graphic novel format.
Her emotions are bottling up and she gets in a fight with him until her mom helps her work through them.
This elementary graphic novel works on many levels to address common issues and doesn't overcrowd or overcomplicate the graphic novel format.
January 19, 2025
Added an extra star just for nostalgia. I devoured the Amber Brown series when I was young. Paula Danziger's bio in the book includes " To everyone picking up the graphic novel and reconnecting with Amber Brown after thirty years, or just meeting her for the first time, keep reading!" Makes me think maybe I'm not the only one reading this with memories of reading the series as a child.
December 19, 2025
3.5 stars
A sweet graphic novel, based on the middle grade novel of the same name. As a child who had to move around a few times, this is very relatable and would be so for many young people, particularly the part about children having to go wherever their parents decide. I remember feeling how the injustice of being moved away from friends. The artwork is fun and cheeky.
A sweet graphic novel, based on the middle grade novel of the same name. As a child who had to move around a few times, this is very relatable and would be so for many young people, particularly the part about children having to go wherever their parents decide. I remember feeling how the injustice of being moved away from friends. The artwork is fun and cheeky.
June 15, 2024
The original story of Amber Brown and her best friend Justin is retold and updated in this graphic novel. Unfortunately it is yet another middle grade title that includes a dad that quote left and never calls....
June 15, 2024
I have never read an Amber Brown book before but I loved this graphic novel adaptation, now I want to read all the Amber Brown books, I also hope they make more of these into graphic novels
June 17, 2024
Very sweet story about a friendship being effected by one of the friends moving out of state.
September 14, 2024
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy!
October 13, 2024
This was a cute book about friendship. I’m glad Justin and Amber made up in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
Amber Brown and Justin Daniels' life-long friendship is put to the stress test when Justin and his family prepare to relocate to Alabama because of his father's new job.
April 6, 2025
Very cute
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