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Stand Up!: A Graphic Novel
Two hilarious best friends create their very own podcast in this feel-good middle grade graphic novel about making the spotlight your own, from the bestselling author of Just Pretend.
Lights, Curtains…Podcast!
Best friends Clay and Kyle can’t help but inject fun into everything. Whether they’re goofing off backstage during a performance or making rib-tickling jokes at an open mic, these two are always ready to make people laugh! Now Clay’s hoping to shift her improv skills to the stage in her middle school's production of Gals and Dolls, which means spending even more time with her crush, Dania. But Clay’s boisterous humor doesn’t sit well with the director, who has ZERO tolerance for fun.
Clay, however, refuses to be boring! She and Kyle are eager to bring their comedic talents into the spotlight, but school musicals are too serious, open mics are too long…
And that’s when it hits them—they should start a podcast! But with rehearsals to attend, new episodes to record, and time running out for Clay to ask a certain someone to the eighth-grade dance, will Clay and Kyle be able to do it all?
Lights, Curtains…Podcast!
Best friends Clay and Kyle can’t help but inject fun into everything. Whether they’re goofing off backstage during a performance or making rib-tickling jokes at an open mic, these two are always ready to make people laugh! Now Clay’s hoping to shift her improv skills to the stage in her middle school's production of Gals and Dolls, which means spending even more time with her crush, Dania. But Clay’s boisterous humor doesn’t sit well with the director, who has ZERO tolerance for fun.
Clay, however, refuses to be boring! She and Kyle are eager to bring their comedic talents into the spotlight, but school musicals are too serious, open mics are too long…
And that’s when it hits them—they should start a podcast! But with rehearsals to attend, new episodes to record, and time running out for Clay to ask a certain someone to the eighth-grade dance, will Clay and Kyle be able to do it all?
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
21 people are currently reading
3322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 3, 2024
3.5 Stars
This one I appreciated more than I actually enjoyed. I loved the idea of a story of best friends finding their voices, but I didn't find myself connecting with the characters. I recognize that I'm not the target audience but I feel like my younger self would have also struggled with this one. This book is officially targeted for an audience between 8 to 12 years old, but I felt it would appeal more to older preteen readers. It is certainly not inappropriate but the story just seemed written for the complexity of friendships that emerge during those years.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This one I appreciated more than I actually enjoyed. I loved the idea of a story of best friends finding their voices, but I didn't find myself connecting with the characters. I recognize that I'm not the target audience but I feel like my younger self would have also struggled with this one. This book is officially targeted for an audience between 8 to 12 years old, but I felt it would appeal more to older preteen readers. It is certainly not inappropriate but the story just seemed written for the complexity of friendships that emerge during those years.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 6, 2024
This one managed to get on my nerves with the constant references to things that have been just slightly changed. A musical called "Dogs"? A game called "The Legend of Zeldo"? Why not either make up a completely different name, use the real name, or just skip the reference entirely? The dialogue between the characters didn't even feel realistic or believable. Only the artwork saves this, but the fake references bugged me too much and I couldn't finish it - maybe it's just the mood I am in and I will give it another shot later.
June 3, 2025
This was so cute! I thought this would be a three star read for me, but the last 50ish pages clinched another star. I was melting and tearing up by the end. The characters here are all so lovable and feel as real as actual loud, awkward, and rambunctious middle schoolers. I also love how much you can see Sharp's art improved in this book compared to her debut. The backgrounds were so much richer, and the character's more dynamic. Although the second part might be mostly due to Clay's energy XD. I was really impressed by the consistent pacing and banter present here. By the end of the story, I could feel Clay and Kyle's comedic timing which I think is extremely impressive.
Also the author's note was too precious. I loved this quote: "A day when you can make your own choices is not as far off as it may feel, and someday you will be able to stand up tall. A secret I didn't understand until I grew up is that you get to be a grown-up for most of your life. In the meantime, I hope you know that you are wonderful just as you are."
I can't wait to see what Sharp will do next!
Also the author's note was too precious. I loved this quote: "A day when you can make your own choices is not as far off as it may feel, and someday you will be able to stand up tall. A secret I didn't understand until I grew up is that you get to be a grown-up for most of your life. In the meantime, I hope you know that you are wonderful just as you are."
I can't wait to see what Sharp will do next!
October 4, 2024
I received this book from TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange of an honest review.
+ While I have autism/ADHD I recognised more of me in Clay, I guess that is because we don’t really see a whole lot of Kyle. Yes, the two friends are together often, but yet Clay jumps out more than Kyle does. And I recognised a lot in Clay’s chaotic energy. Her not being able to sit still. Tune out when things get boring. The feelings of getting frustrated when it all just takes too long (which is actually a real thing for us ADHD-ers). She tries to make a lot of jokes. There were many other things, it was so relatable! And I love each bit of it.
+ Clay’s design was just so fun. The author really captured Clay and her chaotic energy!
+ I loved the podcast and what the made of it. And seeing it grow from just a blanket fort with a microphone to someone who does editing, to finding a logo, to getting a brand, to adding mails, and more. They were fully committed and it was so fun. Plus, I loved the idea of it and it was great to see how well they could improv their way through things.
+ And I was so proud when they got THAT offer and all that brought. Go go team Kyle x Clay! You deserve this! And I love how natural they were there, a lot of people would be like UM WOW, this is BIG and what do I do, but they grabbed that chance, whirl-wind through it, and had such fun. I hope that they will continue with their podcast, because I see a bright future for them both.
+ Dania x Clay forever, just without all the drama please. ? But they had such a good chemistry and throughout the book I just kept rooting and shipping, hoping that they would get together. I loved their little moments on stage and how Clay was always there to help out Dana. Like when she didn’t remember her words/scene and Clay just pretended to resurrect to help her out? CUTE!
+ On that note: THAT LAST PART ON STAGE OMG SOOOO CUTE! *dies*
+ A bakery named Honey Bunny’s, so CUTE!
+ I love love love that they live above a bakery of theirs called Honey Bunny’s, which not only features yummy pastries and all that, but also open mic evenings. Not entirely my kind of thing (stage fright and all that), but I do like seeing it around. And seeing all the creative things happening.
*cries* It was such a shame that the quality of the art in my ARC just plain sucked. It looks like such a lovely style, but it was blurry and at times hard to see things.
*angry* The teacher was horrendous and reminded me a lot of my many teachers. I didn’t learn of my ADHD until I was 13, but before and after that people would tell me to be serious (I was), to stop slacking (I wasn’t, my ADHD just was bored and that is apparently a whole thing that I didn’t learn about until I was an adult), to stop fidgeting or moving too much or to sit still or whatever else.
*meh* At times it felt a bit long. While in the end the story is all told, I still feel like it could have been 50-70 pages shorter and would still have worked out perfectly. But that may also be my ADHD speaking up, haha.
*questions* While I love love that our two characters live together with their moms, I was so confused as well, especially since there was also a friend/childhood friend as well named Lettie. It would have worked for me if there was a small introduction, now it felt like we just had to know that Clay and Kyle are not just friends, but also live together with their moms. And I want to know what is up with Lettie, does she live there? Is she more than a friend???
*confused* #notmefindingoutKyleisaboy240pagesin #oops I thought given everything Kyle was a girl. Hey, I am sorry, but the other character is called CLAY and is a girl. SOOO confusing.
All in all, despite some things, I still had fun reading this one, great characters, sweet romance, fun podcast, and I would recommend it~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
+ While I have autism/ADHD I recognised more of me in Clay, I guess that is because we don’t really see a whole lot of Kyle. Yes, the two friends are together often, but yet Clay jumps out more than Kyle does. And I recognised a lot in Clay’s chaotic energy. Her not being able to sit still. Tune out when things get boring. The feelings of getting frustrated when it all just takes too long (which is actually a real thing for us ADHD-ers). She tries to make a lot of jokes. There were many other things, it was so relatable! And I love each bit of it.
+ Clay’s design was just so fun. The author really captured Clay and her chaotic energy!
+ I loved the podcast and what the made of it. And seeing it grow from just a blanket fort with a microphone to someone who does editing, to finding a logo, to getting a brand, to adding mails, and more. They were fully committed and it was so fun. Plus, I loved the idea of it and it was great to see how well they could improv their way through things.
+ And I was so proud when they got THAT offer and all that brought. Go go team Kyle x Clay! You deserve this! And I love how natural they were there, a lot of people would be like UM WOW, this is BIG and what do I do, but they grabbed that chance, whirl-wind through it, and had such fun. I hope that they will continue with their podcast, because I see a bright future for them both.
+ Dania x Clay forever, just without all the drama please. ? But they had such a good chemistry and throughout the book I just kept rooting and shipping, hoping that they would get together. I loved their little moments on stage and how Clay was always there to help out Dana. Like when she didn’t remember her words/scene and Clay just pretended to resurrect to help her out? CUTE!
+ On that note: THAT LAST PART ON STAGE OMG SOOOO CUTE! *dies*
+ A bakery named Honey Bunny’s, so CUTE!
+ I love love love that they live above a bakery of theirs called Honey Bunny’s, which not only features yummy pastries and all that, but also open mic evenings. Not entirely my kind of thing (stage fright and all that), but I do like seeing it around. And seeing all the creative things happening.
*cries* It was such a shame that the quality of the art in my ARC just plain sucked. It looks like such a lovely style, but it was blurry and at times hard to see things.
*angry* The teacher was horrendous and reminded me a lot of my many teachers. I didn’t learn of my ADHD until I was 13, but before and after that people would tell me to be serious (I was), to stop slacking (I wasn’t, my ADHD just was bored and that is apparently a whole thing that I didn’t learn about until I was an adult), to stop fidgeting or moving too much or to sit still or whatever else.
*meh* At times it felt a bit long. While in the end the story is all told, I still feel like it could have been 50-70 pages shorter and would still have worked out perfectly. But that may also be my ADHD speaking up, haha.
*questions* While I love love that our two characters live together with their moms, I was so confused as well, especially since there was also a friend/childhood friend as well named Lettie. It would have worked for me if there was a small introduction, now it felt like we just had to know that Clay and Kyle are not just friends, but also live together with their moms. And I want to know what is up with Lettie, does she live there? Is she more than a friend???
*confused* #notmefindingoutKyleisaboy240pagesin #oops I thought given everything Kyle was a girl. Hey, I am sorry, but the other character is called CLAY and is a girl. SOOO confusing.
All in all, despite some things, I still had fun reading this one, great characters, sweet romance, fun podcast, and I would recommend it~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 15, 2025
I got this for a bargain price at our Scholastic Book Fair. Great example of “You get what you pay for.” The story was all over the place, and the author was trying so hard to reach everybody that I’m not sure anybody would truly feel the book was for them.
June 18, 2024
Cute graphic novel about two friends involved the middle school spring musical who decided to start their own podcast. Characters rang true and reminded me of my school’s students. Considering how popular our school musicals are, I’m sure this book will resonate with my kiddos and fly off the shelf with most of our other MS friendship stories.
October 3, 2024
Some books must be read by the adults as well (all books should but...) as a tool to better understand the ones in their community or daily life. This is a good example.
This novel couldn't have arrived at a better time. I was just recently pointing out how things have changed in education (for the better) and how children used to be put to shame by a strict teacher who didn't recognize potential (seeing them as a flaw of deviant behavior) instead of helping the students to maximize their skills. Thank the author for giving us a great ending to this situation. I have always thrived on being a teacher who recognizes mistakes, apologizes, and rectifies situations for the benefit of the development and growth of my students.
On a personal level, I loved this novel and its characters because as a person on the spectrum, it was fun to see the different reactions to the situations (one character representing one example of many of the spectrum of Autism and the other ADHD. Note that they do not defy it. There are many levels for each. They identify as being in the spectrum of each).
Fun read, inspiring, and uplifting. I love the art style and the color palette so much. Great interaction with the adults and also the setting at school. Their friendship is awesome.
This novel couldn't have arrived at a better time. I was just recently pointing out how things have changed in education (for the better) and how children used to be put to shame by a strict teacher who didn't recognize potential (seeing them as a flaw of deviant behavior) instead of helping the students to maximize their skills. Thank the author for giving us a great ending to this situation. I have always thrived on being a teacher who recognizes mistakes, apologizes, and rectifies situations for the benefit of the development and growth of my students.
On a personal level, I loved this novel and its characters because as a person on the spectrum, it was fun to see the different reactions to the situations (one character representing one example of many of the spectrum of Autism and the other ADHD. Note that they do not defy it. There are many levels for each. They identify as being in the spectrum of each).
Fun read, inspiring, and uplifting. I love the art style and the color palette so much. Great interaction with the adults and also the setting at school. Their friendship is awesome.
February 21, 2025
I didn't end up loving this like I thought I would. In general I enjoy graphic novels about kids in theater or band and I usually love the LGBTQ novels I pick. This one sounded right up my alley but didn't quite live up to what I was hoping for. I didn't really gel with either of the main characters so I was a bit distant from the story. It's one of the few middle grade or young adult stories I've read where I agreed with the teacher. Ugh, I know. Clay was such a pain in the ass in the play. She wouldn't pay attention, she was constantly cracking jokes even when told repeatedly it wasn't a funny play, and just wouldn't take anything seriously. I get that she has ADHD but she still came across as annoying. Kyle was less so with autism, so we just didn't get as much story for him, except that he liked humorous podcasts like Clay and their mothers were married. I did like Dania though and thought the budding romance between her and Clay was cute. I found the constant use of slightly off brand names to be annoying. "Gals and Dolls," "Womanhattan" and "Metube" are a few examples. The artwork was really good but I didn't find the jokes very funny. Overall I found the story to be slow for the first half, better for the second, but it didn't really grab me.
July 28, 2025
I really liked a lot of the ideas in this one..but the execution felt all over the place to me. This felt a little too long and like too many ideas were stuffed into this story to the point where none of them were things I was able to connect with. It's realistic that all these things would be happening at the same time...it just doesn't always make a good story to tell it that way and for me this just didn't quite work. Glad I read it but not something I'll read again or that I think will be at all memorable.
September 15, 2024
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I was very excited to read this graphic novel as the two main characters have ADHD and Autism, respectively, much like my daughter (Autism) and I (ADHD). Unfortunately I was a bit let down by how these traits were dealt with by the characters. I was expecting the characters to have some limitations that they learned how to work with and around. As I was reading I felt as though the characters recognized a problem they were having was caused by one of the above listed disorders but then didn't nothing to try and find a solution to the problem they were having. I don't mean this as if they needed to find a 'cure' to their disorder more that I wish they would have found a way to work with their limitations or adapt the way they were doing something. In the end the 'problems' they had were just not a problem anymore, personally I felt this shortchanged the characters and the readers.
I was looking for a book about how you can see your limitations and find solutions that work for you and instead got a book about seeing limitations and not doing any of the work to figure out how to make it work.
I was very excited to read this graphic novel as the two main characters have ADHD and Autism, respectively, much like my daughter (Autism) and I (ADHD). Unfortunately I was a bit let down by how these traits were dealt with by the characters. I was expecting the characters to have some limitations that they learned how to work with and around. As I was reading I felt as though the characters recognized a problem they were having was caused by one of the above listed disorders but then didn't nothing to try and find a solution to the problem they were having. I don't mean this as if they needed to find a 'cure' to their disorder more that I wish they would have found a way to work with their limitations or adapt the way they were doing something. In the end the 'problems' they had were just not a problem anymore, personally I felt this shortchanged the characters and the readers.
I was looking for a book about how you can see your limitations and find solutions that work for you and instead got a book about seeing limitations and not doing any of the work to figure out how to make it work.
July 8, 2025
I realize I am not the target audience, which is why I compromised and have it 3 stars instead of the 1 I wanted to leave. I couldn't get past the veiled plagiarism of naming everything a similar name to well known things. Metube instead of Youtube, "If I Only Had a Face" instead of "If I Only Had a Brain," Gals and Dolls instead of Guys and Dolls. Maybecitscsupposed to go over kids' heads but it detracted from the reading for me.
September 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.
Stand Up! is a middle-grade graphic novel by Tori Sharp about two best friends, Clay and Kyle, who try to create their own podcast to escape the seriousness of school musicals and find their comedic voice, while also dealing with middle school challenges like first crushes, changing friendships, and finding their unique place in the world. The story is a feel-good narrative that focuses on making humor and fun a priority.
So for a while I thought that Clay was a boy and Kyle was a girl. I got that completely wrong. I’m assuming there was a reason that the author chose to make it difficult to discern what their gender was. Maybe the point was that the gender was the least important part of the story? I don’t know. It didn’t bother me so much as I was surprised when they called Kyle “he”. Anywho, I loved the illustrations in this book. They were bright and fun and colourful, which I believe matched the general vibe of the graphic novel. The actual graphic novel story is the same, fun and interesting and bright. I loved that these young kids were confident in themselves and despite still being afraid to do something, still had the confidence to put themselves out there and do it anyway. It was really sweet. I was also a bit confused about the living arrangements of Clay and Kyle. Do they live together? What’s the go with their parents? I felt like some things could have been made clearer. Anyway, overall this was enjoyable and entertaining and I mostly really liked it.
Four stars.
Stand Up! is a middle-grade graphic novel by Tori Sharp about two best friends, Clay and Kyle, who try to create their own podcast to escape the seriousness of school musicals and find their comedic voice, while also dealing with middle school challenges like first crushes, changing friendships, and finding their unique place in the world. The story is a feel-good narrative that focuses on making humor and fun a priority.
So for a while I thought that Clay was a boy and Kyle was a girl. I got that completely wrong. I’m assuming there was a reason that the author chose to make it difficult to discern what their gender was. Maybe the point was that the gender was the least important part of the story? I don’t know. It didn’t bother me so much as I was surprised when they called Kyle “he”. Anywho, I loved the illustrations in this book. They were bright and fun and colourful, which I believe matched the general vibe of the graphic novel. The actual graphic novel story is the same, fun and interesting and bright. I loved that these young kids were confident in themselves and despite still being afraid to do something, still had the confidence to put themselves out there and do it anyway. It was really sweet. I was also a bit confused about the living arrangements of Clay and Kyle. Do they live together? What’s the go with their parents? I felt like some things could have been made clearer. Anyway, overall this was enjoyable and entertaining and I mostly really liked it.
November 12, 2025
Cute middle grade graphic novel about starting a podcast, and a bunch of other things. The podcast's rise in popularity is maybe a little on the quick side, but each step along the way felt reasonably realistic. There are a lot of supportive adults involved here, including some much more established podcasters who give a lot of encouragement. The dialog is fairly realistic, for bright and funny teens, and pretty funny in places. I think the target audience will find this much funnier, of course. I liked the ND representation: lead character Clay has ADHD and her best friend Kyle is autistic. This isn't an obstacle or a journey for either of them, simply facets of their character. As Sharp says in her author's notes, there are plenty of graphic novels neurdivergence is the plot, so it is refreshing to see one where it's just a fact of life.
But I also thought there was just too much going on here. The podcast would have been enough, especially in connection with Clay's romance. But the romance itself felt too melodramatic, with an overdose of people just not talking. The school play that takes up a huge chunk of the book felt mostly like padding, and I wasn't terribly interested in the overly rigid drama teacher character. This book also overdoses on thin substitutes for trademarked names. Think Maria Cart instead of Mario Kart. I find these pretty obnoxious, especially with the desnity of references in this book. I am begging authors, either reference the actual thing or make up something entirely new.
But I also thought there was just too much going on here. The podcast would have been enough, especially in connection with Clay's romance. But the romance itself felt too melodramatic, with an overdose of people just not talking. The school play that takes up a huge chunk of the book felt mostly like padding, and I wasn't terribly interested in the overly rigid drama teacher character. This book also overdoses on thin substitutes for trademarked names. Think Maria Cart instead of Mario Kart. I find these pretty obnoxious, especially with the desnity of references in this book. I am begging authors, either reference the actual thing or make up something entirely new.
October 1, 2024
Will Clay and Kyle succeed with their podcast, the school play, and the dance?
Clay and Kyle, two best friends, love to have fun with their wacky humor all the time. Clay decides to try her hand at stardom by auditioning for the school play "Gals and Dolls." However, the director has zero tolerance for fun, and Clay wants to enjoy herself. So, Clay and Kyle came up with the idea for a podcast where they can freely express their humor. Will their podcast be successful? Will Clay perform well in her role? And will she get the opportunity to ask her crush to the 8th-grade dance?
The book was incredibly entertaining with its quirky humor, and I frequently found myself bursting into laughter at Clay's amusing behavior. The storyline was gripping and left me questioning whether it was based on a true story. I appreciated the representation of autism through Kyle, as it resonated with me.
Clay's comedic timing never failed to bring a smile to my face, and Kyle's gamer persona added an extra layer of depth to the characters. Dania, Clay's love interest, was not only stunning but also possessed a remarkable singing talent.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates humor and would find joy in this captivating narrative.
Happy Reading and Publication Day, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @littlebrownink for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Clay and Kyle, two best friends, love to have fun with their wacky humor all the time. Clay decides to try her hand at stardom by auditioning for the school play "Gals and Dolls." However, the director has zero tolerance for fun, and Clay wants to enjoy herself. So, Clay and Kyle came up with the idea for a podcast where they can freely express their humor. Will their podcast be successful? Will Clay perform well in her role? And will she get the opportunity to ask her crush to the 8th-grade dance?
The book was incredibly entertaining with its quirky humor, and I frequently found myself bursting into laughter at Clay's amusing behavior. The storyline was gripping and left me questioning whether it was based on a true story. I appreciated the representation of autism through Kyle, as it resonated with me.
Clay's comedic timing never failed to bring a smile to my face, and Kyle's gamer persona added an extra layer of depth to the characters. Dania, Clay's love interest, was not only stunning but also possessed a remarkable singing talent.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates humor and would find joy in this captivating narrative.
Happy Reading and Publication Day, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @littlebrownink for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2024
This is such a sweet and funny graphic novel about two thirteen-year-old best friends, one with autism (Kyle) and the other with ADHD (Clay), trying to live it up on their final middle school theater show. Clay and Kyle both live upstairs from the Honey Bunny, owned by one of the women they live with. There's a trio of adult women taking care of the kids, and I have to say, that seems like a great set up.
Anyway, usually Kyle and Clay are stage crew, but this year, Clay decides to try out for the play, and lands one of the leading roles. However, Clay and Kyle much prefer comedy over this depressing musical, and Clay keeps getting into trouble with the drama teacher for being too funny. Meanwhile, Clay has a crush on the lead, Dania.
Then Kyle and Clay land on a great idea: they'll start their own comedy podcast called Passing Notes, where they give terrible advice to questions from subscribers! It becomes a big hit around school.
This is really charming and fun. I wish I were friends with Clay and Kyle; they're so funny. It's a very idealistic portrayal of middle school, but you know what? I'm okay with that. I don't need to always read about all the ways middle school is horrible.
The author is also autistic and has ADHD.
Anyway, usually Kyle and Clay are stage crew, but this year, Clay decides to try out for the play, and lands one of the leading roles. However, Clay and Kyle much prefer comedy over this depressing musical, and Clay keeps getting into trouble with the drama teacher for being too funny. Meanwhile, Clay has a crush on the lead, Dania.
Then Kyle and Clay land on a great idea: they'll start their own comedy podcast called Passing Notes, where they give terrible advice to questions from subscribers! It becomes a big hit around school.
This is really charming and fun. I wish I were friends with Clay and Kyle; they're so funny. It's a very idealistic portrayal of middle school, but you know what? I'm okay with that. I don't need to always read about all the ways middle school is horrible.
The author is also autistic and has ADHD.
June 21, 2024
I really enjoyed how the author depicted neurodivergence in this graphic novel. Our two main characters, Clay and Kyle, respectively portray middle schoolers with ADHD and Autism and while they underscore the characterizations and influence the actions/reactions of our protagonists the actual story is just about them living their theatrical experiences. The plot focuses around the two participating in their last middle school play while also creating a virtual podcast that quickly takes off. Throughout this they also navigate their friendship including a new professional dynamic, crushes, and insecurities. I really enjoyed it overall, the dialogue felt fast-paced and wasn't afraid to be silly. I think middle and early high schoolers would definitely enjoy it. Plus there were multiple queer characters, including Clay herself.
September 12, 2024
Clay and Kyle are best friends who love to joke around. They both want to do more than just be part of the behind the scenes for their school's plays. Clay decides to try out for the cast of Gals and Dolls, but can't keep her cool when her crush, Dania, is the main character of the play!
Clay and Kyle also decide to start their own podcast about giving bad advice to their peers and teachers. They are such a comical act that they can popularity with the improv jokes they tell on their podcast.
Will Clay be able to tell Dania how she really feels? Will Clay and Kyle be able to continue with their podcast when Clay is in the school's play?
I thought this was a great graphic novel about finding yourself, being comfortable with yourself, and also growing as a person. Sometimes life can be scary, but it's nice to have the support from family and/or friends.
Clay and Kyle also decide to start their own podcast about giving bad advice to their peers and teachers. They are such a comical act that they can popularity with the improv jokes they tell on their podcast.
Will Clay be able to tell Dania how she really feels? Will Clay and Kyle be able to continue with their podcast when Clay is in the school's play?
I thought this was a great graphic novel about finding yourself, being comfortable with yourself, and also growing as a person. Sometimes life can be scary, but it's nice to have the support from family and/or friends.
May 5, 2025
Clay and Kyle are best friends who enjoy comedy and making everything fun. Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates their sense of humor. Undeterred, the two start a podcast, following in the footsteps of people they admire. Will their podcast be heard by anyone? Will they be able to find their voices and keep being themselves even in the face of disapproving adults?
This delightful graphic novel was a refreshing change of pace for me, and it's one I recommend upper elementary and middle school teachers consider for their classroom libraries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
This delightful graphic novel was a refreshing change of pace for me, and it's one I recommend upper elementary and middle school teachers consider for their classroom libraries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
April 14, 2024
Stand Up is hilarious and heartwarming. On its face,
it tells the story of two ambitious kids starting a podcast, but it's really a story of kids being different and being treasured for it. I've never read anything that represents the experience of ADHD and autism as deftly or as completely as Tori Sharp's Stand Up. I wish i could meet the protagonist, Clay, in real life--she is so full of love and she knows how to comfort her friends, even when the adults around her think she's just goofing off.
it tells the story of two ambitious kids starting a podcast, but it's really a story of kids being different and being treasured for it. I've never read anything that represents the experience of ADHD and autism as deftly or as completely as Tori Sharp's Stand Up. I wish i could meet the protagonist, Clay, in real life--she is so full of love and she knows how to comfort her friends, even when the adults around her think she's just goofing off.
June 20, 2024
This is a cute story good for teens and young adults, about a couple of theater kids who work on the backstage prop team. Then they wanna try out to be in the play as its there last play of there senor year. After the audition the theater teacher ask them if they where series or if it was a joke auction. After finding out that it was a series play and not a comedy one drops out but the other comes back and ends up landing a part. It is very fun to watch there journey and all of the people that support and love them.
October 7, 2024
This was a cute graphic novel. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations were colorful and fun. The book had so many cute details that I enjoyed. The whole cast of quirky characters. The little bakery, Honey Bunny. The blanket fort for the podcast Kyle and Clay started and the eighth grade dance at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed the growth that both Kyle and Clay went through as the book progressed. I think there is a great message for young readers about following your dreams! I definitely think a lot of middle grade readers will love this book!
I really enjoyed the growth that both Kyle and Clay went through as the book progressed. I think there is a great message for young readers about following your dreams! I definitely think a lot of middle grade readers will love this book!
December 1, 2024
Middle school stand-up comedians! I loved the relationship between Kyle and Clay. Their loyalty and understanding of each other was so heartwarming. There are lots of funny jokes and scenes. Highly recommended. Grades 6 and up.
In the author’s note, “a secret I didn’t understand until I grew up is that you get to be a grown-up for most of your life.” Hang in there kids! This too shall pass!
In the author’s note, “a secret I didn’t understand until I grew up is that you get to be a grown-up for most of your life.” Hang in there kids! This too shall pass!
January 29, 2025
Stand Up!: DNF. I like the idea of a performing-arts story centered on neurodivergent kids, but the plot is very slow and struggles to build momentum, and Clay and Kyle are not well-developed enough to drive a long slice-of-life-type story. Throw in multiple stand-up comedy scenes, a huge amount of fake cultural references, and an extended mockery of folk music, none of which I found funny, and this book was just not for me.
February 8, 2025
For a comic geared towards a young teen audience, I found it to be something that could be shared with everyone. Anyone could enjoy this, or atleast learn something from it. The characters are all so unique with their own faults and skills. Also, the art is cool and helped elevate the story.
The only thing I was a bit confused about was the relationship of the moms of Kyle and Clay, but maybe that's just me.
The only thing I was a bit confused about was the relationship of the moms of Kyle and Clay, but maybe that's just me.
July 25, 2025
The representation in this book is amazing! It focuses on neurodivergent and queer joy! I found the slightly changed pop culture names/references to be charming and the characters to be likable. However, I found the relationships confusing. Some back story or clarity on why Clay and Kyle live together and who their moms are to each other would have helped me focus on the story and enjoy it even more.
September 29, 2024
When I saw the email for Stand up which was already on my pre-orders as I thoroughly enjoyed Tori's previous Graphic Novel Just Pretend.
Stand up was an absolute joy to read I adored Kyle and Clay who even though they were Autistic and ADHD respectively they lived their lives with gusto. But Tori did not stop there she introduced LGBTQ into the mix. As usual the artwork was stunning and that is all I am saying about this Graphic Novel.
But if you decide to pick it up you will have a fab time like I did.
For all the above reasons Stand Up receives 4 Stars
Stand up was an absolute joy to read I adored Kyle and Clay who even though they were Autistic and ADHD respectively they lived their lives with gusto. But Tori did not stop there she introduced LGBTQ into the mix. As usual the artwork was stunning and that is all I am saying about this Graphic Novel.
But if you decide to pick it up you will have a fab time like I did.
For all the above reasons Stand Up receives 4 Stars
September 30, 2024
*I received a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway*
This was a cute, funny portrayal of middle school life and some dreams of middle schoolers realized. Clay and Kyle starting a hit podcast, meeting their idols, and having fun with their friends is a dream many middle schoolers have and it was fun to see it played out in this novel.
The whole novel was a little idealistic in terms of what middle school is like and the characters' abilities to adapt to any tough situation that was thrown their way, but it was a nice escape from some of the reality that young teens face.
This graphic novel holds similar space to other middle grade graphic novels, meaning that it will be a great hit with upper elementary and middle schoolers.
This was a cute, funny portrayal of middle school life and some dreams of middle schoolers realized. Clay and Kyle starting a hit podcast, meeting their idols, and having fun with their friends is a dream many middle schoolers have and it was fun to see it played out in this novel.
The whole novel was a little idealistic in terms of what middle school is like and the characters' abilities to adapt to any tough situation that was thrown their way, but it was a nice escape from some of the reality that young teens face.
This graphic novel holds similar space to other middle grade graphic novels, meaning that it will be a great hit with upper elementary and middle schoolers.
February 6, 2025
Cute story. I like the art, the story itself, the representation. Well done. I love how supportive and attentive their parents were. The lil baby romance was so cute. Ah, to be young, and awkward. Wait, I still am.
April 9, 2025
Oh this was so much fun to read! I loved the behind the scenes of a musical theater number- and the addition of stand up comedy PLUS a podcast. the art is very colorful and fun to look at, and the story is inclusive and delightful.
Currently reading
October 8, 2025Clay and kylie are best friends they always are positive and keep each other laughing.
But one day clay and kylie had to audition and both of them want to make the audience laugh but the director told them to not be silly and do it properly.
clay has got a crush and wants to ask our her crush.
Will Clay be able to have confidence and do it just in time?
But one day clay and kylie had to audition and both of them want to make the audience laugh but the director told them to not be silly and do it properly.
clay has got a crush and wants to ask our her crush.
Will Clay be able to have confidence and do it just in time?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews