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Heebie Jeebies
AT AMBERLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL THERE’S MORE THAN ONE THING THAT GOES BUMP IN THE NIGHT…
Blue and their best friend Herschel are definitely not the coolest kids around, but when a group of popular bullies tell our main characters that their problems can be solved by finding the treasure buried beneath the school… well, Blue, Herschel and one annoyed night janitor have to investigate their school after dark!
What nightmares guard the treasure? The kind to give our heroes one bad case of the Heebie Jeebies!
Matthew Erman and Shelby Criswell re-team for this hilarious and spooky middle grade graphic novel perfect for the spookalicious kid or kid-at-heart that’ll be sure to surprise, delight and terrify!
Blue and their best friend Herschel are definitely not the coolest kids around, but when a group of popular bullies tell our main characters that their problems can be solved by finding the treasure buried beneath the school… well, Blue, Herschel and one annoyed night janitor have to investigate their school after dark!
What nightmares guard the treasure? The kind to give our heroes one bad case of the Heebie Jeebies!
Matthew Erman and Shelby Criswell re-team for this hilarious and spooky middle grade graphic novel perfect for the spookalicious kid or kid-at-heart that’ll be sure to surprise, delight and terrify!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
1 person is currently reading
2663 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Erman
63 books61 followersMatthew Erman is a writer from Columbus, Ohio. Erman is known for his unique storytelling style which often blends humor and heart with the surreal and sometimes disturbing. He co-created the critically acclaimed horror series, "Long Lost,” and the roadtrip fantasy "Witchblood" with his wife, Lisa Sterle as well as being the sole creator for the sci-fi coming-of-age graphic novel “Bonding”. Erman also has written for popular properties such as Power Rangers and The Dark Crystal and has upcoming comics with Mad Cave Studios, IDW, and more.
You can find him online at www.matthewerman.com or in-line at your local Arby’s.
You can find him online at www.matthewerman.com or in-line at your local Arby’s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 17, 2024
This middle-grade graphic novel about two dorky boys hunting for treasures in their haunted school was a quick read.
Although I enjoyed the illustrations (it feels very late 90s/early 2000s as some of the tech featured in the graphic novel is pretty retro), I'm definitely not the target demographic for this story. I didn't particularly like any of the characters or how they were depicted (asides from loyalty, they didn't have too many endearing qualities) but the adventure itself was entertaining. I also appreciated that the story touched upon bullying, greed, and being labelled as 'poor'.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
*** #3 of my 2024 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - Read a middle grade horror novel. ***
___________________________
If you like the following, then you might enjoy Heebie Jeebies or vice-versa:
Although I enjoyed the illustrations (it feels very late 90s/early 2000s as some of the tech featured in the graphic novel is pretty retro), I'm definitely not the target demographic for this story. I didn't particularly like any of the characters or how they were depicted (asides from loyalty, they didn't have too many endearing qualities) but the adventure itself was entertaining. I also appreciated that the story touched upon bullying, greed, and being labelled as 'poor'.
**I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
*** #3 of my 2024 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge - Read a middle grade horror novel. ***
___________________________
If you like the following, then you might enjoy Heebie Jeebies or vice-versa:
August 31, 2024
There’s bullies. There’s violence. There’s paranormal characters. And… well there’s madness and lots of chaos!
There’s two not so cool kids who get bullied and get frustrated because of being them, not cool and rich like the other kids.
Well, there’s other parts where ghosts are creating trouble and we get to take the adventure into our own hands, go for a quest and stop all the troubles!
If you love fun, adventure and chaotic young characters this graphic novel is for you.
The dialogues, the art sequences could be better.
There’s two not so cool kids who get bullied and get frustrated because of being them, not cool and rich like the other kids.
Well, there’s other parts where ghosts are creating trouble and we get to take the adventure into our own hands, go for a quest and stop all the troubles!
If you love fun, adventure and chaotic young characters this graphic novel is for you.
The dialogues, the art sequences could be better.
September 18, 2024
I can say that I am not the intended target audience but I did have fun reading this graphic novel.
the story is interesting and easy to follow and it teaches an important lesson - no to bullies, yes to friendships, and lovely memories. it also touches on the topic of money and being a part of a poor family.
Big thank you to Papercutz for providing me with an arc.
★ #9 installment in the klaudia cures inner child series.
the story is interesting and easy to follow and it teaches an important lesson - no to bullies, yes to friendships, and lovely memories. it also touches on the topic of money and being a part of a poor family.
Big thank you to Papercutz for providing me with an arc.
★ #9 installment in the klaudia cures inner child series.
December 15, 2024
There is hidden treasure at Amberline Middle school and Blue and Herschel are determined to find it because such treasure will solve all their problems. But first of all they need to run the gauntlet of bullies, the night janitor and ghosts.
Perhaps school after dark isn’t the best place to be even if it is for a worthy cause.
Spooky, great fun with great graphics for children and adults alike.
October 29, 2025
Sometimes, you just need a silly little adventure that’s really surface to take your mind off things. And this was that!
July 19, 2024
Thank you Papercutz and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This spooky tale was a fun, quick read. It is perfect for the intended audience of elementary school kids and it teaches important lessons about bullying, friendship, greed, and working together to achieve success. Cool graphics enhanced reading experience. This is a great fall/Halloween read for the middle graders.
July 7, 2024
I’m certainly not the intended audience for this, but I still found myself actually laughing at parts of this graphic novel! I love spooky things and I think any younger kid who also enjoys ghost stories and wants to ease into horror stories would really enjoy this. It’s not too scary while still being spooky and the visuals help all of that come across. It’s equally spooky and goofy which I think is a perfect recipe for this kind of book.
I think it’s great that this book has a main character that uses they/them pronouns. That’s representation not often seen in middle grade! I also really enjoyed the illustrations! They were simple but fun and made the story very easily to follow.
I think the messages that money isn’t everything and to stand up to bullies are great, but they unfortunately aren’t made clear until the very end of the book. I had no idea that’s what the book was getting at until the ending basically told me, so I’m not sure younger kids would see it either.
My main complaint about this book is that Herschel sometimes felt like such a stereotypical middle school boy obsessed with video games but other times he said things that would never in a million years come out of a kid’s mouth. It felt like he was used to get some very adult-thinking out in this book and his character was compromised because of it.
Overall, this book was cute and entertaining and I think kids interested in horror and ghost stories would really enjoy it.
Thank you Papercutz for the ARC!
I think it’s great that this book has a main character that uses they/them pronouns. That’s representation not often seen in middle grade! I also really enjoyed the illustrations! They were simple but fun and made the story very easily to follow.
I think the messages that money isn’t everything and to stand up to bullies are great, but they unfortunately aren’t made clear until the very end of the book. I had no idea that’s what the book was getting at until the ending basically told me, so I’m not sure younger kids would see it either.
My main complaint about this book is that Herschel sometimes felt like such a stereotypical middle school boy obsessed with video games but other times he said things that would never in a million years come out of a kid’s mouth. It felt like he was used to get some very adult-thinking out in this book and his character was compromised because of it.
Overall, this book was cute and entertaining and I think kids interested in horror and ghost stories would really enjoy it.
Thank you Papercutz for the ARC!
July 19, 2024
3.5 stars
I think this is a graphic novel that my wife wanted to read, but I got in there first.
Ghosts, treasure, bullies, inheritance and a haunted school. What could possibly go wrong? I enjoyed this - probably one for older kids. Brilliantly illustrated and coloured.
I think this is a graphic novel that my wife wanted to read, but I got in there first.
Ghosts, treasure, bullies, inheritance and a haunted school. What could possibly go wrong? I enjoyed this - probably one for older kids. Brilliantly illustrated and coloured.
July 16, 2024
Matthew Erman did a fantastic with this graphic novel. I will say the reason I am giving it a 3.5 stars is the fact that I feel like there was a lot more information that could have been put into the book. Just a little more details. BUT everything else was amazing! The writing style was very easy for children to understand and I feel like ages 8+ would enjoy. It touches on multiple topics including love for friends and family, bullies and of course living in poverty. But honestly the overall moral of the story is not being greedy and make sure you see what is really important which is friendship and family.
Overall a great read and I would definitely recommend reading it. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy and thank you to the publisher.
Overall a great read and I would definitely recommend reading it. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy and thank you to the publisher.
July 12, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Pros:
-cute artwork with full-color illustrations
-positive message about bullying and friendship
-Hershel
Blue and Hershel are the outcasts, bullied for being poor and too much into video games. The popular kids trick Blue and Hershel into breaking into the school at night to find a treasure. It was supposed to be a prank to get them in trouble, but it turns out the treasure is real and being protected by ghosts. This was cute, but I didn't find it very memorable. I think kids will be able to relate to Blue and Hershel and enjoy it.
Pros:
-cute artwork with full-color illustrations
-positive message about bullying and friendship
-Hershel
Blue and Hershel are the outcasts, bullied for being poor and too much into video games. The popular kids trick Blue and Hershel into breaking into the school at night to find a treasure. It was supposed to be a prank to get them in trouble, but it turns out the treasure is real and being protected by ghosts. This was cute, but I didn't find it very memorable. I think kids will be able to relate to Blue and Hershel and enjoy it.
June 7, 2024
Heebie Jeebies is a cute graphic novel about the power of friendship and how you can be rich in more than one way.
I liked the ghosts in this story, although they were definitely there for comic relief rather than scares.
I really enjoyed the autumnal/halloween vibes at the beginning of this book, and I was a little disappointed that it didn’t carry on past the first few pages.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read that is perfect for any time of the year.
Thanks to NetGalley and Papercutz for the eARC!
I liked the ghosts in this story, although they were definitely there for comic relief rather than scares.
I really enjoyed the autumnal/halloween vibes at the beginning of this book, and I was a little disappointed that it didn’t carry on past the first few pages.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read that is perfect for any time of the year.
Thanks to NetGalley and Papercutz for the eARC!
June 28, 2024
While this is not my OMG favorite ever, and is more of a 3.5 than "pure" 4, I liked the art (bold, bright, simple) the quick flow and the humor. Okay, it might be a smidgen "boy humor" and not completely "uncrude" but it does the trick. The theme of "Rich and Power" is not new, but I couldn't help wanting to see how our main character Blue learns this lesson.
April 17, 2024
received as a free arc from Netgalley
This story was great from start to end. Focusing on two younger boys, considered the outcasts of their grade wanting to sneak into their school at night to find some hidden treasure. The story itself is targeted towards a younger audience. Most likely the same age as the characters. High elementary or lower middle. That being said, I still enjoyed the story a lot.
Because of the age demographic, writing a horror story can be very hard. You don't want it to be too scary or you'll traumatise the kids. The authors do a great job of filling the story with lots of jokes and combatting any of the scary factors of the story with the colour palate used. That being said, I loved the colours used for the story. It reminded me a lot of the Halloween Town movies. Very whimsical and kid friendly, while still holding onto enough of a spooky factor for the kids.
The story itself started off a bit slow. The first 10 pages didn't have much going on, but I contribute to that to building some suspense. The story really starts getting interesting once they sneak into the school, which makes sense. After all, what kid hasn't dreamed of sneaking into their school at night. From their the story is fast paced, always interesting, and action packed with the ghosts. Its nice to see the characters check in with each other too as a means of slowing down the pace to give readers a breather.
It was also very easy to follow. The main focus of the story was the picture element. The illustrator did an amazing job of showing the emotions and direction of the plot through the pictures rather then focusing heavily on the words. There wasn't too much dialogue to follow which helped the comic be a quick read.
The main focus of the story was appreciating what you have and realizing you don't need money to feel fulfilled in life. This is a great life lesson for kids and was portrayed nicely through Blue's back story and want of the treasure. Now this may just be me being stupid, but I didn't figure out what the moral of the story was until 70% of the way through the story. There were little hints to it in the beginning with Blue needing the money for his mom but that was it. It would have been nicer if it was more apparent earlier on. Especially for a younger audience.
As for the characters, I'm not the biggest fan of how they were portrayed. I did enjoy them and think they were funny but would have liked more personality for them. They did come off stereotypical most of the time with Blue bring from a poor immigrant family and Herschel being the dumb fat kid who plays video games all day. There are times when Herschel says the most intelligent things and when he does it comes off very out of character and like the author is just trying to get information across and doesn't know how else to do it.
Another character I want to talk about is Madison. I loved her character. She seemed very fleshed out and her ambitions were a great plot twist to the story. That being said, she was the only adult in the comic. Even if I like her character and it made sense for her to be there, in retrospect it is kind of strange that an adult is doing all this with a group of kids. Her disappearing at the end is unsatisfying but makes a lot of sense. She shouldn't be hanging out with kids, especially after the events of the story.
Overall, despite the smaller issues I had with the characters, the story overall was very interesting to read, and the pacing with the panel size and colouring helped it be an easy and great read for a younger audience.
This story was great from start to end. Focusing on two younger boys, considered the outcasts of their grade wanting to sneak into their school at night to find some hidden treasure. The story itself is targeted towards a younger audience. Most likely the same age as the characters. High elementary or lower middle. That being said, I still enjoyed the story a lot.
Because of the age demographic, writing a horror story can be very hard. You don't want it to be too scary or you'll traumatise the kids. The authors do a great job of filling the story with lots of jokes and combatting any of the scary factors of the story with the colour palate used. That being said, I loved the colours used for the story. It reminded me a lot of the Halloween Town movies. Very whimsical and kid friendly, while still holding onto enough of a spooky factor for the kids.
The story itself started off a bit slow. The first 10 pages didn't have much going on, but I contribute to that to building some suspense. The story really starts getting interesting once they sneak into the school, which makes sense. After all, what kid hasn't dreamed of sneaking into their school at night. From their the story is fast paced, always interesting, and action packed with the ghosts. Its nice to see the characters check in with each other too as a means of slowing down the pace to give readers a breather.
It was also very easy to follow. The main focus of the story was the picture element. The illustrator did an amazing job of showing the emotions and direction of the plot through the pictures rather then focusing heavily on the words. There wasn't too much dialogue to follow which helped the comic be a quick read.
The main focus of the story was appreciating what you have and realizing you don't need money to feel fulfilled in life. This is a great life lesson for kids and was portrayed nicely through Blue's back story and want of the treasure. Now this may just be me being stupid, but I didn't figure out what the moral of the story was until 70% of the way through the story. There were little hints to it in the beginning with Blue needing the money for his mom but that was it. It would have been nicer if it was more apparent earlier on. Especially for a younger audience.
As for the characters, I'm not the biggest fan of how they were portrayed. I did enjoy them and think they were funny but would have liked more personality for them. They did come off stereotypical most of the time with Blue bring from a poor immigrant family and Herschel being the dumb fat kid who plays video games all day. There are times when Herschel says the most intelligent things and when he does it comes off very out of character and like the author is just trying to get information across and doesn't know how else to do it.
Another character I want to talk about is Madison. I loved her character. She seemed very fleshed out and her ambitions were a great plot twist to the story. That being said, she was the only adult in the comic. Even if I like her character and it made sense for her to be there, in retrospect it is kind of strange that an adult is doing all this with a group of kids. Her disappearing at the end is unsatisfying but makes a lot of sense. She shouldn't be hanging out with kids, especially after the events of the story.
Overall, despite the smaller issues I had with the characters, the story overall was very interesting to read, and the pacing with the panel size and colouring helped it be an easy and great read for a younger audience.
September 29, 2024
9/26/2024 Utterly delightful. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
9/28/2024 There isn't anything super innovative about the plot of this terrific middle grade graphic novel, but the storytelling choices that the creative team have made give it a truly profound 21st century edge.
Blue literally lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Their mom works multiple crappy jobs to make ends meet and they're constantly bullied by a trio of mean kids. At least they have their best friend Herschel, who got held back a grade and is obsessed with his Cranky the Quillhog video game. Herschel might not be the brightest but he's loyal and sweet. When he stands up to the bullies, the latter claim that they're only picking on Blue because Blue could be rich like them, too, if only Blue had the gumption. Apparently, the Amberline School is built on buried treasure that hunters have been seeking for decades. Maybe Blue could be the one to finally find it.
Lured by the siren call of no longer having to struggle so hard, Blue decides to break into the school one night with faithful Herschel at their side. Despite a fairly thorough search, the friends are discouraged at finding no clues to where the treasure may be, at least until new groundskeeper Madison shows up for her shift. She's seen some really spooky things at Amberline since she's started, but she's prepared to take care of a few ghosts... or so she thinks. Soon enough, Blue, Herschel and Madison will have to join forces if they want to unearth the treasure and escape the curse of Amberline alive.
Gosh, I really don't want to give away any of the plot twists but this was such a sweet, affirming and at times genuinely suspenseful tale of ghosts and treasure hunting that had a really solid message at its core. While firmly anti-capitalist, the book doesn't pretend that money doesn't help make life easier for people. It isn't even wealth that Heebie Jeebies is against, but the hoarding of it that leaves others harmed and impoverished. Honestly, this is a superlatively American book in its promise of a future of equal opportunities once people start working together against the hoarder/monarch class. The way the characters worked together to make life -- or the afterlife -- better for everyone who wasn't dead set on self-sabotage felt like a brilliant metaphor for where we are today, in the United States or otherwise.
I also loved the unobtrusive representation of diversity, as well as the very cute -- tho not persistent -- breaking of the fourth wall. The art is cartoony but surprisingly expressive: perfect for middle-grade readers, tbh. This is honestly the kind of book I want to see available in libraries for all kids to read. It isn't devastatingly clever but is something more important: a really accessible way to learn about solidarity and friendship, and how even the dramas of middle school can be applied to building better societies for everyone involved.
Heebie Jeebies by Matthew Erman & Shelby Criswell was published September 17 2024 by Papercutz and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
9/28/2024 There isn't anything super innovative about the plot of this terrific middle grade graphic novel, but the storytelling choices that the creative team have made give it a truly profound 21st century edge.
Blue literally lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Their mom works multiple crappy jobs to make ends meet and they're constantly bullied by a trio of mean kids. At least they have their best friend Herschel, who got held back a grade and is obsessed with his Cranky the Quillhog video game. Herschel might not be the brightest but he's loyal and sweet. When he stands up to the bullies, the latter claim that they're only picking on Blue because Blue could be rich like them, too, if only Blue had the gumption. Apparently, the Amberline School is built on buried treasure that hunters have been seeking for decades. Maybe Blue could be the one to finally find it.
Lured by the siren call of no longer having to struggle so hard, Blue decides to break into the school one night with faithful Herschel at their side. Despite a fairly thorough search, the friends are discouraged at finding no clues to where the treasure may be, at least until new groundskeeper Madison shows up for her shift. She's seen some really spooky things at Amberline since she's started, but she's prepared to take care of a few ghosts... or so she thinks. Soon enough, Blue, Herschel and Madison will have to join forces if they want to unearth the treasure and escape the curse of Amberline alive.
Gosh, I really don't want to give away any of the plot twists but this was such a sweet, affirming and at times genuinely suspenseful tale of ghosts and treasure hunting that had a really solid message at its core. While firmly anti-capitalist, the book doesn't pretend that money doesn't help make life easier for people. It isn't even wealth that Heebie Jeebies is against, but the hoarding of it that leaves others harmed and impoverished. Honestly, this is a superlatively American book in its promise of a future of equal opportunities once people start working together against the hoarder/monarch class. The way the characters worked together to make life -- or the afterlife -- better for everyone who wasn't dead set on self-sabotage felt like a brilliant metaphor for where we are today, in the United States or otherwise.
I also loved the unobtrusive representation of diversity, as well as the very cute -- tho not persistent -- breaking of the fourth wall. The art is cartoony but surprisingly expressive: perfect for middle-grade readers, tbh. This is honestly the kind of book I want to see available in libraries for all kids to read. It isn't devastatingly clever but is something more important: a really accessible way to learn about solidarity and friendship, and how even the dramas of middle school can be applied to building better societies for everyone involved.
Heebie Jeebies by Matthew Erman & Shelby Criswell was published September 17 2024 by Papercutz and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
October 15, 2024
Blue and Herschell are great mates, even if they are very different. Herschell is confident and crazy for a console game called Quillhog. Blue is quiet and organised as his mum works long hours to look after them both.
Now in the sixth grade together (year 6 NZ), they hang out at school trying to avoid the kids that hassle them every day. According to Bob, Chad and Paloma, Blue is ripe for teasing in his thrift shop clothes, and Herschell is a confirmed nerd.
One day, their bullying ends up in a challenge. Find the long, lost treasure under the school – and buy some NEW clothes. Blue is keen to take them up on it. He doesn’t resent his life, but wishes his mum didn’t have to work so hard. Maybe there’s something in this treasure story?
Meanwhile, someone else is looking for it too. Madison has a personal link to this treasure and has worked hard to get access to the school after dark, as a janitor.
Madison, Blue & Herschell soon find much more than they bargained for, along with the bullies who have come along to watch.
They all learn that many before them have searched for it, or ventured where they shouldn’t on school grounds. Over many years there have been many ‘accidents’, never fully investigated.
Soon, all they all want to do is forget the treasure and leave the school alive!
This bright middle-grade novel is a fun but spooky read. There are many more ghosts than first experienced in this story, and they all have engaging back stories. Characters Blue & Herschell are opposites, bringing a fun vibe, and their courage – first against their bullies, and then against something evil and scary – is inspiring to read.
Greed has been many people’s downfall through the years but Blue believes his mum’s words that richness isn’t just about money. His quick thinking puts a twist on the tale, and ultimately brings him what they were seeking.
Bullying, Haves and have nots, and Courage are three key themes in this spooky, but fun graphic novel.
Now in the sixth grade together (year 6 NZ), they hang out at school trying to avoid the kids that hassle them every day. According to Bob, Chad and Paloma, Blue is ripe for teasing in his thrift shop clothes, and Herschell is a confirmed nerd.
One day, their bullying ends up in a challenge. Find the long, lost treasure under the school – and buy some NEW clothes. Blue is keen to take them up on it. He doesn’t resent his life, but wishes his mum didn’t have to work so hard. Maybe there’s something in this treasure story?
Meanwhile, someone else is looking for it too. Madison has a personal link to this treasure and has worked hard to get access to the school after dark, as a janitor.
Madison, Blue & Herschell soon find much more than they bargained for, along with the bullies who have come along to watch.
They all learn that many before them have searched for it, or ventured where they shouldn’t on school grounds. Over many years there have been many ‘accidents’, never fully investigated.
Soon, all they all want to do is forget the treasure and leave the school alive!
This bright middle-grade novel is a fun but spooky read. There are many more ghosts than first experienced in this story, and they all have engaging back stories. Characters Blue & Herschell are opposites, bringing a fun vibe, and their courage – first against their bullies, and then against something evil and scary – is inspiring to read.
Greed has been many people’s downfall through the years but Blue believes his mum’s words that richness isn’t just about money. His quick thinking puts a twist on the tale, and ultimately brings him what they were seeking.
Bullying, Haves and have nots, and Courage are three key themes in this spooky, but fun graphic novel.
May 29, 2024
A book filled with treasure seeking and ghost themes, Blue and Herschel strive to find the rumored treasure that is hidden in their school, Amberline Middle School. The treasure belonged to Edwin Amberline, founder of the school, who was a greedy and selfish man. While Blue and Herschel snuck into their school at night to seek for this treasure (mostly so that Blue can become rich due to his poverty-like lifestyle at home), they bumped into Madison, the groundkeeper (janitor) of the school, who turns out to be one of the descendants of the Amberline lineage. Together, they sought for the lost treasure and after speaking with the ghosts who haunted the school, they found where the treasure was hidden but only to face the haunting Edwin Amberline himself who spent centuries protecting his treasure. In the end, no one was able to keep the treasure as the only way to destroy Edwin Amberline was to not give in to greed and to toss the treasures down the dark pits of the school (due to the quote "Power belongs to the rich. And without your [Edwin] riches, you're powerless.").
At the end of the book, the author teaches readers something, that each one of us are rich in other ways. There is many to be thankful for, even if it's not currency rich. Blue has a house over his head, he doesn't need to worry about food, or not being able to go to school. I find that this is a valuable lesson to teach children; to not be materialistic about things because at the end of the day when we die, we cannot take them with us and if anything giving materials too much value will keep us from moving on with our lives.
Thank you to NetGallery for providing me an advanced copy for review!
At the end of the book, the author teaches readers something, that each one of us are rich in other ways. There is many to be thankful for, even if it's not currency rich. Blue has a house over his head, he doesn't need to worry about food, or not being able to go to school. I find that this is a valuable lesson to teach children; to not be materialistic about things because at the end of the day when we die, we cannot take them with us and if anything giving materials too much value will keep us from moving on with our lives.
Thank you to NetGallery for providing me an advanced copy for review!
May 5, 2024
Thank you Papercutz and NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This might be a spooky graphic novel but I closed it with a smile!
There’s a new groundskeeper with ulterior motives at Amberline school. The first night she’s cleaning up, she learns she’s not alone..
Blue(jay) and Hersch(el) are 2 sixth graders and best friends. I absolutely loved no adored their relationship and even though they weren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed ;) they were really nice and always there for eachother. And Herschley being obsessed with his old school gaming device, brought back so many happy memories!
There are some bullies in this story too but their development throughout the story was nice. It’s those bullies who make Blue and Hersch believe there’s a cursed treasure hidden in their school. Blue and Hersch don’t waste any time and decide to try to find it that night! They get some unexpected help and some very surprising help too..
The message of being wealthy in other ways than having a lot of money and the way this ended was really nice and I recommend this graphic novel to anyone who likes adventurous, spooky and heartwarming stories with a little nerdiness sprinkled on top!
This might be a spooky graphic novel but I closed it with a smile!
There’s a new groundskeeper with ulterior motives at Amberline school. The first night she’s cleaning up, she learns she’s not alone..
Blue(jay) and Hersch(el) are 2 sixth graders and best friends. I absolutely loved no adored their relationship and even though they weren’t always the sharpest tools in the shed ;) they were really nice and always there for eachother. And Herschley being obsessed with his old school gaming device, brought back so many happy memories!
There are some bullies in this story too but their development throughout the story was nice. It’s those bullies who make Blue and Hersch believe there’s a cursed treasure hidden in their school. Blue and Hersch don’t waste any time and decide to try to find it that night! They get some unexpected help and some very surprising help too..
The message of being wealthy in other ways than having a lot of money and the way this ended was really nice and I recommend this graphic novel to anyone who likes adventurous, spooky and heartwarming stories with a little nerdiness sprinkled on top!
May 29, 2024
“I already am rich. In other ways!”
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•
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Blue and Herschel are tired of dealing with bullies. Together, they come up with the perfect plan to really show up their bullies, when they decide to investigate their middle school after dark for, you guessed it, treasure. 🔒
Legend says that there is hidden treasure underneath the floorboards of the school. But, the question is, have they been the only ones that have tried to find it? 👻
They soon find out that things are a little bit more “ghostly” then they may seem.
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Let’s make this clear, I am not the targeted audience for this book. I believe this book was made for pre-teens, specifically boys. I counted on both hands the amount of times “poo” was mentioned.
But, that’s OKAY! I thought the artwork was very cute, vibrant and fun. I also like the theme of finding riches in other things besides material. 💛
Overall, cute, just not the book for me.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Papercutz Publishing for sending over this eARC. 💚
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Blue and Herschel are tired of dealing with bullies. Together, they come up with the perfect plan to really show up their bullies, when they decide to investigate their middle school after dark for, you guessed it, treasure. 🔒
Legend says that there is hidden treasure underneath the floorboards of the school. But, the question is, have they been the only ones that have tried to find it? 👻
They soon find out that things are a little bit more “ghostly” then they may seem.
•
•
•
Let’s make this clear, I am not the targeted audience for this book. I believe this book was made for pre-teens, specifically boys. I counted on both hands the amount of times “poo” was mentioned.
But, that’s OKAY! I thought the artwork was very cute, vibrant and fun. I also like the theme of finding riches in other things besides material. 💛
Overall, cute, just not the book for me.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Papercutz Publishing for sending over this eARC. 💚
September 24, 2024
Two newly acquainted, uncool boys are being bullied at school and become fast friends. The bullies tease them for being poor and tell them a story of a treasure hidden somewhere in their school. They trick the boys into breaking into the school to find the treasure and then scare them. The school really is haunted by troublesome ghosts of past treasure hunters who met their end while searching for the treasure. The story just takes you along on their adventure looking for the treasure while trying to figure out why the ghosts are trapped there. The dialog isn't the best and the story seemed disjointed at times, but the graphics are pretty good. This has a "Casper"esque feel to it. Not really spooky, but young readers might enjoy it. It was overall just ok but not one I would probably recommend my friends to pick up.
Thank you NetGalley & author for an ARC of this book. #netgalley #heebiejeebies
Thank you NetGalley & author for an ARC of this book. #netgalley #heebiejeebies
January 10, 2025
An overly-convoluted look at a haunted school, where the heroes get interested in breaking in one night when their bullies tell them of the legend of hidden treasure. Oh, and there's a school janitor involved too, and several ghosts – but before you think this is some Scooby Doo rip-off there doesn't seem to be any need for people to wear sheets over their heads. That aside, it is just about as cockamamie as the worst Scooby Doo adventures, and when you throw in pronoun mangling and other wokery, some impenetrable mentions of a Quillhog character, and the sheer implausibility of the bullies and their approach, it's pretty hard to rate it highly. It could have been a lot more coherent – I couldn't even be sure of the target audience, contrasting some more mature dialogue here and there with the idiocy of the sidekick Herschel.
April 28, 2024
Heebie Jeebies is a graphic novel about Blue and Herschel, two kids exploring their middle school to find a cursed treasure. Along the way, they deal with ghosts.. and even worse bullies.
I really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel. It was engaging and pulled me into the story. Unfortunately, I found the plot and dialogue to feel a bit bland/forced. I love the idea of hidden treasure and cursed school, but for me the excitement did not hold throughout the book.
If you are looking for some fun with haunted ghosts & great illustrations though, I recommend that you go ahead and give this a try!
Thanks to NetGalley, Matthew Erman, and Papercutz for the chance to review this advanced copy!
I really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel. It was engaging and pulled me into the story. Unfortunately, I found the plot and dialogue to feel a bit bland/forced. I love the idea of hidden treasure and cursed school, but for me the excitement did not hold throughout the book.
If you are looking for some fun with haunted ghosts & great illustrations though, I recommend that you go ahead and give this a try!
Thanks to NetGalley, Matthew Erman, and Papercutz for the chance to review this advanced copy!
October 2, 2024
Heebie Jeebies is a middle grade graphic novel about 2 friends who are bullied at school, one of them is bullied because he’s poor so they go in a mission to find a secret treasure that’s supposedly at their school with the school custodian who insists on being called groundskeeper. Along the way they meet a variety of ghosts of staff and students who all died on school grounds.
Overall I liked the artwork, very bright, colorful, and clear. The story needed a little work especially the character development. But it is a middle grade book so kids will probably like it. If you’re an adult who likes middle grade books I’d skip this one.
**Thanks to the author/artist and publisher fir the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
Overall I liked the artwork, very bright, colorful, and clear. The story needed a little work especially the character development. But it is a middle grade book so kids will probably like it. If you’re an adult who likes middle grade books I’d skip this one.
**Thanks to the author/artist and publisher fir the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
August 19, 2024
While I’m not exactly the target audience for this graphic novel, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I love spooky adventure stories, and this one strikes a perfect balance between eerie and playful, making it a quick and fun read. The illustrations were a standout for me, really bringing the characters to life.
I liked that this graphic novel also touches on important themes like the idea that money isn’t everything and the value of friendship.
Overall, this is an entertaining and engaging read that I think will really appeal to fans of ghost stories and adventure tales.
Thanks for NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in return for honest feedback
I liked that this graphic novel also touches on important themes like the idea that money isn’t everything and the value of friendship.
Overall, this is an entertaining and engaging read that I think will really appeal to fans of ghost stories and adventure tales.
Thanks for NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in return for honest feedback
September 19, 2024
When two unpopular kids sneak into a school at night to steal the treasure rumored to be hidden inside, they're aided by a janitor, and the friendly ghosts of others who have died attempting the same quest.
For me as an adult, this was just an okay read - entertaining, but nothing particularly memorable. I suspect, however, that younger readers will like it more, much in the way that I loved Scooby-Doo cartoons as a kid, but find them pretty ridiculous now.
There's also a message to be taken about friendship and standing up to bullies. The author's artwork is fine, and I like the way he depicted the ghosts.
Thanks to NetGalley and Papercutz for the read.
For me as an adult, this was just an okay read - entertaining, but nothing particularly memorable. I suspect, however, that younger readers will like it more, much in the way that I loved Scooby-Doo cartoons as a kid, but find them pretty ridiculous now.
There's also a message to be taken about friendship and standing up to bullies. The author's artwork is fine, and I like the way he depicted the ghosts.
Thanks to NetGalley and Papercutz for the read.
October 14, 2024
Wasn't my favorite book. I'm not usually a fan of graphic novels. I don't mind books that have the occasional images in them but when the whole story is told in images and only some text, it's a bit too much for me. But, that said, I think this would be a good book for young readers or adults who are fans of graphic novels. I think I'm just not in the right age group to appreciate this one. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Publisher's Weekly for giving me the chance to experience this graphic novel. I'm so glad things played out the way they did and I got to read this close to October (spooky season) too. Great for any readers who like some very mild spookiness in their books.
May 20, 2024
I received an advance digital copy of this graphic novel from NetGalley for review and got a kick out of it. Two misfit boys sneak into their school after hours in search of a mythical treasure. They encounter a whole cast of ghosts- previous doomed treasure hunters stuck in limbo. The boys team up with the school’s janitor and have to deal with three bullies who also enter the fray. The illustrations are solid with bold colors and readable text, which I found engaging. This would be fun for a middle grade reader who likes ghosts, treasure and adventure.
December 7, 2024
This was very cheesy and full of cringe, but also somewhat enjoyable? Two bullied middle schoolers "find out" about a hidden treasure and decide to break into the school in order to find it and make their lives better. The school janitor, who happens to be a descendant of the family that built the school, is also there to look for the treasure. They gain some help from ghosts in order to discover where the treasure is, but discover that greed is what has killed all these people previously. A happy ending is had by all though.
Decent artwork, wonky characters.
Decent artwork, wonky characters.
April 8, 2024
I appreciated that this book does a good job of being spooky but not graphic. I like that the ghost designs are a bit creepy sometimes- even if they are helpful characters. I do think the writing is a bit rough in the first 10ish pages- the characters didn't come off like real middle school students. However, once the treasure hunt started, the story really picked up. I do like how the book had discussions of financial issues without it feeling really morose. The art is bright and engaging.
April 29, 2024
I loved that there was MC nonbinary rep in this middle grade graphic! I think early middle schoolers will definitely enjoy the ghostly mystery and treasure hunt aspect. I personally didn’t connect with this art style or most of the dialogue choices, and found the plot pacing abrupt and disconnected. I think it’s still a good recommendation for kids who are into adventure tales and supernatural stories.
November 5, 2024
A fun, quirky graphic novel about two boys on a hunt for treasure in their haunted school. While the underlying message was not to bully and be true to yourself there is also the importance of friendship and helping others.
The story does branch out quite a lot rather than being linear but that only adds to its quirkiness. With fun, colourful illustrations and easy to read text this is a great book for reluctant readers.
The story does branch out quite a lot rather than being linear but that only adds to its quirkiness. With fun, colourful illustrations and easy to read text this is a great book for reluctant readers.
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