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Emmie & Friends #9
Entirely Emmie
The ninth book in the
New York Times
bestselling Emmie & Friends series—told from the alternating POVs of shy Emmie and class-clown Joe as they embark on a school camping trip.
Crushes. Camping.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
These days, Emmie doesn’t feel so invisible. At least not around her best friends and her crush, Tyler.
Class-clown Joe’s jokes aren’t landing the way they used to. Who doesn’t love a good prank? Apparently not his so-called friends, who don’t even seem to care if he’s around.
When their class goes on an end-of-year camping trip, Emmie and Joe find themselves stuck together—and expect the worst. But what happens instead turns out to be entirely unexpected.
New York Times bestseller Terri Libenson is back with a story about finding friendship in the least likely of places.
Crushes. Camping.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
These days, Emmie doesn’t feel so invisible. At least not around her best friends and her crush, Tyler.
Class-clown Joe’s jokes aren’t landing the way they used to. Who doesn’t love a good prank? Apparently not his so-called friends, who don’t even seem to care if he’s around.
When their class goes on an end-of-year camping trip, Emmie and Joe find themselves stuck together—and expect the worst. But what happens instead turns out to be entirely unexpected.
New York Times bestseller Terri Libenson is back with a story about finding friendship in the least likely of places.
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2025
213 people are currently reading
2477 people want to read
About the author
Terri Libenson
22 books707 followersTerri Libenson (pronounced LEE-ben-son) is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author and award-winning cartoonist of the syndicated daily comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, which ran from 2006-2020. She was also an award-winning humorous card writer for American Greetings.
Terri graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BFA in illustration and a minor in art history. Her daily syndicated comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, launched with King Features in 2006 and ran in hundreds of newspapers internationally until its retirement in January, 2020. Pajama Diaries has been nominated four times for the Reuben Award for “Best Newspaper Comic Strip” by the National Cartoonists Society and won in 2016. You can read the Pajama Diaries archives daily on ComicsKingdom.com.
Terri has three Pajama Diaries book collections: Deja To-Do, Having It All–And No Time To Do It, and Bat-Zilla. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of the middle grade series, Emmie & Friends (Balzer + Bray).
Born and raised in Kingston, PA, Terri lives with her husband and two daughters in Cleveland, OH.
Terri graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BFA in illustration and a minor in art history. Her daily syndicated comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, launched with King Features in 2006 and ran in hundreds of newspapers internationally until its retirement in January, 2020. Pajama Diaries has been nominated four times for the Reuben Award for “Best Newspaper Comic Strip” by the National Cartoonists Society and won in 2016. You can read the Pajama Diaries archives daily on ComicsKingdom.com.
Terri has three Pajama Diaries book collections: Deja To-Do, Having It All–And No Time To Do It, and Bat-Zilla. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of the middle grade series, Emmie & Friends (Balzer + Bray).
Born and raised in Kingston, PA, Terri lives with her husband and two daughters in Cleveland, OH.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 22, 2025
If you’ve been following the Emmie & Friends series, Entirely Emmie brings Emmie back into the spotlight with her signature blend of heart and hesitation. And she’s not alone. Joe, the mischievous prankster with surprising depth, joins the fun and brings his own perspective to the mix.
What makes this series shine is the dual narration. I love how the story flips between Emmie and Joe, giving us two sides of the same moment—proof that everyone’s version of the truth feels a little different. The book is funny, honest, and full of the little emotional detours that make this middle school series so real.
Perfect for fans of graphic novels, relatable characters, and stories with both humor and heart. – Diana F.
What makes this series shine is the dual narration. I love how the story flips between Emmie and Joe, giving us two sides of the same moment—proof that everyone’s version of the truth feels a little different. The book is funny, honest, and full of the little emotional detours that make this middle school series so real.
Perfect for fans of graphic novels, relatable characters, and stories with both humor and heart. – Diana F.
May 31, 2025
The most consistently true middle grade series continues to be real and true in its latest volume. What can I say? Terri Libenson clearly remembers being a seventh grader and has the skill to write about it in a way that's incredibly relatable but without reviving the trauma.
Oh, and despite being told repeatedly how old Joe's dog is, she doesn't die in this book. Just throwing that out there so that you don't have to skim through the entire book like I did.
Oh, and despite being told repeatedly how old Joe's dog is, she doesn't die in this book. Just throwing that out there so that you don't have to skim through the entire book like I did.
March 19, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Storytide for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved it!! As a children’s librarian, I often struggle with recommending books to my tween patrons. They are often a little too young for Younger Teen, but have outgrown middle grade books. This series is perfect for them. And I love reading them too! I heard a rumor that this was the last one, I really hope not!! I have enjoyed reading about Emmie and all her friends!
I loved it!! As a children’s librarian, I often struggle with recommending books to my tween patrons. They are often a little too young for Younger Teen, but have outgrown middle grade books. This series is perfect for them. And I love reading them too! I heard a rumor that this was the last one, I really hope not!! I have enjoyed reading about Emmie and all her friends!
March 28, 2025
The ninth book in the "Emma & Friends" series circles back to the original Emmie who is more confident and secure in her upper middle school years and Tyler, who always seems to be the class clown on the fringes; always the third wheel and the one who begs to be included. Both young teens are somewhat forced into a school-led campout by their parents. Both are left without a mandated buddy, so they are teamed up. Both get to know and understand each other better.
I do love this graphic novel series - it is one of my favorites. The characters are all relatable, so all students can easily find a character they relate or connect to. I do think this title, though, has gravitated to more young adult issues and conversations, so it may not be entirely suitable for an elementary aged library, especially where all shelves are open access for all grade levels. It's a great series addition - but in my professional opinion, more suited for young teens as opposed to tweens.
I do love this graphic novel series - it is one of my favorites. The characters are all relatable, so all students can easily find a character they relate or connect to. I do think this title, though, has gravitated to more young adult issues and conversations, so it may not be entirely suitable for an elementary aged library, especially where all shelves are open access for all grade levels. It's a great series addition - but in my professional opinion, more suited for young teens as opposed to tweens.
March 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an eARC of this title.
Once again, Terri Libenson can do no wrong.
I, admittedly, have only read one other Emmie & Friends title ("Invisible Emmie"), but this series is a very popular one with my students. My Emmie & Friends bin is usually empty, and for good reason. Libenson writes about middle school life with flair, understanding, warmth, and joy. I only wish that I had a series like this one to commiserate with as I experienced a lot of what Emmie does in this book.
Emmie is thrilled to be going on a three day school camping trip with her best friend Bri. And to top it off, her big sister Trina gets to be a camp counselor and she'll get to spend lots of time with her crush, Tyler.
But when Bri ends up getting sick and Trina gets caught up with counselor duties, Emmie is forced to endure camp alone...kind of. She finds herself paired up with her worst nightmare; Joe Lungo, the class doofus. Will she be able to handle the isolation of camp and her crush falling for Basketball Girl without her support system?
I cannot wait to add this to my school library, and I will be reading the rest of the Emmie series ASAP.
Once again, Terri Libenson can do no wrong.
I, admittedly, have only read one other Emmie & Friends title ("Invisible Emmie"), but this series is a very popular one with my students. My Emmie & Friends bin is usually empty, and for good reason. Libenson writes about middle school life with flair, understanding, warmth, and joy. I only wish that I had a series like this one to commiserate with as I experienced a lot of what Emmie does in this book.
Emmie is thrilled to be going on a three day school camping trip with her best friend Bri. And to top it off, her big sister Trina gets to be a camp counselor and she'll get to spend lots of time with her crush, Tyler.
But when Bri ends up getting sick and Trina gets caught up with counselor duties, Emmie is forced to endure camp alone...kind of. She finds herself paired up with her worst nightmare; Joe Lungo, the class doofus. Will she be able to handle the isolation of camp and her crush falling for Basketball Girl without her support system?
I cannot wait to add this to my school library, and I will be reading the rest of the Emmie series ASAP.
September 8, 2025
I love this series and book 9 didn’t disappoint. The story is told through alternating chapters from Emmie’s perspective with text (and charming detailed illustrations) and Joe’s perspective with loud busy traditional graphic novel panels. This book is perfect for kids who feel like they haven’t found their people yet.
June 29, 2025
Emmie takes a turn back in the spotlight, along with prankster Joe. Love the dual narrators in this series and how I get to see different views of the same incident. I hope this 9th book isn't the end of the series. 🤞🏻🤞🏻
May 9, 2025
So....I think this is one of my favorites in the series. I like what the story did with Joe's character and how, by the end of the book, he became well-rounded and, dare I say it, actually likable. It's one thing for an author to add more depth to an already likable character (like Emmie), but to take an annoying or cringe character and have them do a 180 in the eyes of the reader... that's talent! Only one of the many reasons I look forward to the next book. BOOKS, hopefully!
p.s. (Possible?) . Hmmm...
p.s. (Possible?) . Hmmm...
March 10, 2025
Entirely Emmie was a heartwarming story of belonging, friendship, and navigating new relationships. I can't wait to get this book for my classroom and into the hands of students. I will encourage kids who are feeling left out to read this because it does help give insight to speaking up for yourself and encourages making new friends. Luckily, I can get the book before the end of the current school year, because I have a few that will want to read it! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!!!
October 27, 2025
This series just gets better and better with each book, and I love it for that very reason. It has grown so much in both the stories it tells and how it develops its characters. The character development was just particularly peak in this book. Never did I ever think that not only would Joe Lungo get both convincing and endearing development, but that him and Emmie would end up having a really nice friendship would be such a great addition. Joe was never a character I particularly cared about or even liked (largely due to my own disdain and bad memories of the middle school class clown boys) but this book not only made me care for him, but also invested in him and the human side of him. I care about his aspirations, dreams and every other aspect of his character because the buildup of all it here is good. Speaking of character development, I loved Emmie in this book. I liked how the book established how far she’s come since the first book, and I love that she continued to grow here. As someone who was also the shy kid in middle school (and frankly, even moresoe in high school) I’ve always found Emmie to be very relatable, and I like how even as she’s growing bolder, she’s still shy. I like this both because I like how all her character development didn’t happen in one book, but it also shows how being shy isn’t a 100% negative trait. For me, it just makes Emmie such a good character who feels so three-dimensional, real, and relatable. In addition, it was also nice for Trina to play such a big role since she’s only been a presence in the previous books. I really like how the book dove into the struggles Trina and Emmie have in there being such a big age gap between them, and that as well as their connection were so well developed. It’s something that I also related to not as an age gap sibling, but as an age gap cousin because I very much related to the challenges of bonding with a family member that’s in your generation but six years older than you. Plus, generally, it was nice to actually get to know Trina since she was merely a presence in the other books. Something else I want to bring up about this book that really struck me is how much this series has grown. Of course, it’s far from being one of the deepest works of the century, but the way this series has matured over the course of the past nine books needs to be studied. It’s a masterclass in staying with your target demographic while remaining appealing for all ages. I’ve also already mentioned the character development, but my favorite part of this series is how each character has been slowly elevated above their stereotype (i.e. Gossip Girl, class clown) and is now their own person and character. It’s something I don’t see in many middle grade books. My favorite part was definetly the ending, when Emmie decided she wasn’t ready for dating. It’s the perfect ending to this book, and it was necessary. I find it especially great since most other middle grade books would have Emmie and Tyler immediately get together, especially after so many books. It gives that sense of maturity to the series that makes it plenty refreshing and heartfelt, and is the cherry on top for the themes and is the cherry on top for the themes. Just in general too, I love how all the characters actually feel like middle schoolers, successfully maintaining the balance of not making them the annoying, over-the-top caricatures that most adults think they are, but also showing them be awkward, dumb and flawed kids. It makes the book feel more realistic, and it’s again what has drawn me back to the series again and again. To me, there’s a difference between writing a realistic teenager and writing an insufferable character under the guise of them being likeable and a realistic teenager. The latter is what I feel too many YA and middle grade books fall into. While many teenagers are insufferable and that’s not an inherently bad thing to have in books, it’s not fun when they’re the protagonist, badly-written, and meant to be liked. This book doesn’t fall into those traps, as it represents everything great about slice of life middle school graphic novels. Overall, this was such a fantastic addition to this amazing series, and I am looking forward to what’s next, especially given those little hints.
April 15, 2025
Every book in the Emmie & Friends series focuses on a main character and a secondary character. We are back to Emmie Douglass, aka Invisible Emmie, the shy, quiet and intelligent character who started the series. As a middle school-aged girl, she doesn’t always have a lot of self-confidence. Many of us can related to those feelings in junior/middle school, right?
It is approaching the end of the school year and there is a sleepover class trip to Camp Blue Lake. Emmie is sad that one of her BFFs Sarah has a family celebration at the same time and cannot attend the trip. However, Emmie is so excited that she is paired up with her other BFF Bri, that is, until Bri falls ill and cannot go on the trip. Good thing Emmie’s college-aged sister Trina will attending as a chaperone so Emmie won’t be alone as they will spend quality “seester” time. Unfortunately, the campers and counselor monopolize Trina’s time, leaving Emmie feeling deserted without anyone to hang out with.
Joe Lungo, the secondary character, had no intentions of attending the class trip but his BFFs Tyler and Anthony persuade him to attend because they will have lots of fun like the Three Musketeers. Until they don’t. Tyler (also Emmie’s crush) meets an athletic girl at the camp who claims him as her own and Emmie is heartbroken. And Anthony hangs out with his girlfriend, leaving Joe in the dust.
Well, what can Emmie and Joe do but make the best of the situation. They are paired up as partners on the bus travels and activities. Joe is the class clown and Emmie learns how to deal with his off-handed jokes which humiliate her and makes her become even more quiet and isolated. I loved reading how Emmie and Joe navigate through their unintended camp partnership while dealing with being turned away from their friends and family.
As always, there is a lot to learn on how to deal with situations and issues from these series books. The excerpts are always cute and funny without being too overly gross and offensive. The author has quite the imagination with the text and illustrations providing exactly what a middle school reader might be thinking. I hope this is not the end of the series because I always want more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
It is approaching the end of the school year and there is a sleepover class trip to Camp Blue Lake. Emmie is sad that one of her BFFs Sarah has a family celebration at the same time and cannot attend the trip. However, Emmie is so excited that she is paired up with her other BFF Bri, that is, until Bri falls ill and cannot go on the trip. Good thing Emmie’s college-aged sister Trina will attending as a chaperone so Emmie won’t be alone as they will spend quality “seester” time. Unfortunately, the campers and counselor monopolize Trina’s time, leaving Emmie feeling deserted without anyone to hang out with.
Joe Lungo, the secondary character, had no intentions of attending the class trip but his BFFs Tyler and Anthony persuade him to attend because they will have lots of fun like the Three Musketeers. Until they don’t. Tyler (also Emmie’s crush) meets an athletic girl at the camp who claims him as her own and Emmie is heartbroken. And Anthony hangs out with his girlfriend, leaving Joe in the dust.
Well, what can Emmie and Joe do but make the best of the situation. They are paired up as partners on the bus travels and activities. Joe is the class clown and Emmie learns how to deal with his off-handed jokes which humiliate her and makes her become even more quiet and isolated. I loved reading how Emmie and Joe navigate through their unintended camp partnership while dealing with being turned away from their friends and family.
As always, there is a lot to learn on how to deal with situations and issues from these series books. The excerpts are always cute and funny without being too overly gross and offensive. The author has quite the imagination with the text and illustrations providing exactly what a middle school reader might be thinking. I hope this is not the end of the series because I always want more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
January 10, 2026
Emmie is looking forward to an end of year school class trip with her best friend Bri. Being together 24/7 for a few days is going to be the best fun. Rock climbing, paddle boarding, ghost stories and marshmallows around the campfire at night. Awesome!
But when Bri comes down with a terrible cold, Emmie must go on her own. After all, her big sister has volunteered as a camp counsellor planning that they can have some sister-time while on camp.
Alone on the bus and feeling like the old, quiet and shy Emmie, she wonders how she will survive it all. Then a boy called Joe gets on the bus and sits next to her.
Joe is secretly wondering the same thing. His friends Tyler and Anthony talked him into going to camp. But as usual, they sit together, talk to each other and forget Joe is even there.
He had hoped this wouldn't happen, but again he's feeling left out.
Emmie and Joe are struck with these feelings at first. Joe makes Emmie feel even worse with bad jokes he's known for, but an apology helps - a little.
Slowly they realise the other is coping with stuff abut being alone at camp and they start talking - to each other.
I love the Emmie & Friends series.
Terri Libenson encapsulates problems experienced by pre-teen heads and hearts, in her dual-viewpoint graphic novels. Two illustration styles clearly show the different key characters of Joe (a jokester who just wants to fit in), and Emmie who feels out of her depth without her bestie by her side.
Entirely Emmie portrays friendship, a first crush, building self-confidence and self-awareness in another full colour episode in this wonderful series.
This series is a must for all Intermediate/Middle Grade School library shelves. They share advice and guidance in growing up, within often funny, down-to-earth real-life stories.
Age - 10+
But when Bri comes down with a terrible cold, Emmie must go on her own. After all, her big sister has volunteered as a camp counsellor planning that they can have some sister-time while on camp.
Alone on the bus and feeling like the old, quiet and shy Emmie, she wonders how she will survive it all. Then a boy called Joe gets on the bus and sits next to her.
Joe is secretly wondering the same thing. His friends Tyler and Anthony talked him into going to camp. But as usual, they sit together, talk to each other and forget Joe is even there.
He had hoped this wouldn't happen, but again he's feeling left out.
Emmie and Joe are struck with these feelings at first. Joe makes Emmie feel even worse with bad jokes he's known for, but an apology helps - a little.
Slowly they realise the other is coping with stuff abut being alone at camp and they start talking - to each other.
I love the Emmie & Friends series.
Terri Libenson encapsulates problems experienced by pre-teen heads and hearts, in her dual-viewpoint graphic novels. Two illustration styles clearly show the different key characters of Joe (a jokester who just wants to fit in), and Emmie who feels out of her depth without her bestie by her side.
Entirely Emmie portrays friendship, a first crush, building self-confidence and self-awareness in another full colour episode in this wonderful series.
This series is a must for all Intermediate/Middle Grade School library shelves. They share advice and guidance in growing up, within often funny, down-to-earth real-life stories.
Age - 10+
April 29, 2025
I got an ARC of this book.
I have read this entire series in the last about week. The books have gotten progressively more complex when it comes to the relationships which I really enjoy. They have also generally had less weird references (Irish Twins and Oops babies sort of references). So seeing those things appear again were disappointing. Add in the weird focus on Indigenous art, despite no openly Indigenous characters. There is still a large running gag at the expense of a character with IBS. I though that would taper off once that character was given a voice, but no. She is still a LITERAL running joke, as she is always running to the bathroom yelling about what she just ate. Things she doesn’t do in her own story.
The good is that this book gave some nuance to the class clown and the mean girl that just didn’t exist in other books. Joe finally is human and is learning that being mean isn’t funny. He is learning to open up and talk, instead of just prank and prod at people. This was amazing. It shows that people are more than just “bad” behaviors. It allows even the mean girl to struggle with things and use her gossiping as a way to control so she can feel safe. It allows for complex characters. No one is all good or all bad.
The best detail comes near the very end of the book, so mildly spoiler. Emmie realizes, despite experiencing crushes, she is not ready for dating. She doesn’t want to kiss anyone yet. She sets that boundary, despite it being hard and she is respected. It was wonderful that she did not have to experience a horrible experience to come to that conclusion and get any form of respect over it. That detail alone made the book interesting. I have never seen that in a middle grade before.
I have read this entire series in the last about week. The books have gotten progressively more complex when it comes to the relationships which I really enjoy. They have also generally had less weird references (Irish Twins and Oops babies sort of references). So seeing those things appear again were disappointing. Add in the weird focus on Indigenous art, despite no openly Indigenous characters. There is still a large running gag at the expense of a character with IBS. I though that would taper off once that character was given a voice, but no. She is still a LITERAL running joke, as she is always running to the bathroom yelling about what she just ate. Things she doesn’t do in her own story.
The good is that this book gave some nuance to the class clown and the mean girl that just didn’t exist in other books. Joe finally is human and is learning that being mean isn’t funny. He is learning to open up and talk, instead of just prank and prod at people. This was amazing. It shows that people are more than just “bad” behaviors. It allows even the mean girl to struggle with things and use her gossiping as a way to control so she can feel safe. It allows for complex characters. No one is all good or all bad.
The best detail comes near the very end of the book, so mildly spoiler. Emmie realizes, despite experiencing crushes, she is not ready for dating. She doesn’t want to kiss anyone yet. She sets that boundary, despite it being hard and she is respected. It was wonderful that she did not have to experience a horrible experience to come to that conclusion and get any form of respect over it. That detail alone made the book interesting. I have never seen that in a middle grade before.
June 16, 2025
Review from my little sister:
Emmy's friend Brianna convinced her to go to summer camp. They were going to have a blast together if it weren't for the fact that Brianna got sick at the last minute and had to stay home. Because of this, she had to pair up with the class clown Joe. On the other hand, her sister will be chaperoning, and Emmy will have many opportunities to speak with her crush, Tyler—that is if he wasn't so occupied with this popular basketball girl stealing him away every chance she gets.
Joe is the class clown who often cracks jokes at others' expense. He is best friends with Tyler and Anthony, but lately, they've grown closer, leaving him feeling left out when they are together. However, they managed to persuade him to join the summer camp at the last minute as a chance to spend time with them. Because he joined late, he is paired up with the quiet girl, Emmy. Even though Joe came to summer camp for his friends, he still feels unnoticed and isolated.
As a big fan of this series, I am excited to read the next installment. I loved seeing the further development of Joe's character and his growth throughout the story. Emmy's older sister was also a fantastic addition to the cast of characters that I really enjoyed. The summer camp setting was another highlight for me. Overall, this book was great, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the series and is looking for a fun read.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @netgalley & @theshelfstuff for the complimentary ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Emmy's friend Brianna convinced her to go to summer camp. They were going to have a blast together if it weren't for the fact that Brianna got sick at the last minute and had to stay home. Because of this, she had to pair up with the class clown Joe. On the other hand, her sister will be chaperoning, and Emmy will have many opportunities to speak with her crush, Tyler—that is if he wasn't so occupied with this popular basketball girl stealing him away every chance she gets.
Joe is the class clown who often cracks jokes at others' expense. He is best friends with Tyler and Anthony, but lately, they've grown closer, leaving him feeling left out when they are together. However, they managed to persuade him to join the summer camp at the last minute as a chance to spend time with them. Because he joined late, he is paired up with the quiet girl, Emmy. Even though Joe came to summer camp for his friends, he still feels unnoticed and isolated.
As a big fan of this series, I am excited to read the next installment. I loved seeing the further development of Joe's character and his growth throughout the story. Emmy's older sister was also a fantastic addition to the cast of characters that I really enjoyed. The summer camp setting was another highlight for me. Overall, this book was great, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the series and is looking for a fun read.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @netgalley & @theshelfstuff for the complimentary ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2025
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Emmie, who struggles with anxiety but who has improved as middle school progresses, is wary of going to the year end school camping trip to Camp Blue Lake, since Sarah will miss it in order to attend a cousin's quinceañera. When Bri gets sick, Emmie must go by herself, although her sister Trina, who is home from college, volunteers as a counselor, where she meets Ciera, whom she later dates. Joe, who is friends with Anthony and Tyler (on whom Emmie has a crush) would rather just stay at home and not be bothered by anyone while eating junk food, is sent to camp by his parents, who DON'T want him to sit around doing nothing. Tyler and Anthony have been leaving him out of their activities, and he gets stuck with Emmie on the bus. He uses humor to try to survive in middle school, but it frequently turns mean. When another girl spends time with Tyler, Emmie is sad, and she and Joe come to an understanding. Joe plans a big prank to try to get the attention of his friends, but it doesn't end well. Tyler asks Emmie out, but she decides that she would rather remain friends. Joe and Emmie have a new appreciation for each other.
There are a lot of characters in this series, and they all get some good coverage, but I sometimes get confused about some of them. This would explain why some of my students reread the books a lot. I'll buy this one, since the series is popular.
Emmie, who struggles with anxiety but who has improved as middle school progresses, is wary of going to the year end school camping trip to Camp Blue Lake, since Sarah will miss it in order to attend a cousin's quinceañera. When Bri gets sick, Emmie must go by herself, although her sister Trina, who is home from college, volunteers as a counselor, where she meets Ciera, whom she later dates. Joe, who is friends with Anthony and Tyler (on whom Emmie has a crush) would rather just stay at home and not be bothered by anyone while eating junk food, is sent to camp by his parents, who DON'T want him to sit around doing nothing. Tyler and Anthony have been leaving him out of their activities, and he gets stuck with Emmie on the bus. He uses humor to try to survive in middle school, but it frequently turns mean. When another girl spends time with Tyler, Emmie is sad, and she and Joe come to an understanding. Joe plans a big prank to try to get the attention of his friends, but it doesn't end well. Tyler asks Emmie out, but she decides that she would rather remain friends. Joe and Emmie have a new appreciation for each other.
There are a lot of characters in this series, and they all get some good coverage, but I sometimes get confused about some of them. This would explain why some of my students reread the books a lot. I'll buy this one, since the series is popular.
June 4, 2025
A funny, heartwarming and relatable middle grade graphic novel.
Entirely Emmie is the ninth book in the Emmie and Friends series. The illustrations, dialogue and text really demonstrate that Terri Libenson remembers what it feels like to be in the tween years, with humour and wit.
I loved how the different comic styles were used to indicate the different POV for Emmie and Joe. I appreciate the wide variety of characters, which offers an opportunity for relatability for all readers.
Featuring –
🌿 School camping trip
🍃 Tween crushes
🌿 Unexpected friendships
🍃 A diverse array of characters to relate to
🌿 Encouragement when feeling left out or lonely
My oldest child adored reading this together and is hoping there will be more stories in the series.
With thanks to harperkidsau for the #gifted paperback copy. This series would be a fantastic addition to any community or school library, or a great gift for middle grade readers.
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#Entirely Emmie #TerriLibenson #EmmieAndFriends #EmmieAndFriendsSeries #EmmieAndFriendsBooks #HarperCollinsAustralia #ChildrensBooks #BooksForKids #MiddlePrimaryBooks #MiddleGradeBooks #MiddleSchoolFiction #GraphicNovelLove #ReadAllTypesOf Books #BookReview #BookRecommendation
March 3, 2025
Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a review.
“The ninth book in the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series—told from the alternating POVs of shy Emmie and class-clown Joe as they embark on a school camping trip.
Crushes. Camping.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
These days, Emmie doesn’t feel so invisible. At least not around her best friends and her crush, Tyler.
Class-clown Joe’s jokes aren’t landing the way they used to. Who doesn’t love a good prank? Apparently not his so-called friends, who don’t even seem to care if he’s around.
When their class goes on an end-of-year camping trip, Emmie and Joe find themselves stuck together—and expect the worst. But what happens instead turns out to be entirely unexpected.
New York Times bestseller Terri Libenson is back with a story about finding friendship in the least likely of places.”
I’ve been reading the “Emmie & Friends” series ever since I was in Middle School, and each entry has been better than the last. Of course, this one was no exception.
I loved this book, and the change of scenery from the usual books, in this case being the camp, was a nice change of pace. The illustrations were lovely and get better with every book. And I absolutely loved the character development of both of the main characters, Emmie and Joe. There is a lot to love about this series, and I’m really glad that it is still going on. I would recommend this book to fans of the series and kids from 5th to 8th Grade. This book was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed my time with it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The ninth book in the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series—told from the alternating POVs of shy Emmie and class-clown Joe as they embark on a school camping trip.
Crushes. Camping.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
These days, Emmie doesn’t feel so invisible. At least not around her best friends and her crush, Tyler.
Class-clown Joe’s jokes aren’t landing the way they used to. Who doesn’t love a good prank? Apparently not his so-called friends, who don’t even seem to care if he’s around.
When their class goes on an end-of-year camping trip, Emmie and Joe find themselves stuck together—and expect the worst. But what happens instead turns out to be entirely unexpected.
New York Times bestseller Terri Libenson is back with a story about finding friendship in the least likely of places.”
I’ve been reading the “Emmie & Friends” series ever since I was in Middle School, and each entry has been better than the last. Of course, this one was no exception.
I loved this book, and the change of scenery from the usual books, in this case being the camp, was a nice change of pace. The illustrations were lovely and get better with every book. And I absolutely loved the character development of both of the main characters, Emmie and Joe. There is a lot to love about this series, and I’m really glad that it is still going on. I would recommend this book to fans of the series and kids from 5th to 8th Grade. This book was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed my time with it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 29, 2025
Emmie and her friends are back with a new middle school situation -- camp! It is just a weekend getaway, so Emmie gives it a try. She is persuaded when older sister Trina goes along as a counselor.
Here are my four favorite things:
🦙Lambert, the stuffed llama, hitches a ride to camp with one of the characters. That little guy comes in handy!
👧Emmie is still a shy and quiet character. What she forgets is that her advice can be very helpful to others, if she would only speak up. Will she remember to apply that advice to her own life?
🤓Joe, is the class clown, and assigned as Emmie's camp buddy. He has skills and feelings hiding behind that jokester exterior. Will he learn to share what is underneath and be a better friend?
📖I love the format alternating formats for the Emmie and Joe chapters. Emmie's have more words and small pictures. Joe's sections are in traditional comic format.
The addition of Trina to the story turned out to be a dud in the end. Didn't really work out the way I had hoped. Deducting one star.
Thank you to Storytide and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Here are my four favorite things:
🦙Lambert, the stuffed llama, hitches a ride to camp with one of the characters. That little guy comes in handy!
👧Emmie is still a shy and quiet character. What she forgets is that her advice can be very helpful to others, if she would only speak up. Will she remember to apply that advice to her own life?
🤓Joe, is the class clown, and assigned as Emmie's camp buddy. He has skills and feelings hiding behind that jokester exterior. Will he learn to share what is underneath and be a better friend?
📖I love the format alternating formats for the Emmie and Joe chapters. Emmie's have more words and small pictures. Joe's sections are in traditional comic format.
The addition of Trina to the story turned out to be a dud in the end. Didn't really work out the way I had hoped. Deducting one star.
Thank you to Storytide and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Emmie is back and not thrilled to go on the class campout especially when her two best friends cannot go. She ends up paired with Joe. I'm delighted to see him get a chance to shine and let readers see how more there is to his character. As the campout unfolds, readers see that everyone has some hidden struggles and needs support from friends. They will identify with at least one of the characters and connect to the situations.
Libenson captures the middle school experience and offers a light touch on complex situations. She offers readers a chance to think for themselves and decide how they would react as they watch the characters respond.
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Emmie is back and not thrilled to go on the class campout especially when her two best friends cannot go. She ends up paired with Joe. I'm delighted to see him get a chance to shine and let readers see how more there is to his character. As the campout unfolds, readers see that everyone has some hidden struggles and needs support from friends. They will identify with at least one of the characters and connect to the situations.
Libenson captures the middle school experience and offers a light touch on complex situations. She offers readers a chance to think for themselves and decide how they would react as they watch the characters respond.
Read
May 23, 2025“Entirely Emmie” is part of the Emmie & Friends series, but even without reading any of the earlier books, I had no trouble following the story. The plot was easy to understand and the book stands well on its own.
While the art style wasn’t really to my taste, it suits the tone of the story and may appeal to other readers.
I found the main characters hard to connect with. Emmie felt overly dramatic at times, and Joe came across as too much of a jerk. That said, both characters showed growth by the end of the book.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me, but readers who enjoy character-driven middle-grade stories might get more out of it than I did.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the art style wasn’t really to my taste, it suits the tone of the story and may appeal to other readers.
I found the main characters hard to connect with. Emmie felt overly dramatic at times, and Joe came across as too much of a jerk. That said, both characters showed growth by the end of the book.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me, but readers who enjoy character-driven middle-grade stories might get more out of it than I did.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
I really like these graphic novels. The author is great in describing the characters. I like how the kids may not be friends, but end up in a new friendship in the end. The illustrations are also great. The facial features of the characters says it all. I requested this book because I have read all of her other books and have enjoyed them and thought this may also be good. It did not disappoint. I have students that also read this series, so we talk about them. Sometimes the kids will tell me that there is another book coming out--so then I do searching to find it. I am excited to have them read the latest Terri Libenson book.
May 7, 2025
Another great addition to the Emmie & Friends series!
My students really love this series, and have really connected with the characters. They love seeing where each book will take them!
I like that there is more text in these graphic novels, and therefore takes students a bit longer to finish (in a good way!). There's more of a story to follow, and you really get to know the characters better.
This one is more geared to older students, as crushes/kissing/etc. is highlighted more than in other books. It will appeal to both boys & girls, and grades 6-7 will especially relate to the various themes.
My students really love this series, and have really connected with the characters. They love seeing where each book will take them!
I like that there is more text in these graphic novels, and therefore takes students a bit longer to finish (in a good way!). There's more of a story to follow, and you really get to know the characters better.
This one is more geared to older students, as crushes/kissing/etc. is highlighted more than in other books. It will appeal to both boys & girls, and grades 6-7 will especially relate to the various themes.
July 6, 2025
This is a great summer book for kids and teens! I love reading the Emmie and Friends series, and this one was my almost my favorite that I’ve read. I’ve read almost every book from the series, but overall, they are all GREAT to read. There’s drama, and surprises in this book, and you should definitely read this book! A spoiler is that Joe (the nerd) starts becoming friends with Emmie, and Tyler started liking a girl called BG, or Basketball Girl.
P.S.
My cousin doesn’t like books, and one day I accidentally forgot that book at his house, and he had started reading it (is what I heard, which was true), and he was telling me about what had happened so far!
P.S.
My cousin doesn’t like books, and one day I accidentally forgot that book at his house, and he had started reading it (is what I heard, which was true), and he was telling me about what had happened so far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
Emmie’s class is going to camp, but Bri gets sick and backs out at the last minute. Emmi’s college-aged sister will be a counselor, and talks Emmie into not backing out. Joe’s parents are frustrated that he won’t join anything at school, and highly encourage him to go. He is already feeling like a 3rd wheel with his 2 friends. Joe and Emmie are paired up as buddies. Emmie has to put up with some of Joe’s jokes, which put her in the limelight. Emmie and Joe slowly get to know each other and give each other advice.
I do like this series.
I do like this series.
June 1, 2025
👧🏻review: I love Emmie & Friends and this one brought back memories. I remember reading the first Emmie & Friends few years ago when we had to study virtually and I asked my mom to borrow this graphic novel at our public library. As usual this graphic novel is so spot on, I thought, and the story is really well done and colorful. Always love the illustrations. Emmie and Tyler or Emmie and Joe? I love it and I know I can’t wait for the next one.
June 2, 2025
This book Entirely Emmie brings back Emmie and Tyler who are well known characters to us fans, there middle school characters who have a friendship. And it brings back Anthony (he has his own book) and Joe Lungo (Who desperately needs his own book). During the book I felt so shocked 😮 I was at the edge of my seat and the twist was awesome 👏🏼 I felt different, reading the book towards the end. Terri L did in awesome job with this book.
July 26, 2025
This was my first time reading any of the books in this series but I found it incredibly easy to follow along. I loved the narrative style and how there was a clear difference between Emmie’s chapters and Joe’s. Emmie’s portions reminded me of Dork Diaries. This story tackles insecurities, loneliness, and friendship struggles in such a great way. Definitely one with that will appeal to upper elementary and middle schoolers.
July 30, 2025
Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.
Started July 2nd, 2025.
Finished July 24th, 2025.
July 2nd, 2025: read pp. 1-21.
July 3rd, 2025: read pp. 22-55.
July 4th, 2025: read pp. 56-112.
July 24th, 2025: read pp. 113-acknowledgments.
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!
Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.
Started July 2nd, 2025.
Finished July 24th, 2025.
July 2nd, 2025: read pp. 1-21.
July 3rd, 2025: read pp. 22-55.
July 4th, 2025: read pp. 56-112.
July 24th, 2025: read pp. 113-acknowledgments.
December 10, 2025
I loved this! While my middle school years had much less drama (at least in school) it still realistically portrays it. I also liked Joe’s character growth a lot. Also how Emmie still isnt entirely perfectly social now, which I think is realistic. You can’t just suddenly stop being anxious, but also she’s had really good growth as well.
I really hope we get a book on Celia, or even the glasses girl (I forget her name).
I really hope we get a book on Celia, or even the glasses girl (I forget her name).
March 22, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!
As always, I enjoy reading about the adventures of Emmie and her friends. I love how this series rotates the narrators of each books so you hear from different characters' perspectives. It was fun to read about them in a different setting in this book, a camp setting instead of school!
As always, I enjoy reading about the adventures of Emmie and her friends. I love how this series rotates the narrators of each books so you hear from different characters' perspectives. It was fun to read about them in a different setting in this book, a camp setting instead of school!
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