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Operation: Cover-Up
A class clown and brainiac cook up the ultimate operation when they swap identities at their elementary school in this laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel, perfect for fans of Cat Ninja, Dog Man, and Big Nate.
Nick’s a straight-A student. Sy’s a class clown.
But when they start at a new school, misunderstandings cause everyone to think Nick’s the class clown and Sy’s the brainiac. Eager to fit in, they make a Nick will teach Sy how to be a convincing brainiac, and Sy will help Nick pose as a jokester. But the two soon learn it’s not easy to fake your way through fifth grade, and the longer their charade goes on, the harder it is to come clean. When the two impostors meet a girl with a secret of her own, the three form an unlikely friendship that challenges everything they thought they knew about what it means to “be yourself.”
This debut graphic novel series by cartoonist Tate Godwin is teeming with fun, hijinks, and embracing who you are—and all the many facets of what makes up your identity.
"Charming and colorful and cleverly told. Operation Cover-Up is full of humor and characters that any kid can relate to!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times bestselling author of the InvestiGATORS series
"Featuring a lively, nonstop narrative arc and precise pastel cartoon art, this humorous graphic novel conveys complex truths about loyalty, identity, and honesty. Godwin employs a split screen–style format early on as Sy and Nick embark on parallel storylines that eventually converge—an inspired way to introduce the protagonists and to help readers realize that everyone, no matter how outwardly confident, feels self-doubt and uncertainty. Hilarious, perceptive, and thoughtful—just like its protagonists." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
"The kids’ world bursts with vibrant color that brings the characters and their surroundings to life with dynamic, youthful exuberance. Playful banter and touching moments of self-discovery showcase the challenges of navigating adolescence—and the importance of having a friend to do it with." - Publisher's Weekly, STARRED review
Nick’s a straight-A student. Sy’s a class clown.
But when they start at a new school, misunderstandings cause everyone to think Nick’s the class clown and Sy’s the brainiac. Eager to fit in, they make a Nick will teach Sy how to be a convincing brainiac, and Sy will help Nick pose as a jokester. But the two soon learn it’s not easy to fake your way through fifth grade, and the longer their charade goes on, the harder it is to come clean. When the two impostors meet a girl with a secret of her own, the three form an unlikely friendship that challenges everything they thought they knew about what it means to “be yourself.”
This debut graphic novel series by cartoonist Tate Godwin is teeming with fun, hijinks, and embracing who you are—and all the many facets of what makes up your identity.
"Charming and colorful and cleverly told. Operation Cover-Up is full of humor and characters that any kid can relate to!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times bestselling author of the InvestiGATORS series
"Featuring a lively, nonstop narrative arc and precise pastel cartoon art, this humorous graphic novel conveys complex truths about loyalty, identity, and honesty. Godwin employs a split screen–style format early on as Sy and Nick embark on parallel storylines that eventually converge—an inspired way to introduce the protagonists and to help readers realize that everyone, no matter how outwardly confident, feels self-doubt and uncertainty. Hilarious, perceptive, and thoughtful—just like its protagonists." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
"The kids’ world bursts with vibrant color that brings the characters and their surroundings to life with dynamic, youthful exuberance. Playful banter and touching moments of self-discovery showcase the challenges of navigating adolescence—and the importance of having a friend to do it with." - Publisher's Weekly, STARRED review
Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Tate Godwin
2 books3 followersTate Godwin is a cartoonist living and drawing in North Carolina. When he's not creating comics, he's playing video games, making music on his beat machine, or baking his favorite dish: banana pepper scones (okay, not really). You can learn more about him on his website: tatecartoons.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 10, 2025
Such a cute story about being yourself. It also had some shockingly great lines full of wisdom. Lots of lovely lessons for children to learn early on.
April 27, 2025
Awwwwwwwww!!! What a wholesome graphic novel about friendship and being your true self.
January 30, 2025
Slow build, but we can see where it takes us. The artwork is awesome. I love anthropomorphic characters with a bit of humor. A book about fitting in, acceptance, and helping each other. By trying to fit in a role that was not their own, they end up forming a strong friendship and overcoming many difficulties, building up confidence and helping others. I love the colors and the characters, which made me want to draw myself in this world.
We are more than labels, and I am glad that the author went with different actions, not making the clown kid just present a comedy act. They surprise us with hidden talents and what they are passionate about.
The participation of the adults infuses a lot of wisdom, common sense, and patience, too.
I love what the father says about talent. I have struggled all my life as an artist to make people understand that skills are something we learn and practice a lot, and we are not born with it; if we have passion for something, we don't mind failing as a process to do it. It doesn't feel frustrating or a punishment; thus, it may look to other people like it comes as natural. Instead of... you're very talented, I would prefer to hear: you worked very hard for this, I can see the hard work.
I am looking forward to book 2.
We are more than labels, and I am glad that the author went with different actions, not making the clown kid just present a comedy act. They surprise us with hidden talents and what they are passionate about.
The participation of the adults infuses a lot of wisdom, common sense, and patience, too.
I love what the father says about talent. I have struggled all my life as an artist to make people understand that skills are something we learn and practice a lot, and we are not born with it; if we have passion for something, we don't mind failing as a process to do it. It doesn't feel frustrating or a punishment; thus, it may look to other people like it comes as natural. Instead of... you're very talented, I would prefer to hear: you worked very hard for this, I can see the hard work.
I am looking forward to book 2.
September 10, 2025
Operation Cover Up is an outstanding Graphic Novel. The detail in each illustration brings the characters and their settings to life. On top of that, the plot is captivating and funny. This is a must read!
March 27, 2025
Great kids cartoon novel with a wonderfully creative story about finding your identity in a new school environment. Highly recommend!
May 31, 2025
I liked these phrases from the book: ‘Since I've embraced failure—not as part of the process, but as the process itself—I've never been happier,’ and, ‘If you want to find your so-called ‘talent,’ find what you enjoy failing at.
August 29, 2025
Cute graphic novel about a group of 5th graders learning its okay to fail when discovering your talents. Also a good message of real friends will appreciate your talents/interests/passions even if they are different than their own.
August 21, 2025
This was super cute and would be an automatic recommendation if I were still a children's librarian. Love the art too!
September 4, 2024
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Sy and his mother (cats) have moved to a new town in the middle of the school year while his father is on the west coast making a movie, and Nick and his father (rabbits?) have also moved to town for the father's job. They are in different 5th grade homerooms, and while Sy is trying to establish himself as a class clown, Nick wants to broadcast his intellect and cement his reputation as a brainiac. Somehow, they are perceived as just the opposite! When they find this out, they decide to hang out together secretly, and coach each other. Nick helps Sy with his math, and Sy tries to teach Nick how to tell a joke. They are also both approached to participate in the school talent show... just a week away! At first, they think they can wear an ear piece and talk each other through a routine, but their parents encourage them to embrace what they really love. They are helped by classmate Violet, who hangs out with them. Violet doesn't know what her talent is, so the three try lots of different things before Violet tells them that she loves to draw comics but is afraid to show them to others. Encouraged by the boys, as well as a neighbor, Violet even tries to overcome her own fears by showing her comics to people in the park. Meanwhile, Sy and Nick's identities have been discovered by their classmates, who are angry that they lied. This causes them both to rethink their talent show acts. Nick, who loves hip hop, decides that he will perform one of his songs. In the days leading up to the talent show, Nick and Sy also make amends with Chuck and Annabelle, and while they can't help their new friends themselves, they trade their talents to help out the other's new friend. The talent show is a success, and Sy, Nick, and Violet all make peace with their talents as well as the things they enjoy doing.
Strengths: I really enjoyed the parents in this one; Sy's mother gardens, and Nick's father makes weird pastries like pickle doughnuts. In fifth grade, parents are a huge part of kids lives, and I don't think we see this portrayed in middle grade literature enough. The illustrations in this graphic novel are bright, and it's good to see a range of activities and interests represented. I'm not sure how many of my students do hip hop, but video games do figure largely in far too many of their lives. The message about being true to oneself is on trend.
Weaknesses: Sy and Nick's worries about establishing themselves as a "type" and their desire to lie and embrace false identities felt very early 2000s to me. I see my students change their personae constantly, and no one accuses them of lying. Not wanting to be seen together also seemed odd, as did the reactions of the classmates.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School or Sax's Picture Day but prefer anthropomorphic animals to real life characters. The second book is Operation Make a Splash, but I have not seen a publication date.
Sy and his mother (cats) have moved to a new town in the middle of the school year while his father is on the west coast making a movie, and Nick and his father (rabbits?) have also moved to town for the father's job. They are in different 5th grade homerooms, and while Sy is trying to establish himself as a class clown, Nick wants to broadcast his intellect and cement his reputation as a brainiac. Somehow, they are perceived as just the opposite! When they find this out, they decide to hang out together secretly, and coach each other. Nick helps Sy with his math, and Sy tries to teach Nick how to tell a joke. They are also both approached to participate in the school talent show... just a week away! At first, they think they can wear an ear piece and talk each other through a routine, but their parents encourage them to embrace what they really love. They are helped by classmate Violet, who hangs out with them. Violet doesn't know what her talent is, so the three try lots of different things before Violet tells them that she loves to draw comics but is afraid to show them to others. Encouraged by the boys, as well as a neighbor, Violet even tries to overcome her own fears by showing her comics to people in the park. Meanwhile, Sy and Nick's identities have been discovered by their classmates, who are angry that they lied. This causes them both to rethink their talent show acts. Nick, who loves hip hop, decides that he will perform one of his songs. In the days leading up to the talent show, Nick and Sy also make amends with Chuck and Annabelle, and while they can't help their new friends themselves, they trade their talents to help out the other's new friend. The talent show is a success, and Sy, Nick, and Violet all make peace with their talents as well as the things they enjoy doing.
Strengths: I really enjoyed the parents in this one; Sy's mother gardens, and Nick's father makes weird pastries like pickle doughnuts. In fifth grade, parents are a huge part of kids lives, and I don't think we see this portrayed in middle grade literature enough. The illustrations in this graphic novel are bright, and it's good to see a range of activities and interests represented. I'm not sure how many of my students do hip hop, but video games do figure largely in far too many of their lives. The message about being true to oneself is on trend.
Weaknesses: Sy and Nick's worries about establishing themselves as a "type" and their desire to lie and embrace false identities felt very early 2000s to me. I see my students change their personae constantly, and no one accuses them of lying. Not wanting to be seen together also seemed odd, as did the reactions of the classmates.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School or Sax's Picture Day but prefer anthropomorphic animals to real life characters. The second book is Operation Make a Splash, but I have not seen a publication date.
November 21, 2024
Middle school insecurities circling being yourself versus being accepted hit humor and heart.
Sy and Nick, not aware of the other, are both entering the new school mid-year, and neither is excited about it. When each one goes into their classroom, they're ready to prove themselves...but something goes wrong. A misunderstanding leaves Sy, who is usually a class clown, suddenly known as a genius, and Nick, the genius, thought to be the class clown. Not wanting to loose their new popularity, both try to meld into their new classifications, but it's not working. When everything appears it will fall apart, they meet each other and come up with a plan. Determined to teach the other their talents, they meet in secret after school. It might work until a girl overhears their problem.
The first part of this book introduces the readers to Sy and Nick as they lead their very separate lives, unaware of the other's problems or existence. Similarities add a twist of humor thanks to the quirky traits of their personalities and parents. Yet, the two also come across as very different. It's easy to connect with both characters and enjoy the forming friendship between silly bouts of humor and moments, which has a reader cringing as everything threatens to fall apart. The whole time, the message concerning being true to yourself comes across very clear (may border on too clear for some readers).
The characters fit the intended age group well, not only in personality and thoughts but also thanks to the illustrations. The text is short and easy to read, while Nick's personality as a brainiac adds tougher vocabulary words to strengthen reading skills. The illustrations are bright and cheerfully colored, while bringing across the tension of each scene nicely. There are many moments, which readers will recognize from their own situations and relate to. I was a little surprised at the harsher reaction of the classmates when they discovered the 'lies', since no one would really care too much and probably laugh off the situation in real life. But it makes a fun story and brings the thought across well.
I am looking forward to seeing what this duo does next.
Sy and Nick, not aware of the other, are both entering the new school mid-year, and neither is excited about it. When each one goes into their classroom, they're ready to prove themselves...but something goes wrong. A misunderstanding leaves Sy, who is usually a class clown, suddenly known as a genius, and Nick, the genius, thought to be the class clown. Not wanting to loose their new popularity, both try to meld into their new classifications, but it's not working. When everything appears it will fall apart, they meet each other and come up with a plan. Determined to teach the other their talents, they meet in secret after school. It might work until a girl overhears their problem.
The first part of this book introduces the readers to Sy and Nick as they lead their very separate lives, unaware of the other's problems or existence. Similarities add a twist of humor thanks to the quirky traits of their personalities and parents. Yet, the two also come across as very different. It's easy to connect with both characters and enjoy the forming friendship between silly bouts of humor and moments, which has a reader cringing as everything threatens to fall apart. The whole time, the message concerning being true to yourself comes across very clear (may border on too clear for some readers).
The characters fit the intended age group well, not only in personality and thoughts but also thanks to the illustrations. The text is short and easy to read, while Nick's personality as a brainiac adds tougher vocabulary words to strengthen reading skills. The illustrations are bright and cheerfully colored, while bringing across the tension of each scene nicely. There are many moments, which readers will recognize from their own situations and relate to. I was a little surprised at the harsher reaction of the classmates when they discovered the 'lies', since no one would really care too much and probably laugh off the situation in real life. But it makes a fun story and brings the thought across well.
I am looking forward to seeing what this duo does next.
October 27, 2024
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Two new kids arrive at New Leaf Elementary School on the same day. One (Sy) is a class clown; one (Nick) is a brainiac. However, they each share in their classes and other students reverse their roles. Each tries to fit in the new mold so they can blend in and find friends. When the two meet, they decide to help each other. Readers will appreciate the effort and the humor involved. They support each other and try to teach each other how to perform the acts they signed up to do. By the Talent Show, each has shared the truth with friends and figured out what they really need to share as their talents. Some of this is learned when they help Violet (a third friend) overcome her fears and share her talent as well. Elementary level readers will love the humor and the brightly drawn artwork. They will relate to the feeling shared by the various characters as well.
I received an electronic ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Two new kids arrive at New Leaf Elementary School on the same day. One (Sy) is a class clown; one (Nick) is a brainiac. However, they each share in their classes and other students reverse their roles. Each tries to fit in the new mold so they can blend in and find friends. When the two meet, they decide to help each other. Readers will appreciate the effort and the humor involved. They support each other and try to teach each other how to perform the acts they signed up to do. By the Talent Show, each has shared the truth with friends and figured out what they really need to share as their talents. Some of this is learned when they help Violet (a third friend) overcome her fears and share her talent as well. Elementary level readers will love the humor and the brightly drawn artwork. They will relate to the feeling shared by the various characters as well.
June 19, 2025
Nick is a grade A nerd and Sy is a jokester, but a mix up on the first day of school has their roles reversed. The two team up to keep their ruse afloat, but how long can their new fake personas last?
The cartoonist does a lot of mirroring of Nick and Sy's day-to-day lives to play up the difference between Nick's life as a smarty and Sy's life as a kidder. The result is the reader having to read the same storyline twice, slightly tweaked but with the same outcome, which got repetitive. The story was entertaining at times, but the kids didn't act much like kids. I'm interested to see how the plot changes in the sequel.
The cartoonist does a lot of mirroring of Nick and Sy's day-to-day lives to play up the difference between Nick's life as a smarty and Sy's life as a kidder. The result is the reader having to read the same storyline twice, slightly tweaked but with the same outcome, which got repetitive. The story was entertaining at times, but the kids didn't act much like kids. I'm interested to see how the plot changes in the sequel.
October 23, 2024
Two not so typical kids (the class clown and the brainiac) are starting school in the middle of the year. While both are told to "be themselves" something goes wrong and they find themselves in an awkward position of "being the other." Cue the plan to help each other. But instead of making the other one them, they learn how to be themselves after all. Simple illustrations that add to the goofy nature of the story. Read via an online reader copy.
May 10, 2025
3 stars (I liked it)
Middle school graphic novel about being yourself/facing your fears. It ultimately has a great message. There was a bit of fun getting there. The mixed up between "brainiac' and "class clown" was cute to me, even if those tropes are kind of overdone in the book to make a point. I think it comes off a little preachy at times. The adults in the story always seem to have an anecdote ready to teach the kids "the right thing to do." I still enjoyed the story though.
Middle school graphic novel about being yourself/facing your fears. It ultimately has a great message. There was a bit of fun getting there. The mixed up between "brainiac' and "class clown" was cute to me, even if those tropes are kind of overdone in the book to make a point. I think it comes off a little preachy at times. The adults in the story always seem to have an anecdote ready to teach the kids "the right thing to do." I still enjoyed the story though.
November 23, 2024
A cute little graphic novel about two new kids that become friends and learn the power of staying true to yourself.
*received an e-ARC of this title from Edelweiss
*received an e-ARC of this title from Edelweiss
February 25, 2025
Colorful artwork, light on text, ideal for younger graphic novel readers.
March 1, 2025
Love the message about not being afraid to be your authentic self with your friends. You won't be for everybody, but the people who are for you will get it.
2.5
2.5
March 4, 2025
This is a fun switched personalities story where two kids are trying to pretend to be something they're not. High kid appeal for the third grade set.
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June 27, 2025If the song "status quo" from high school musical was a graphic novel for kids. Words of wisdom from the quirky neighbor next door who makes sculptures of dolphins from cheese graters.
June 28, 2025
All my friend’s children have signed copies of Tate Godwin’s book and they can’t wait for next years new book..
November 12, 2025
Cute story of two students who move to a new school and are trying to fit in.
January 27, 2025
An entertaining graphic novel about two new kids at school who become friends and learn some valuable lessons along the way. Elementary-age readers will enjoy the humor and eye-catching artwork. I look forward to Nick and Sy's next adventure. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews