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Framed
Besties meets The Breakfast Club in Framed, a young middle grade graphic novel about a girl named Toby who has been wrongfully accused of throwing out other students’ art projects.
Lately, Toby has had a bad attitude. In art class, her mood goes from bad to worse when she’s given the assignment to paint something important to her. But before she can finish, she throws it out, snaps at her teacher, and is sent straight to detention. While in detention, Toby’s art teacher storms in makes a big accusation: she says Toby threw out not just her painting, but all of her classmates’ paintings, too…They were found just outside the art classroom in a trash can, and now Toby is in big trouble.
Toby knows she hasn’t been the easiest person to be around lately, but she would never vandalize her classmates’ stuff—she’s been framed! Can Toby get to the bottom of this mystery before the end of the school day, or will she find herself stuck in detention for the foreseeable future?
Lately, Toby has had a bad attitude. In art class, her mood goes from bad to worse when she’s given the assignment to paint something important to her. But before she can finish, she throws it out, snaps at her teacher, and is sent straight to detention. While in detention, Toby’s art teacher storms in makes a big accusation: she says Toby threw out not just her painting, but all of her classmates’ paintings, too…They were found just outside the art classroom in a trash can, and now Toby is in big trouble.
Toby knows she hasn’t been the easiest person to be around lately, but she would never vandalize her classmates’ stuff—she’s been framed! Can Toby get to the bottom of this mystery before the end of the school day, or will she find herself stuck in detention for the foreseeable future?
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
Karina Evans
6 books70 followersKarina Evans studied English at the University of Delaware before going into a career in the entertainment industry. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California. You can visit her online at karinaevans.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Toby is very crabby and fights with Mrs. Moore the art teacher during class. She is assigned a lunch detention that she has to serve with Layla and Reed. The supervising teacher steps out briefly to the playground to deal with an issue there, and Toby talks reluctantly to the other kids, who discuss why lunch detentions aren't really helpful in curbing undesirable behavior. After the teacher comes back, Mrs. Moore enters and accuses Toby of putting all of the other students' art in the trash, since she had put her own picture there, and schedules a meeting with her parents. Toby is even more angry, but Layla and Reed offer to help her investigate and find the real culprit. The trio travel around the school, evading authorities, and finally solve not only what happened to the paintings but also why Toby is so angry.
I had a lot of doubts about whether the children would be allowed to skulk around the school; we take attendance very seriously in my school, and about five minutes after the three skipped class, there would have been an all call on the announcements having them report to the office, and the school resource officer and principals would have been around checking bathrooms and security cameras. Oddly, I was perfectly fine with Evans' Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules where the main character and her grandmother are on the loose in Hollywood with a golf cart.
This would be a good book for elementary school readers, since the reason for Toby's anger and acting out is that her parents are getting divorced. The way that everything is handled seemed more appropriate to younger students, so I will probably pass on purchase, but would definitely take a look at this one for an elementary library.
Toby is very crabby and fights with Mrs. Moore the art teacher during class. She is assigned a lunch detention that she has to serve with Layla and Reed. The supervising teacher steps out briefly to the playground to deal with an issue there, and Toby talks reluctantly to the other kids, who discuss why lunch detentions aren't really helpful in curbing undesirable behavior. After the teacher comes back, Mrs. Moore enters and accuses Toby of putting all of the other students' art in the trash, since she had put her own picture there, and schedules a meeting with her parents. Toby is even more angry, but Layla and Reed offer to help her investigate and find the real culprit. The trio travel around the school, evading authorities, and finally solve not only what happened to the paintings but also why Toby is so angry.
I had a lot of doubts about whether the children would be allowed to skulk around the school; we take attendance very seriously in my school, and about five minutes after the three skipped class, there would have been an all call on the announcements having them report to the office, and the school resource officer and principals would have been around checking bathrooms and security cameras. Oddly, I was perfectly fine with Evans' Audrey Covington Breaks the Rules where the main character and her grandmother are on the loose in Hollywood with a golf cart.
This would be a good book for elementary school readers, since the reason for Toby's anger and acting out is that her parents are getting divorced. The way that everything is handled seemed more appropriate to younger students, so I will probably pass on purchase, but would definitely take a look at this one for an elementary library.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Andrea Bell and NetGalley for this e-arc
The book immediately drops the reader into the action. We follow a frowning kid named Toby (same character featured on the cover) as she navigates to class. The reader is able to figure out her mood as bystanders and fellow classmates recoil at her stomps and heavy sighs. An easily relatable moment for anyone whose day is not starting out as envisioned.
She slams herself into her chair. A concerned friend checks on her and she proceeds to give her the cold shoulder. The concerned friend moves on to socialize with people. Toby sinks into her chair continuing to look glum. Her art teacher explains the assignment for that class session. She tries to make she does not give Toby's sourpuss attitude much notice. She chides her to get started on the assignment. Toby takes a deep breath to center herself. She starts to create but things quickly sour. The story takes off from there.
This slice of life book gets a 3.5 star rating from me. I liked the book and the art. I thought that the story was decent but there were moments where I needed to suspend my disbelief. This book deals life changes, friendships, emotional overload and quick-tempered adults.
This is a great novel to give to students who deal with big emotions and feelings. Many of the moments that Toby is dealing with emotional issues, the page is filled with black and disconnected vertical rectangular panels that zoom in on how she feels. Each time when she seems like she's getting ready to blow up or things are going to escalate into a temper tantrum, Toby says, "I'm fine." It's very relatable for students that have a hard time expressing themselves or bury their emotions deep fir fear if letting others know the anguish that they are feeling. Unfortunately they will eventually blow up whether they intend to or not.
There is some library love in the book which is always appreciated. There is a throughline of a mystery with subtle hints that a kid may catch on to during a re-read. This book leans on visuals but things are easy to miss if read too quickly. The mystery plot has medium pacing but there were moments where event timing felt a bit incongruent. Overall, I would recommend this to graphic novel middle grade readers as an independent read, group read, or a parent and child read.
The book immediately drops the reader into the action. We follow a frowning kid named Toby (same character featured on the cover) as she navigates to class. The reader is able to figure out her mood as bystanders and fellow classmates recoil at her stomps and heavy sighs. An easily relatable moment for anyone whose day is not starting out as envisioned.
She slams herself into her chair. A concerned friend checks on her and she proceeds to give her the cold shoulder. The concerned friend moves on to socialize with people. Toby sinks into her chair continuing to look glum. Her art teacher explains the assignment for that class session. She tries to make she does not give Toby's sourpuss attitude much notice. She chides her to get started on the assignment. Toby takes a deep breath to center herself. She starts to create but things quickly sour. The story takes off from there.
This slice of life book gets a 3.5 star rating from me. I liked the book and the art. I thought that the story was decent but there were moments where I needed to suspend my disbelief. This book deals life changes, friendships, emotional overload and quick-tempered adults.
This is a great novel to give to students who deal with big emotions and feelings. Many of the moments that Toby is dealing with emotional issues, the page is filled with black and disconnected vertical rectangular panels that zoom in on how she feels. Each time when she seems like she's getting ready to blow up or things are going to escalate into a temper tantrum, Toby says, "I'm fine." It's very relatable for students that have a hard time expressing themselves or bury their emotions deep fir fear if letting others know the anguish that they are feeling. Unfortunately they will eventually blow up whether they intend to or not.
There is some library love in the book which is always appreciated. There is a throughline of a mystery with subtle hints that a kid may catch on to during a re-read. This book leans on visuals but things are easy to miss if read too quickly. The mystery plot has medium pacing but there were moments where event timing felt a bit incongruent. Overall, I would recommend this to graphic novel middle grade readers as an independent read, group read, or a parent and child read.
October 26, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperAlley for the ARC.
Toby is not having a great time at school. Lately, she has been lashing out at both her teachers and her best friend. After getting frustrated with her assignment in art class, she throws her project away and snaps at the art teacher who asks her why. Her punishment is lunch detention. While she is serving her time, the art teacher storms into the room and accuses Toby of throwing away everyone else's artwork too. The two other students in detention know this is a false accusation because they have been with her the entire time. To clear her name, Toby teams up with her new partners-in-detention to solve the mystery of who actually threw the projects away.
I enjoyed this easy-to-read graphic novel, but as a former teacher, I found a few plot points a bit unrealistic. For instance, a teacher accusing a student of a major infraction with zero evidence and immediately threatening suspension feels a bit unsettling. Additionally, it is highly unlikely that the students wouldn't be missed from their afternoon classes while sneaking off to investigate the crime.
That said, I appreciate how the book touches upon the real-life impact of divorce, a scenario many children go through. While it was easy for me to speculate early on about what was causing Toby's behavioral changes, younger readers might not pick up on the clues quite as quickly. Overall, this is a fantastic middle-grade read, especially for reluctant readers.
Toby is not having a great time at school. Lately, she has been lashing out at both her teachers and her best friend. After getting frustrated with her assignment in art class, she throws her project away and snaps at the art teacher who asks her why. Her punishment is lunch detention. While she is serving her time, the art teacher storms into the room and accuses Toby of throwing away everyone else's artwork too. The two other students in detention know this is a false accusation because they have been with her the entire time. To clear her name, Toby teams up with her new partners-in-detention to solve the mystery of who actually threw the projects away.
I enjoyed this easy-to-read graphic novel, but as a former teacher, I found a few plot points a bit unrealistic. For instance, a teacher accusing a student of a major infraction with zero evidence and immediately threatening suspension feels a bit unsettling. Additionally, it is highly unlikely that the students wouldn't be missed from their afternoon classes while sneaking off to investigate the crime.
That said, I appreciate how the book touches upon the real-life impact of divorce, a scenario many children go through. While it was easy for me to speculate early on about what was causing Toby's behavioral changes, younger readers might not pick up on the clues quite as quickly. Overall, this is a fantastic middle-grade read, especially for reluctant readers.
September 6, 2026
I received this book as a preview copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
FRAMED grabbed my attention from the very beginning! This is a wonderful graphic novel that I think will be especially meaningful for elementary-aged students who are dealing with parental separation or divorce and trying to make sense of the many emotions that come with such a big change.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolds, with the majority of the book taking place over the course of one day. It gives the story a sense of immediacy and allows readers to experience the main character’s emotions as they navigate the challenges of the day.
And the artwork! 🎨 The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and engaging, which is exactly the kind of artwork that makes a graphic novel appealing to young readers. The visuals do an excellent job of helping convey the characters’ emotions and adding depth to the story.
As an elementary educator who LOVES books and is always encouraging students to read, I can see FRAMED being a valuable addition to an elementary school library or classroom collection. Books that help children see their own experiences reflected on the page and remind them that their feelings are valid are so important.
I’ll definitely be adding this one to my collection and recommending it to young readers who may be navigating changes at home. ❤️📚
FRAMED grabbed my attention from the very beginning! This is a wonderful graphic novel that I think will be especially meaningful for elementary-aged students who are dealing with parental separation or divorce and trying to make sense of the many emotions that come with such a big change.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolds, with the majority of the book taking place over the course of one day. It gives the story a sense of immediacy and allows readers to experience the main character’s emotions as they navigate the challenges of the day.
And the artwork! 🎨 The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and engaging, which is exactly the kind of artwork that makes a graphic novel appealing to young readers. The visuals do an excellent job of helping convey the characters’ emotions and adding depth to the story.
As an elementary educator who LOVES books and is always encouraging students to read, I can see FRAMED being a valuable addition to an elementary school library or classroom collection. Books that help children see their own experiences reflected on the page and remind them that their feelings are valid are so important.
I’ll definitely be adding this one to my collection and recommending it to young readers who may be navigating changes at home. ❤️📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2026
I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What starts as snapping at her close friend, Toby, is a bad attitude towards everything in her life. Even in her art class, with a new project, she throws away her painting in the trash, much to the shocking dismay of her teacher. She’s thrown in lunch detention, and yet the day gets even worse when her art teacher accuses her of disposing not just of her art piece but all her classmates’ pieces, too. What is going on in Toby’s mind, and with the help of her fellow detention mates, can all three middle schoolers figure out the mystery of the thrown-away art canvases before the end of the school day?
In this modern mystery revolving around trashed art pieces, one middle schooler is framed for the crime. Why is Toby acting out? Why is she snapping at her best friend? There are so many whys regarding Toby that it keeps readers hooked until the reason behind her attitude comes to light. With misunderstandings, a ripped shirt, and a frantic choice of going through a teacher’s desk, Toby is pushed into a corner where blowing up is imminent. However, the big reason behind everything, and even the secret of who threw away those canvases, is such a relief not only to Toby but to the reader as well. A delightful take on solving a little mystery until the last school bell rings.
What starts as snapping at her close friend, Toby, is a bad attitude towards everything in her life. Even in her art class, with a new project, she throws away her painting in the trash, much to the shocking dismay of her teacher. She’s thrown in lunch detention, and yet the day gets even worse when her art teacher accuses her of disposing not just of her art piece but all her classmates’ pieces, too. What is going on in Toby’s mind, and with the help of her fellow detention mates, can all three middle schoolers figure out the mystery of the thrown-away art canvases before the end of the school day?
In this modern mystery revolving around trashed art pieces, one middle schooler is framed for the crime. Why is Toby acting out? Why is she snapping at her best friend? There are so many whys regarding Toby that it keeps readers hooked until the reason behind her attitude comes to light. With misunderstandings, a ripped shirt, and a frantic choice of going through a teacher’s desk, Toby is pushed into a corner where blowing up is imminent. However, the big reason behind everything, and even the secret of who threw away those canvases, is such a relief not only to Toby but to the reader as well. A delightful take on solving a little mystery until the last school bell rings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was definitely a hi/low graphic novel. There were not a lot of words on the pages and some pages without text so you had to follow the story through pictures. Toby’s character is extremely grumpy and mean to everyone at the beginning. She is very disrespectful to a teacher. As the reader I’m trying to figure out what is going on with Toby. She gets falsely accused of something and the 2 kids she meets in detention offer to help her figure out the mystery. The characters in detention are 2 nerds and the explanation for why they are in detention doesn’t seem plausible. Also I didn’t love that they were skipping class. In the end it comes out that Toby’s parents might be getting a divorce. The way it’s presented is a reflection of our society, but I was rooting for them to get counseling and love to win out. As a kid of divorced parents, I know how heavily this change affects you. I think the author wrote it from the parents perceptive without really considering the lifelong struggle kids have. This book seems like it’s written for younger kids, but the characters are in middle school. Overall, it didn’t really hold my interest.
Recommended for grades 4-6, for struggling readers who need hi/low graphic novels.
Recommended for grades 4-6, for struggling readers who need hi/low graphic novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I loved Milly at the Manor and was so excited to see a new book by the authors of that book. I liked that this book also took on a serious topic for middle grade readers - this time divorce. The anger and confusion demonstrated by Toby over the course of the book is understandable when you find out what has been going on with her outside of school. For adults it is easy to figure out what is happening, but it may come as a surprise to younger readers. The only part of the book that did not ring true for me was how easily/quickly the teacher made her accusation with nothing to go on beyond a student's bad attitude. I agree with the students that it was unfair. I am looking forward to seeing what these authors come up with next!
I loved Milly at the Manor and was so excited to see a new book by the authors of that book. I liked that this book also took on a serious topic for middle grade readers - this time divorce. The anger and confusion demonstrated by Toby over the course of the book is understandable when you find out what has been going on with her outside of school. For adults it is easy to figure out what is happening, but it may come as a surprise to younger readers. The only part of the book that did not ring true for me was how easily/quickly the teacher made her accusation with nothing to go on beyond a student's bad attitude. I agree with the students that it was unfair. I am looking forward to seeing what these authors come up with next!
September 22, 2026
I absolutely love graphic novels, and so do many kids! That’s why this is a great book for middle schoolers. I love how they show Toby and their frustration growing before they finally explode- the art helps visualize a feeling we all can understand but kids may not be able to explain. I also appreciate how the reason Toby is so emotional and angry is hinted at throughout the story, and finally revealed in a way that feels fitting for the character. And the concept of adults not listening and talking over kids is one readers are sure to relate to. Overall, this graphic novel is well thought out, the visuals add the impact of the plot in a way a prose novel couldn’t explain, and I would highly recommend this book to many ages, but especially middle schoolers who struggle to explain the growing anger until they finally explode.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Framed is a great book about a girl that is having a really bad day and all the consequences of her bad attitude: school issues, friend issues, trouble concentrating. She's trying to work through something and isn't letting anyone in. This book would be great in a classroom to help students through those big emotions. It also shows how to resolve the conflict and that sometimes the adults don't always make the best decisions. I liked that some pages the pictures told the story and there were few words and other times the words were more elaborate. This is a great way to build reading skills for those students who may not be ready for chapter books, but are getting closer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!
A fun and surprisingly emotional graphic novel about a middle school student named Toby who has been having a bad attitude at school. During an art assignment, Toby becomes upset with her painting, throws it in the trash, and talks back to the teacher. As a result, Toby is sent to detention. While in detention it is discovered that everyone's paintings were thrown in the trash and Toby feels framed when accused of doing it. With the help of friends, Toby tries to uncover the mystery.. In the end, the mystery is solved and it is also revealed why Toby has been having a negative attitude and behaviors recently.
A fun and surprisingly emotional graphic novel about a middle school student named Toby who has been having a bad attitude at school. During an art assignment, Toby becomes upset with her painting, throws it in the trash, and talks back to the teacher. As a result, Toby is sent to detention. While in detention it is discovered that everyone's paintings were thrown in the trash and Toby feels framed when accused of doing it. With the help of friends, Toby tries to uncover the mystery.. In the end, the mystery is solved and it is also revealed why Toby has been having a negative attitude and behaviors recently.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a heart pounding, heart breaking middle grade graphic novel. Readers jump right into art class with Toby who is clearly having a terrible day. She ends up in detention and makes two unlikely friends who spend the day helping her try to clear her name. Fast paced and drawn with fun perspectives, easy to follow panels and rich colors, this is a well crafted graphic novel.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Ultimately, she reveals that she overheard her parents talking about getting a divorce and her huge emotions are a result of her trying to process this news.
Kids will fly through this story. It’s a relentless chase to get answers with depth of emotion and a satisfying conclusion.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Ultimately, she reveals that she overheard her parents talking about getting a divorce and her huge emotions are a result of her trying to process this news.
Kids will fly through this story. It’s a relentless chase to get answers with depth of emotion and a satisfying conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the digital ARC.
A fast-paced middle grade graphic novel with enough mystery to keep readers engaged. As the trio seeks to find a culprit, we see Toby’s own mystery surrounding her pent-up feelings translate into angry anxiety.
I loved the lessons it explored about bottled-up emotions, friendship, and being yourself. This felt like The Breakfast Club for upper elementary and middle school. I enjoyed the dynamic between the detention squad… Reed, Layla, and Toby. Reed’s obsession with bugs provided plenty of comic relief, and several of the bug references made me chuckle. Layla’s outspoken confidence, paired with her patience with Toby, was perfect for helping navigate both the mystery surrounding Toby’s emotional struggles and the whodunit plot. My only critique is that the culprit behind the trashed paintings didn’t seem realistic. Overall, this was an engaging graphic novel that teaches the important lesson of communicating our feelings instead of keeping them bottled up.
A fast-paced middle grade graphic novel with enough mystery to keep readers engaged. As the trio seeks to find a culprit, we see Toby’s own mystery surrounding her pent-up feelings translate into angry anxiety.
I loved the lessons it explored about bottled-up emotions, friendship, and being yourself. This felt like The Breakfast Club for upper elementary and middle school. I enjoyed the dynamic between the detention squad… Reed, Layla, and Toby. Reed’s obsession with bugs provided plenty of comic relief, and several of the bug references made me chuckle. Layla’s outspoken confidence, paired with her patience with Toby, was perfect for helping navigate both the mystery surrounding Toby’s emotional struggles and the whodunit plot. My only critique is that the culprit behind the trashed paintings didn’t seem realistic. Overall, this was an engaging graphic novel that teaches the important lesson of communicating our feelings instead of keeping them bottled up.
October 28, 2026
There's a bit of a mystery. Toby is lashing out at everyone including her art teacher who sends her to the office after an outburst that leads Toby to throw her artwork. But as Toby is awaiting her parents to come to school, the art teacher blames her for throwing out EVERYONE'S artwork in the class, though Toby says she's been framed. Her new friends she meets in detention (for her outburst) and her decide to go on an information-seeking adventure to figure out just who could have thrown out the artwork and maybe even why. This larger mystery is actually a distraction from the real story which is Toby's outbursts and it comes to a climax when her parents arrive at the principal's office.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, this was really good! I loved Toby, and I could totally connect with her moments of outburst and anger. It was super realistic on the emotions side, and I really enjoyed the story. It was great that the kids got to run around the school (though I don’t think that would happen in real life in this day and age… but even so!). The artwork was great, and I liked that Toby ended up making some new friends. I will definitely make sure this gets into the hands of those who need it!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Childrens Books for the advance copy. This graphic novel features Toby and she is definitely going through some things. She's getting in trouble in school and being very unkind. It appeared that there was something happening at home that Toby was bringing to school with her. When Toby was sent to lunch detention she met the most unlikely of friends, and even though Toby wasn't especially kind, they worked together to help Toby. This book would be a great read for kids dealing with their parents getting divorced.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Framed!
Middle Reader level graphic novels are truly my favorite for the genre. Toby is grumpy and grouchy just like I was around that age, and I think many middle reader aged kiddos will continue to relate. The art was delightful, which is a big factor in how much I personally enjoy graphic novels. While there some heavier themes (like divorce), I thought they were handled appropriately and, honestly, those themes are ones that are often very familiar to kids.
I was given this copy in exchange for my honest review!
Middle Reader level graphic novels are truly my favorite for the genre. Toby is grumpy and grouchy just like I was around that age, and I think many middle reader aged kiddos will continue to relate. The art was delightful, which is a big factor in how much I personally enjoy graphic novels. While there some heavier themes (like divorce), I thought they were handled appropriately and, honestly, those themes are ones that are often very familiar to kids.
I was given this copy in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoy this type of graphic novel. The cover and illustrations were great. The title was perfect for this story. The writer thought about how situations could have many different circumstances and in the end it sometimes is a good thing and sometimes not. I enjoyed how the kids learned about problem solving and friendships and how communication between children and adults is important. I will be using this book with some of my students (middle graders).
I do not like to gives spoilers, so I will not say anything more.
I do not like to gives spoilers, so I will not say anything more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was light and cute. I enjoyed watching the trio creatively escaping notice as they moved about the school trying to solve a mystery. I love reading middle grade graphic novels where kids make friends and I believed that this friendship would last beyond this one day. Our MC Toby lacked a personality but her new friends helped make her more interesting.
I picked this up because I love the artist Andrea Bell. The artwork is great, though it is missing some of the lushness that I've seen in her other illustrated books. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to HarperAlley and Netgalley for the arc.
I picked this up because I love the artist Andrea Bell. The artwork is great, though it is missing some of the lushness that I've seen in her other illustrated books. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to HarperAlley and Netgalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great read!!! A very simple storyline. Sometime it hard for adults to trust children words. Toby was accused to throw away all her classmates paintings. She isnt good at expressing her feelings and have a bit of temper. Im glad tho that her friends stay with her even when she got angry at them. Even with a simple storyline the message in this book did get conveyed. I enjoyed reading this book~
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance~
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance~
August 2, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley. Toby is CRANKY and mean in this graphic novel about friendship and change. She gets in trouble and lands in detention with two other students who decide to help her because she has been framed for doing something she didn’t do. In the process, we learn why Toby has been so mad lately and they solve the mystery. Elementary students will enjoy this graphic novel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this book is a good way to help kids learn and understand how to be open with their parents if they are getting a divorce or even a life changing event.
Toby is irritated during the first 3 quarters of the book until she lets out what she knows and expresses how it makes her feel overwhelmed.
I love how it was written and the illustrations are beautifully made.
Toby is irritated during the first 3 quarters of the book until she lets out what she knows and expresses how it makes her feel overwhelmed.
I love how it was written and the illustrations are beautifully made.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From My Ten Year Old Daughter: Plot was engaging and offered a good twist at the end. I really enjoy this author’s previous work, and highly recommend this book for other middle grade graphic novel lovers!
October 30, 2026
This is an extremely fast-paced graphic novel that deals with the way kids often bottle tough things inside them. The mystery is fairly simple, and some of the characters could be more fleshed out, but overall, a solid pick with colorful expressive art.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Complete RTC.
Complete RTC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is more of a 3.5. It is a cute, quick graphic novel. I like the mystery element and that it doesn’t just feel like every other middle grade graphic novel.
September 27, 2026
Another awesome one from Evans & Bell. ☺️
October 23, 2026
A middle grade graphic novel with themes of friendship, anger, and divorce - with a mystery linking all three of those together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2026
I think this graphic novel does a good job of portraying a kid having a hard time with a big secret. I feel that kids will be able to easily relate to Toby and her situation.
November 9, 2026
There were things I liked and things I didn't so much--see https://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/202... for details!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
This graphic novel was a fast, fun moving read. I loved the graphics and the story. I could tell she was holing something in and the mystery was solved with care and love.
This graphic novel was a fast, fun moving read. I loved the graphics and the story. I could tell she was holing something in and the mystery was solved with care and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews