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Framed
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26176 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Karina Evans
6 books66 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 - 17 of 17 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.
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!
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 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
"Framed" is a read for elementary and middle-grade readers as well as a lovely introduction into the graphic novel genre. Short and well-contained, "Framed" centers around Toby, unjustly accused of trashing her classmates' paintings. We explore themes of attachment, justice, divorce, and the day-to-day troubles of middle school. Everyone is pretty one-dimensional but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. I think this would be a great recommendation for kids struggling with being labelled as a troublemaker or instigator. The art is very charming, too! Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC!
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
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
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!
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall this is a good book for someone who enjoys the Click and similar stories, but I would say that it's geared a bit more towards a younger demographic simply because Toby and her friends are very much upper elementary and not quite middle school. The story focuses on Toby who has been acting out and not getting along with her friends. She is framed by a teacher who thinks that she damaged the artwork of all her peers as part of her acting out. A reasonable assumption to make, but still an assumption.
The artwork of this piece is good and consistent with the type of graphic novels that seem to resonate with this age group. And the story moves quickly. There were a few awkward scenes especially when the children are trying to solve the mystery and sneaking around, but all in all a good read. I did wonder why no one had noted the three of them absent from class.
The book treats a heavy topic - no spoilers here - in a sensitive and very real way. But what made me smile the most was how one of her new friends would constantly be shown with his arms out behind him like a bug when they ran from place to place. So true of someone of that age into bugs. Made me think of friends I knew in elementary school and their make believe.
A good read for a middle to upper elementary reader. Probably a little young for middle schoolers.
The artwork of this piece is good and consistent with the type of graphic novels that seem to resonate with this age group. And the story moves quickly. There were a few awkward scenes especially when the children are trying to solve the mystery and sneaking around, but all in all a good read. I did wonder why no one had noted the three of them absent from class.
The book treats a heavy topic - no spoilers here - in a sensitive and very real way. But what made me smile the most was how one of her new friends would constantly be shown with his arms out behind him like a bug when they ran from place to place. So true of someone of that age into bugs. Made me think of friends I knew in elementary school and their make believe.
A good read for a middle to upper elementary reader. Probably a little young for middle schoolers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews