Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes

Frazzled #2

by Booki Vivat

The New York Times bestselling Frazzled series continues

Things are looking up for Abbie this year she’ll run for class president and get a brand-new shiny locker. Until—she doesn’t…

In her second tumultuous misadventure, Abbie Wu tackles more unbelievably unfair and calamitous middle school days. From facing locker thieves and battling diabolical cats to having absolutely no idea what to build for her science project, Abbie Wu is still in perpetual crisis.

From author and professional doodler Booki Vivat, this second story follows Abbie Wu, your favorite hilariously neurotic middle school girl, as she tries to come up with solutions to what seems to be a series of inevitable catastrophes. Akin to Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes is heavily illustrated, embarrassingly honest, and sure to appeal to anyone hoping to figuring out how to survive the ordinary mishaps of middle school.

Genres: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Fiction, School, Childrens

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2017

Reviews

[Jesse (JesseTheReader)]

This was great! It's been a few years since I read the first book, but it was so easy to fall back into Abbie Wu's life and to see all the high jinks she gets up to. This one had a focus on being flexible in situations that aren't going your way and learning to work together with someone you're unsure of. If I'm being honest, I feel like these books deserve just as much hype as books like the Diary of the Wimpy Kid series. If you're looking for books in that lane, I highly recommend checking out this series! I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbie Wu is back and stressing again, but about new and different things. A new addition to the family (a cat who appears to have it in for Abbie), a new locker partner, and a science partner for a major science project. There’s so much, no, too much change all at once for Abbie, and how she deals with all this is amusing and helps her accept that not all change is bad.

[Arundhati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbie Wu is back with her middle school chronicles. And in this one she is having hard time figuring out the unknown and why her cat hates her so much. Honestly Felix the cat was my favorite in this one. Abbie gets a new friend Jess of whom she is very skeptical in the beginning, but warms up eventually. I really liked the overall message which is sent out through this book. It is the journey which is important rather than the destination. Inevitable catastrophes happen, but everything is a learning opportunity. Abbie and her family is totally adorable as usual and of course her best friends. I adored the mad scientist version of Abbie. I am really liking this series so far.

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the mother of a reluctant reader, you can just imagine how incredibly happy it makes me when we actually argue about who gets to read a book first… and that’s been the case with the Frazzled books from Booki Vivat. It also helps that he’s starting middle school this year!

In the second Frazzled book, Abbie Wu has so much going on! A new family member in the form of a cat, an unexpected locker partner… and a complicated assignment for her science class!

I love that Vivat makes the issues that Abbie faces relatable and fun to read about! Who doesn’t remember being assigned a partner in school … and dreading it!

I’ve always loved Vivat’s doodles and they are the perfect pairing to this story… Whimsical and fun they add an element that will keep less enthusiastic readers turning pages!

I really love the lesson in this story as well… and there are a couple! Abbie realizes a few things about her new friendship with Jess… they may not be exactly alike, but it’s important to have people in your life who complement your personality. Where Abbie was a bit dramatic and fatalistic, Jess was more light-hearted and thought the experience was what counted and it allowed Abbie to see a new perspective… and solidified a new friendship!

And also, maybe cats aren’t always diabolical!

This is definitely a wonderful option for middle grade readers who might be transitioning from picture books to chapter books, offering a bit of both to make the jump seamless.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story... I enjoyed it quite a bit.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so far and I don't understand the low ratings because the book doesn't conform to other books. This children's librarian totally disagrees with the dismissive idea that graphic novels can't be good books or that they're just for reluctant readers. There's a book for everyone! *steps off soapbox*

Booki Vivat's doodles convey Abbie Wu's life as a middle schooler perfectly and my middle school self would've loved feeling represented in a book. Not only is this character Asian American, she's also a big worrier who is anxious about experiencing new things and stresses out about being a failure. (As a thirty-something year old reader, I have to admit that Abbie is completely relatable.) Frazzled isn't just about feeling frazzled though, Abbie ultimately gains some insight on how to handle occasions that don't go as planned and learns from a new friend who has a much different outlook. Recommended for anyone looking for something light, relatable, and heart-warming.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Love the cover. Tis book is so funny and my grand kids will love it! It reminds me of the Wimpy Kid books or the James Patterson books like this.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle school just got a bit more exciting for Abbie! More frazzling, dazzling, and cats!

I am so happy I have a chance to read this one, I just loved the first book and have been excited for the second book since I saw the announcement on Twitter!

In this one we have locker thieves, cats and them being diabolical, new friends, inventions, and of course Abbie being frazzled a lot!

Abbie's life was appearing to be on the rise, but then stuff happens and she is doing all she can to not just curl up in a corner and stay there. But I am still very happy that she never once gives up. She just keeps going on, seeks advice, and makes a new friend. A friend who is the total opposite of her. :P
I did feel sorry that she was feeling the way she did in this book, it would be nice if she could hold on to the happy and positive thoughts that sometimes popped up in her mind. But a small setback and she would be back to point zero. :( Though I have to say Abbie is a lot like me, that is maybe why I am just hoping that at least she can hold on to happy thoughts longer.

Like with the previous book I do feel that the school's management is off. Where in the previous book there was a problem with lunches, this time we had a problem with lockers. Who makes just enough lockers for a grade? Why not make some extra in case? Or do you not care about if someone transfers and they have to share? I felt so sorry for Abbie, she was so happy to get a locker and then finds out she has to share it.
But eventually it turned into a good thing, and I am happy for that. Plus the ending? Haha, that is a brilliant idea! I would have done the same.

Jess was a fabulous character and she reminded me of Miyako from Hidamari. It didn't help that she looked almost exactly like her as well. Aloof, she didn't mind anything at all, chill to the core, laughs about stories that may not seem so funny to someone else. Yep, it was just like I was seeing Miyako again. I definitely liked Jess and I hope that she will be around more often in the next books.

The inventions? If you can't beat them, join them? Or in this case if the cat hates you make sure he may just love you for your new awesome invention.

I did feel a bit eh about the way the family treated Abbie and her feelings on the new cat. I would think that before you get a cat you go with the entire family to see if it works out. After all a cat is not like a hamster. Cats can roam freely for one, but also live a long life. Why get one when one family member is unhappy about the whole thing?

The ending was a really happy one and I am happy for everyone!

Of course the art is still a big favourite of mine!

All in all, I need more Abbie in my life, and I hope there will be many other books about this fun girl.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this one more than the first one. Not sure why, maybe because Abbie doesn't break any rules in this one, she's just struggling to cope with the pressures and stresses of middle school. In this book, Abbie is trying to cope with some new challenges in her life: a pet cat at home that doesn't seem to like her, sharing a locker that should have been hers with a new girl that she knows little about. And on top of that she has to partner up with the new girl in science on a major project. Abbie isn't sure that she and the new girl, Jessica, are compatible, after all, nothing seems to rattle Jessica, whereas Abbie worries about just about everything. Told in a combination of illustrations and text, much like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this book is bound to be just as popular. Combining realistic worries and concerns with plenty of humor and heart, Vivat has created a winning series.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivat's illustrations are absurdly adorable, and they're an excellent complement to the text, sometimes simply showing what's been described but sometimes making a joke about it, adding something new you'd miss without the picture.

In Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes, Abbie Wu considers running for class president like she decided to at the end of book one, but then she realizes that a position mostly requiring public speaking might not be ideal for an anxious girl like her. Instead, she faces a new challenge: having to share a locker because her school doesn't have enough. In the process, she ends up making a new friend. Other issues include a science project and a family cat that wants to kill her.

What I like most about this series is how over-the-top Abbie is about everything, because it completely captures how you feel at that age. Everything is THE WORST or THE BEST, and there's not a lot of in the middle stuff while you're in the middles. I remember my parents telling me to do some chore or something, and me writing dramatically in my diary about how they were ruining my life, so Abbie's incredibly relatable.

[Luke Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised I enjoyed this more than the first book. But after leaving behind Abbie’s world for a year, it felt so good to come back and embrace her anxieties about middle school and see her make a new friend, attempt a science project, and realize life is all about how you see it. It was inspiration and really hit me hard, especially since my middle school/junior high days are over and I’m set to be a college student in August. EEK! That definitely makes me frazzled.

Also, the doodles are still the best part of these books. They’re adorable!

[BookChic Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book- it's funny, relatable and so true of middle school life. I read it pretty much in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Vivat does a wonderful job with the added drawings as well throughout the book, which add a humorous layer to this fantastic story. I'm sure kids will devour this series up!

[Azriel Najeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

that was so hilarious,
I felt I was the mean character, cause my life just worked like hers!
ant way, LOVED IT.

[Anneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t miss being in middle school.
Making new friends that help you be a better or even the best version of yourself though? That’s always welcome!

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my favorite middle grade series but it is one I enjoy a lot. It's adorable and I think relatable to that age group. The illustrations are really cute.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

My "reluctant reader" library patrons will be excited to see this second installment in Vivat's Frazzled series, but I am not as thrilled with the mostly pictures, light on text, and even lighter on character and plot development title. Abbie Wu is a sixth grader dealing with all sorts of normal middle school aged woes--locker problems, partner projects in Science, a cat loved but everyone in the family but her, and even some middle child issues--but there just isn't anything truly memorable about her or this book. Sadly, this type of superficial book will be read by many in the 4th-6th grades because it will require very little focus and it does have illustrations that leap out at you on absolutely every single page. Even more sadly, in order to get an every growing population of non-readers to open a book, I will likely have to buy this and the first book from the series for my two libraries. (Review of digital ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abbie Wu is a refreshing main character that sprinkles bits of truth here and there about the struggles of middle school years while managing to keep the book interesting and funny.

[Sara Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a kid who doesn't really enjoy reading, especially chapter books, because it feels daunting, I am a big fan of graphic novels and books like this that are similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid or The Dork Diaries books, there isn't a lot of text and it's broken up by illustrations. It makes for a fast read (as an adult, I got through all 207 pages in an hour). It has characters and a story line that a lot of kids will relate to: the struggles of middle school, sharing a locker, trying to make new friends, and of course, the dreaded science fair.

The story follows Abbie Wu, who is described as a neurotic middle schooler, and that's pretty accurate. Abbie is in middle school now and the excitement of her own locker is quickly squashed when she learns she has to share a locker with someone she doesn't know- a totally new, unknown girl named Jessica. While she's plotting all of the ways to unceremoniously kick this girl out of the shared locker, she discovers Jessica is in her science class and because the universe is cruel, they are assigned to be partners for the upcoming science fair where they have to come up with an invention.

All of this is the end of the world and awful for any middle school kid, but Abbie finds that making a new friend is kind of hard, but kind of worth it. They also work really well together, Jessica is the ying to Abbie's yang, and they come up with a great invention... that hits some bumps. Abbie also discovers that maybe having your own locker isn't so great.

Overall? I'm honestly giving this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It's a cute read, I think it would be a good read for third grade and up, but honestly I bet some solid first and second grade readers could get through this easily. It's definitely the kind of book I would give to a reluctant reader because it's just enough to feel like a challenge but one that they can absolutely conquer.. easily, and be proud of themselves for finishing!

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Frazzled: Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes' by Booki Vivat is an adorable, illustrated story that not only proves a fast read, but also a truly enjoyable one. From the accurate and telling illustrations, to main character Abbie Wu's questioning and uncertain attitude about life in general, Vivat has crafted a story that anyone in middle school and beyond can relate to as they consider their own experiences.

Even though the story would have read well without the illustrations, they are most welcome, as they truly bring additional empathy for the characters and their attitudes within the story. Abbie's relationship with her family's cat, her worry over who stole her locker, and her neverending concern about how things will ever work out in her favor make her character jump off of each page.

Anyone who reads 'Frazzled: Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes' (the second in the series) and has not yet read 'Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom' (the first in the series) will want to grab it as quickly as possible. Vivat's relatable and focused writing stands out in the world of contemporary realistic fiction. Highly recommended!

*Review originally posted on YABooksCentral.com*

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via work, with no obligation to leave a personal review.

Booki Vivat's amazing doodles are back! I absolutely loved Frazzled, and I think I might even love this one more. Main character Abbie Wu has grown into herself a teensy bit more (she's still in sixth grade, after all--middle school!), so she's still anxious and dramatic, but that's tempered with some cautious optimism.

The adventures in this book are so fun and lively, dramatizing the everyday--a new cat in the family (I feel you, Abbie, I'm not a cat person either), a shared locker, a science project. I really like Jess and all the characters, and still love Abbie's relationship with her older brother, Peter. I'm so glad there will be at least three books! These books are such a delight, and we need more diverse, young illustrated middle grade.

I'll have to snag the final copy to see all the remaining illustrations, since some aren't in place in the ARC yet. Looking forward to it!

[Jordan Cerenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, Frazzled: Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes, by Booki Vivat, is comical book that I enjoyed reading very much. Though I liked reading the entire book, my favorite part is how relate able it is. for example, in this book it is a diary of the main character, Abbie. She makes it seems like nothing ever goes her way. This is humorous because we all have those days where we feel like nothing goes our way and it is amusing to hear some of the stories that she tells about her life in school. In addition, I enjoyed the part where Abbie starts to become friends with the locker taker and it turns out they are similar in many ways and enjoy hanging out with each other. In that section, I most liked the part where Abbie and her new locker buddy join the science fair at their school together. I like this because it shows that just because you might have a bad impression on someone at first you can still give them another chance and end up being fond of them. Hence, Frazzled: Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes is both a hilarious and friendship involving book that you will love if you enjoy these types of books. I unquestionably recommend this book to kids ages 8-12 that are easily entertained by hysterical books that are the diary of the main character.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel and I think younger readers will enjoy it as well but I don't think it has quite the same impact as the first. This one is very quick and short and didn't go very deep into any of the issues it covered. But I'm still excited for this one to come out and to be able to see the entire finished copy. My daughter loved the first one and I have no doubt that she'll love this one too. I like how it continues to deal with Abby's social issues and turns her inner thoughts into funny and relatable images. I also like the inclusion of a new girl and the development of their friendship. I think the weakest part of the book is just that Abby seems not very nice during a few parts. I think people will either find her very relatable or very irritating. And that's fine. I think she's a great character for the age of her readers and that most will be able to understand her reluctance with middle school and science partners and oral presentations, etc. This will make a great addition to any library geared toward middle-grade readers but I also highly recommend that you read the first book in the series because I do think it's just slightly better.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first Frazzled, but this one did not live up to it, for me at least. Maybe it's because as a former science teacher I've grown weary of the stereotype of the "Mad Scientist" teacher. Maybe it's because I've been through too many Invention Conventions. This one was not as original as the first. Granted, I listened to the audiobook on the first one, which was very well done; perhaps I would have enjoyed this more that way. Once again, this is a somewhat shorter book, which could appeal to some students. Another positive about that: it was really easy to read on my phone, and there was still a graphic on just about every page (although some were tiny) In most cases, the graphic matched up to the proper accompanying words.

I did like the message about Jess, the complaint about the alphabet, the dig at why any student would think of going to the office for help, and the idea that people would lump Asian students together (Wu or Wong; that really happens far too much)

[Carol Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sharing a book review by one of my students who had to do a review in exchange for the book.

Frazzled Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes is a very good book, in fact, I couldn't stop reading it was that good. This book is very detailed in feelings, Abbie Wu is the main character. Her best friends are Maxine and Logan and Abbie finds a new one, but I won't tell you who it is!!!

I highly recommend it to people around my age. I really enjoyed this book, I hope you do too!

Hailee

@harpercollinsclassroom

Very Funny and easy to read!!!

The book Frazzled was about Abbie Wu. Abbie was in middle school going through regular middle school problems. She was just trying to survive. She believed heavily in the Murphy's Law. If something can go wrong, it will. Abbie was so excited because this year the grade sixes got lockers. When she went to go get her locker, someone already had their stuff in there. This girl is Jess Wyat. Jess and Abbie had to share the locker.

As the school year went on, Jess and Abbie became friends!

This was a good book because it was very funny and it was an easy read.

The book is a story of new beginnings, making new friends and changing your perspective.

I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it!!!

by Amber

@harpercollinsclassroom

I have a book called Frazzled and it is by Booki Vivat. She makes a whole So anyway lets get started. There is this little girl named Abby Wu, She was a young girl in grade 6. She had a dream to be class president, but she was challenged by a young boy named Cody Donaldson. He also wanted to be class president. Anyway she also was challenged with her younger sister Carla Wu.

She was so spoiled, she got everything she wanted, like seriously, she got a cat for her birthday. So Abby hated cats alot and when I say alot I mean like seriously. But she was also happy actually very happy because she inally got her own locker so this is what she said..."finally, No more sharing a haul". but she was nervous that she would forget her code. but she was mostly worried about the locker thief. Her explaination... in reality she was but I didn't even believe she was the locker thief,, I was sooo surprised Mallory grade 2... P.S. Make sure to check out her series...

[Ms. Garr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade 4 and up; even though this series focuses on protagonist Abbie Wu’s travails through middle school, the lower reading level and illustration-heavy style make it accessible for both younger readers and older reluctant readers. In this entry, Abbie struggles to go with the flow: she and a new girl at school have to share a locker, the family’s new pet cat makes her life miserable at home, she must give a presentation in front of the whole school at an Invention Convention. Abbie is neurotic and dramatic and the frenetic words/graphics on the page often reflect her moods and worries. She experiences growth and change by the end, and the story wraps up benignly. This might be a good pick for anxious kids with high expectations of themselves and others.

[L. Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, hilarious, clever, and fun. I may have even liked this sequel better than the first book. The evil cat who is clearly planning to ruin Abbie's life was an especially delightful addition to the story. And unperturbed Jess was the perfect foil character to Abbie.

Like in the first book, Abbie's character is constantly frazzled in a way that creates funny situations and imaginative illustrations. Vivat's portrayal of middle school is so relatable. I found myself laughing out loud a lot. The voice and creativity of this series--as well as Vivat's incredible artistic talent--makes this a 5 star must-read for me!

Can't wait for Frazzled #3!

[Juwi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abbie definitely has anxiety and worries about a lot of things and especially has catastrophic thinking that everything WILL go wrong eventually but she makes friends with a new person and Jess’s way of thinking being hopefully And optimistic and determined that things WILL work out helps her change her perspective a bit and embrace change!

The overthinking and everything is doom and gloom does need to be addressed because I am sure kids reading this can relate but they should know they CAN get help and change their thinking and to not allow the intrusive negative thoughts to overwhelm them.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a perfectly acceptable illustrated novel. I thought this was book #1 so I accidentally read this one first in the series, but I didn't feel lost at all.

I can't say I was super into the conflict (an invention contest, snore) and there was a lot of hate on the family cat without any real resolution. I might read book #3 because it's a school trip which sounds interesting.

This book is set in middle school (I think 6th grade but it doesn't specify other than "the first year of middle school.") but I think it would be better reading for 4th or 5th graders. It seems a bit juvenile for actual middle school readers.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about Abby who is looking forward to a new school year. She has lots of plans and determination. Unfortunately, she feels the universe has it out for her. Things start to go wrong from the first minute. Everything is a catastrophe. She has a locker thief, a diabolical cat, and a science project that she has to build. Through of this, Abby stays upbeat and determined to succeed.

Great story for those students who like humor, a positive main character, and lots of illustrations.

Thanks to Harper Children's for the ARC!

[Leah Burns]

The main character, Abbie, is starting middle school. She also has a new cat, but she doesn’t like it and it’s hard for her to get used to it. She also gets a new locker buddy, who she doesn’t like at first. Abby runs for class President and has an opponent who challenges her - not just for President but for other things like a dance challenge. In the end, Abby realizes change isn’t bad and actually makes friends with people she never thought she would. The book was fun to read and made me laugh.