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The Backups: A Summer of Stardom
Step into the spotlight with The Backups, a graphic novel from writer Alex de Campi and artist Lara Kane about crushes, confidence, and catchy choruses!
Spending an entire summer on tour as a backup singer for pop star Nika Nitro? What?! That's the DREAM, right? Especially for Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie, three misfit performing arts students with hopes of making it in the music world.
But being twenty feet from fame isn't easy. Between crushes, constant rehearsals, Nika's sky-high expectations, and their own insecurities, this dream is starting to feel more like a nightmare. And that's before they accidentally start a beef with a rival band threatening to reveal a secret that could end Nika's career.
Can this trio of new friends come together to save the tour, or will the Backups be kept out of the spotlight forever?
Spending an entire summer on tour as a backup singer for pop star Nika Nitro? What?! That's the DREAM, right? Especially for Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie, three misfit performing arts students with hopes of making it in the music world.
But being twenty feet from fame isn't easy. Between crushes, constant rehearsals, Nika's sky-high expectations, and their own insecurities, this dream is starting to feel more like a nightmare. And that's before they accidentally start a beef with a rival band threatening to reveal a secret that could end Nika's career.
Can this trio of new friends come together to save the tour, or will the Backups be kept out of the spotlight forever?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2021
10 people are currently reading
1337 people want to read
About the author
Alex de Campi
260 books238 followersAlex de Campi is a New York-based writer with an extensive backlist of critically-acclaimed graphic novels including Eisner-nominated heist noir Bad Girls (Simon & Schuster) and Twisted Romance (Image Comics). Her most recent book was her debut prose novel The Scottish Boy (Unbound). She lives with her daughter, their cat, and a Deafblind pit bull named Tango.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
December 26, 2020
This was such a good graphic novel! It was funny, cute and full of entertaining drama.
The Backups follows three girls who become backup singers for a mega pop star as they’re leading up to their first show of the tour.
The story itself was both humorous and heartfelt. There were moments when I was laughing and others where I was more thoughtful and reflective. The main points of the novel focused around friendship which I really enjoyed. I also loved the little bit of romance that was sprinkled through to too! This graphic novel is great for music lovers as it was all about the world of music and performing. I miss being able to go to concerts so much!
I really liked all of the characters. The began as individuals with different interests but they eventually found common ground and grew together at the end. The art was incredible, it had such a cool vibe that I think fit in really well with the fun nature of the story.
An adorable dog even made an appearance for a little and that’d always a selling point for me!
This was an adorable read and I had such a good time reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The Backups follows three girls who become backup singers for a mega pop star as they’re leading up to their first show of the tour.
The story itself was both humorous and heartfelt. There were moments when I was laughing and others where I was more thoughtful and reflective. The main points of the novel focused around friendship which I really enjoyed. I also loved the little bit of romance that was sprinkled through to too! This graphic novel is great for music lovers as it was all about the world of music and performing. I miss being able to go to concerts so much!
I really liked all of the characters. The began as individuals with different interests but they eventually found common ground and grew together at the end. The art was incredible, it had such a cool vibe that I think fit in really well with the fun nature of the story.
An adorable dog even made an appearance for a little and that’d always a selling point for me!
This was an adorable read and I had such a good time reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 5, 2021
I read this book in under an hour; I couldn't put it down. Three high school girls with varying musical talent take a chance and try out to be backup singers for an unknown musician. They're chosen from a group of hundreds of singers and immediately begin rehearsing for one of the biggest pop singers in the world. But Jennie, Lauren, and Maggie could not be any different in terms of musical tastes and love interests but they do come together for the sake of music. I loved everything about this book from the hard issues of eating disorders and sexuality to the funny parts such as diving for the last donut (me). I cannot recommend this enough. If you love graphic novels and want something unique and fun, this is the one for you.
Is there going to be a sequel? PLEEEEEEASE.
Is there going to be a sequel? PLEEEEEEASE.
May 5, 2021
Can't help but think Alex de Campi's experience writing Josie and the Pussycats in Space for Archie Comics played some part in the creation of this story about three teenage back-up singers on a big pop star's concert tour getting into hijinks, forming their own band, and falling into a feud with an all-women metal band.
I forgave the starting contrivances used to get the girls together for the tour, as the story settled into typical but engaging character bits about making friends and having crushes while dealing with a dramatic queen bee, but then the plot contrivances came back with a vengeance and started piling up too high to ignore. But as dumb as the story got, it was fun, and I find myself hoping for a sequel.
And I'm gonna check out that Josie comic too.
I forgave the starting contrivances used to get the girls together for the tour, as the story settled into typical but engaging character bits about making friends and having crushes while dealing with a dramatic queen bee, but then the plot contrivances came back with a vengeance and started piling up too high to ignore. But as dumb as the story got, it was fun, and I find myself hoping for a sequel.
And I'm gonna check out that Josie comic too.
February 2, 2021
I don't read graphic novels often, but I really enjoyed The Backups. It was playful and fun and had just enough drama to keep things interesting. I loved that all the characters were so diverse and stayed true to themselves. On the surface Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie couldn't have been more different, but I really loved how they all came together for each other. The female friendships were fantastic and the artwork was amazing.
CW: Bullying, homophobia
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
CW: Bullying, homophobia
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
April 22, 2021
ah I loved this so much! super fun graphic novel with fat rep, queer rep, and ace rep!
December 29, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! Last night I read THE BACKUPS: A SUMMER OF STARDOM, authored by Alex di Campi and illustrated by Lara Kane, Dee Cunniffe, and Ted Brandt. This graphic novel has it all: fun, action, revenge, drama, and love. The art is beautiful and full colour. The story is fun and shares a lot of positive messages. If you love music and would like to know how it would feel to be a backup singer, I recommend it.
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May 1, 2021
This was the MOST fun.
November 21, 2023
This was a cute graphic novel! I'm sad though that it doesn't look like there's a sequel because now the ending feels a touch dissatisfying in hind sight. I still enjoyed the book, I just was hoping and expecting more to the story.
December 7, 2020
First and foremost, thank you again to Fierce Reads and Netgalley for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinions
Jenni, Lauren and Maggie get to be Backup singers for the legendary singer, Nika Nitro! But, between forbidden love, rehearsals, Nika's expectations and attitude and their own insecurities, they soon learn that standing behind the spotlight is just about as bad as standing in it. And that's before they start beef with a rival group who threaten to reveal a secret that could end Nika's career.
So, I flew through this book and didn't have time to take notes. But, I loved the character development, much needed girl empowerment, the LGBT rep, the drama that most certainly happens behind the scenes, and basically the whole book!
However, it would have been nice if we got to see the girls lives after the tour ended but I liked how it ended on a happy note (get it? Note? It's a book about music?)
Jenni, Lauren and Maggie get to be Backup singers for the legendary singer, Nika Nitro! But, between forbidden love, rehearsals, Nika's expectations and attitude and their own insecurities, they soon learn that standing behind the spotlight is just about as bad as standing in it. And that's before they start beef with a rival group who threaten to reveal a secret that could end Nika's career.
So, I flew through this book and didn't have time to take notes. But, I loved the character development, much needed girl empowerment, the LGBT rep, the drama that most certainly happens behind the scenes, and basically the whole book!
However, it would have been nice if we got to see the girls lives after the tour ended but I liked how it ended on a happy note (get it? Note? It's a book about music?)
October 5, 2025
3.5 stars
Very cute, although I'm not sure why they hired 3 high schoolers for this tour.
Very cute, although I'm not sure why they hired 3 high schoolers for this tour.
May 7, 2021
Do you like music, drama, concerts, and summertime adventure? PICK UP The Backups by Alex de Campi, illustrated by Lara Kane! I loved this graphic novel so much.
Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie are backup singers for poster Nika Nitro. They learn it isn’t easy. There are crushes, rehearsals, Nika’s attitude, and their own insecurities weighing them down. Things start to get really wild when they start a rivalry with another band. The rival band knows Nika’s secret and will do anything to get it out. It was a really fun read!
CW: fat shaming, anxiety
There is fat shaming in this book. I think that it just comes with the territory of stardom, so I’m glad the author didn’t write the book as if fat shaming doesn’t exist in the world of pop music. Yet, it was handled really well by the way the characters challenged the expectations placed upon them.
There is also an honest discussion about anxiety, and the feelings that come with being in the limelight. The character discussed anxiety about being in crowds and meeting new people. I read this on a day where I felt I couldn’t control my own anxiety. Reading this made me feel seen and validated in my concerns.
This book brought ALL the fun looking at some real struggles. The perfect balance.
Jenni, Lauren, and Maggie are backup singers for poster Nika Nitro. They learn it isn’t easy. There are crushes, rehearsals, Nika’s attitude, and their own insecurities weighing them down. Things start to get really wild when they start a rivalry with another band. The rival band knows Nika’s secret and will do anything to get it out. It was a really fun read!
CW: fat shaming, anxiety
There is fat shaming in this book. I think that it just comes with the territory of stardom, so I’m glad the author didn’t write the book as if fat shaming doesn’t exist in the world of pop music. Yet, it was handled really well by the way the characters challenged the expectations placed upon them.
There is also an honest discussion about anxiety, and the feelings that come with being in the limelight. The character discussed anxiety about being in crowds and meeting new people. I read this on a day where I felt I couldn’t control my own anxiety. Reading this made me feel seen and validated in my concerns.
This book brought ALL the fun looking at some real struggles. The perfect balance.
May 10, 2021
This was really cute! A nice wish fulfillment kind of vibe for musically-inclined teens. It was pretty tropey/predictable, which isn't necessarily bad, but there wasn't too much time for actual character development. I did love seeing Jenni deciding NOT to diet and just to embrace her body at the size it was, but also that journey was literally one day. I think this whole book takes place over a week and yet we see characters have pretty major growth arcs? Which, like, good for them. This is a breezy read and I appreciated seeing the diversity of the characters, but it's not something where these characters are going to stick with me longterm or anything.
April 30, 2021
The Backups is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel with a storyline that is smashing fun, engaging, and binge worthy.
This is a story about three teens from a performing arts high school - Jenni, Lauren and Maggie whose talents land them a gig touring the entire summer with pop super star sensation Nika Nitro.
This had all the fun, drama and intrigue that is super relatable to teens experiencing first hand the cost of fame and stardom. There are lessons learned and I love that the teens play a role in helping save the tour from impending disaster. The story is engaging and perfectly told, while the graphics and visuals are astounding.
Really enjoyed this one. Do check it out!
This is a story about three teens from a performing arts high school - Jenni, Lauren and Maggie whose talents land them a gig touring the entire summer with pop super star sensation Nika Nitro.
This had all the fun, drama and intrigue that is super relatable to teens experiencing first hand the cost of fame and stardom. There are lessons learned and I love that the teens play a role in helping save the tour from impending disaster. The story is engaging and perfectly told, while the graphics and visuals are astounding.
Really enjoyed this one. Do check it out!
June 16, 2024
I am not the audience for this or it probably would have gotten more stars. The story was mostly well thought out, the characters were just deep enough for the time it had to tell the story. The art was good, not great, same for the colors. If you have an interest in being a singer/musician or reading about such things then this is the story for you.
December 9, 2021
I read this so fast. I loved it.
January 27, 2021
This book was so much fun. The teens are all realistic. The situation is logical, and the high jinks are totally plausible.
I loved the in-fighiting. I loved the cattiness of the music industry, and I loved how the story all came together to make it work.
It is the story of three very different teenagers, one who is into classical music, one into heavy metal and the third into pop who get a summer job touring with a famous singer as their backups. It is fun, realistic, and very caring. It was a whole lot of fun.
And if I say much more, it will give away the story, and then it won't be as much fun.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I loved the in-fighiting. I loved the cattiness of the music industry, and I loved how the story all came together to make it work.
It is the story of three very different teenagers, one who is into classical music, one into heavy metal and the third into pop who get a summer job touring with a famous singer as their backups. It is fun, realistic, and very caring. It was a whole lot of fun.
And if I say much more, it will give away the story, and then it won't be as much fun.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
April 20, 2021
4 stars
rep // fat rep, Black MC, Gay character, Queer MC, Asian MC
Really cute and quick graphic novel. I loved the art style and the plot line was fun enough to follow. There was always enough going on to carry the plot forward of these 3 high school girls who become backup's for a pop star.
I felt like the story line focused mainly on Jenni and Maggie, I would have loved to see more of Laurens background and motivations beyond "I have to do more than classical". Was unfortunate that Jenni's story mainly followed her crush on some white pop star!! I felt like there could have been so much more to her than some crush obsessed fan.
Overall though I liked the book. There were really great moment of friendships and self love, and the art style was really fun to follow.
Find me on: instagram
rep // fat rep, Black MC, Gay character, Queer MC, Asian MC
Really cute and quick graphic novel. I loved the art style and the plot line was fun enough to follow. There was always enough going on to carry the plot forward of these 3 high school girls who become backup's for a pop star.
I felt like the story line focused mainly on Jenni and Maggie, I would have loved to see more of Laurens background and motivations beyond "I have to do more than classical". Was unfortunate that Jenni's story mainly followed her crush on some white pop star!! I felt like there could have been so much more to her than some crush obsessed fan.
Overall though I liked the book. There were really great moment of friendships and self love, and the art style was really fun to follow.
Find me on: instagram
Read
March 8, 2023Jenni's a singer with passion to spare, but no band to back her up. Lauren's a classically trained cellist in a rut and looking to broaden her musical horizons. Hard Rock drummer Maggie is fueled by anger and fed up with the local scene. When they pass the audition to sing backup on an eight-week tour for pop sensation Nika Nitro, they have no idea what they're getting into. When Maggie meets her heroes, the all-girl metal band, The Spoils, the girls' summer takes an unexpected turn and the bond they've forged grows even stronger. Fast-moving, flashy, and full of earnest charm: The Backups: A Summer of Stardom is an underdog story you won't want to put down. Leaves you wanting more.
- Evin, Reading Rocket
- Evin, Reading Rocket
April 28, 2021
This was such a fun cute graphic novel that would warm any heart to smiles!! As I read this graphic novel, I immediately went to order copies for my classroom. Having books that promote and support, encouragement, mending friendships, and empathy is an absolute must and this gem does just that!! If you havent gotten a copy yet, hurry, and get one because it will brighten your day!!
February 2, 2022
I thought that is was such a cute graphic novel. I love all the characters and plot of the story. I love how three girls with different personalities were hired to be a backup singer for the summer. Each brought their own and dive into a world of drama in the pop music world. I also like how there was a sprinkle of romance in here.
December 31, 2021
Great GN! Loved the illustrations. The colors were vibrant and matched each character. Lots of great storylines intertwined: crushes, body positivity, identity, anxiety, stress and more. Definitely one for the library collection!
April 13, 2021
So much fun!!! If this gets turned into a series, I would buy every issue as I loved the story and the characters that much!
July 11, 2021
This was actually a very cute story. I liked all of the characters and the positive underlying messages. Just cute all around.
October 2, 2021
4.5*
This was so much fun!
This was so much fun!
April 19, 2021
This funny and vibrant graphic novel was a delight to read and ended far too soon! I want more!
This novel was so stinkin' funny! The characters are hilarious and the plot only adds to the humor. There were multiple moments where I laughed out and I'm sure I was smiling through most of the book. The format also did a great job of lending to the humor and adding to the overall vibes.
I was also glad to see there was a smidge of romance, as well. It wasn't enough to overtake the true message of the book, but it appeased the hopeless romantics (*ahem* me *ahem*). It also helped advance one or two of the characters in their development imo.
My only complaint about this book is that it felt a little unfinished. If there wasn't going to be a vol. 2 then I would be fine, but I think this was made to be a stand-alone. I feel like it introduced many different stories and only resolved a handful of them. I just wish I could have seen more resolution.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to get to know three very different backup singers so well and to take this short trip with them. I need more!!!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This novel was so stinkin' funny! The characters are hilarious and the plot only adds to the humor. There were multiple moments where I laughed out and I'm sure I was smiling through most of the book. The format also did a great job of lending to the humor and adding to the overall vibes.
I was also glad to see there was a smidge of romance, as well. It wasn't enough to overtake the true message of the book, but it appeased the hopeless romantics (*ahem* me *ahem*). It also helped advance one or two of the characters in their development imo.
My only complaint about this book is that it felt a little unfinished. If there wasn't going to be a vol. 2 then I would be fine, but I think this was made to be a stand-alone. I feel like it introduced many different stories and only resolved a handful of them. I just wish I could have seen more resolution.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to get to know three very different backup singers so well and to take this short trip with them. I need more!!!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog • Instagram • Twitter
April 5, 2021
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Backups: A Summer of Stardom is a sweet and wholesome story of three girls who come together to become the backup singers for Nika Nitro, the popular beautiful popstar. Jenni, Lauren and Maggie couldn't be more different, however that doesn't stop them from becoming fast friends. These girls are all charming, lovable and unique. Their story of friendship and first love is one that is sure to have any reader smiling.
The artwork is absolutely beautiful! The bright and colorful style really captures the feel of the story. It adds a fun element to the overall reading experience.
If you like fun graphic novels where the characters grow and learn a little this is something you should definitely give a try. It's cute, it's fun and so so sweet.
You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
The Backups: A Summer of Stardom is a sweet and wholesome story of three girls who come together to become the backup singers for Nika Nitro, the popular beautiful popstar. Jenni, Lauren and Maggie couldn't be more different, however that doesn't stop them from becoming fast friends. These girls are all charming, lovable and unique. Their story of friendship and first love is one that is sure to have any reader smiling.
The artwork is absolutely beautiful! The bright and colorful style really captures the feel of the story. It adds a fun element to the overall reading experience.
If you like fun graphic novels where the characters grow and learn a little this is something you should definitely give a try. It's cute, it's fun and so so sweet.
You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com
June 25, 2021
Characters
I loved the diversity in this book! My favorite characters were Jenni and Nika; they had such depth to them. The character development was really on point and the friendship between the girls was genuine and made me tear up at the end. It says a lot about authors who are able to define each of their characters as inividuals without getting lost with all the little details.
Art
The art was fantastic. I loved the color of the panels and I was really able to see what was going on. Everyone was distinguishable and it was easy to keep up with all the action. I especially appreciated all the outfits.
4.5/5
Such a fun graphic novel with so many good messages! I'm glad I picked this one up!
I loved the diversity in this book! My favorite characters were Jenni and Nika; they had such depth to them. The character development was really on point and the friendship between the girls was genuine and made me tear up at the end. It says a lot about authors who are able to define each of their characters as inividuals without getting lost with all the little details.
Art
The art was fantastic. I loved the color of the panels and I was really able to see what was going on. Everyone was distinguishable and it was easy to keep up with all the action. I especially appreciated all the outfits.
4.5/5
Such a fun graphic novel with so many good messages! I'm glad I picked this one up!
January 27, 2021
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
The Backups focuses on 3 teens chosen as backup singers for one of the world's biggest stars. The action is quick, with lots of characters, but that's what makes this such a fun read. The range of the diversity and differences of the characters is a real highlight, as well as the friendship between them. I'd classify this as young adult but on the younger side, it has a lot of appeal for older middle grade readers too.
The Backups focuses on 3 teens chosen as backup singers for one of the world's biggest stars. The action is quick, with lots of characters, but that's what makes this such a fun read. The range of the diversity and differences of the characters is a real highlight, as well as the friendship between them. I'd classify this as young adult but on the younger side, it has a lot of appeal for older middle grade readers too.
December 22, 2020
4.5 stars
The Backups by Alex de Campi is definitely a graphic novel worth picking up for the music loving reader. Read my full review here Link goes live 3/29/2021
The Backups by Alex de Campi is definitely a graphic novel worth picking up for the music loving reader. Read my full review here Link goes live 3/29/2021
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews