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Amelia Rules! #3
Amelia Rules! Volume 3: Superheroes
Amelia McBride is facing more changes - her beloved Aunt Tanner is moving, new friend Trish is hiding a terrible secret and super-hero-wannabe Reggie has vowed to destroy the evil Legion of Steves. (You did know that everyone named Steve is up to no good, right??) This first ever novel-length Amelia Rules! story masterfully combines seriousness and humor, even taking the reader into the brilliantly-illustrated fantasy worlds of the "Tweenie Zeenie" and Reggie's imagination.
174 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
5 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Gownley
89 books106 followersJimmy Gownley is the author and illustrator of the Amelia Rules! series of graphic novels, as well as the memoir The Dumbest Idea Ever!.
He has been nominated for 13 Eisner awards and 6 Harvey awards. His book Superheroes won the 2006 Cybil Award for best graphic novel for kids 12 and under.
He lives in Pennsylvania.
He has been nominated for 13 Eisner awards and 6 Harvey awards. His book Superheroes won the 2006 Cybil Award for best graphic novel for kids 12 and under.
He lives in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 28, 2011
I gave the first Amelia graphic novel 2 stars, and with that, I figured I was done with the Amelia books. Trevor (10) liked the first one reasonably well, and I got at least five more of them transferred to our local library for *his* reading pleasure. Still, I didn't expect him to approach me, title in hand, and say "I think you might like this one. It made me tear up at the end." OK, how can I resist THAT? Trevor knows I am a softie, and will cry at heart-string pulling, non-eye-rolling commercials on the right day. So I took his advice, and read it.
He was right. What mostly annoyed me about the first title was the overly annoying, past incessant bickering among the 'friends'. In Superheroes, Amelia and Rhonda still have issues, but their drama never overshadows the plot, made me twitch, or made me want to spend a weekend away from my own children in a hotel room. Instead, we have a storyline where friendships are strengthened (even tested), and crushes are explored a bit again as well. A rival gang of 'ninjas' vie against the heroes for neighborhood seniority, and the resolution is well done and appropriate. I liked that the Superheroes went on the warpath against the "Legion of Steves" for a time; some of the jokes were ones that adults were more likely to 'get', something I always appreciate in a kid's graphic novel.
Yes, in the end (and a fair bit before too), I did tear up, and that for me is the mark of a good story, kids or not, graphic novel or prose. I still don't intend to read any more of these stories, but I am very, very pleased to have left the series on a positive note. On a further plus side, Trevor highly enjoys these books, and has read most of the ones in the series "twice". Therefore, I can recommend them to your tween children, heartily.
He was right. What mostly annoyed me about the first title was the overly annoying, past incessant bickering among the 'friends'. In Superheroes, Amelia and Rhonda still have issues, but their drama never overshadows the plot, made me twitch, or made me want to spend a weekend away from my own children in a hotel room. Instead, we have a storyline where friendships are strengthened (even tested), and crushes are explored a bit again as well. A rival gang of 'ninjas' vie against the heroes for neighborhood seniority, and the resolution is well done and appropriate. I liked that the Superheroes went on the warpath against the "Legion of Steves" for a time; some of the jokes were ones that adults were more likely to 'get', something I always appreciate in a kid's graphic novel.
Yes, in the end (and a fair bit before too), I did tear up, and that for me is the mark of a good story, kids or not, graphic novel or prose. I still don't intend to read any more of these stories, but I am very, very pleased to have left the series on a positive note. On a further plus side, Trevor highly enjoys these books, and has read most of the ones in the series "twice". Therefore, I can recommend them to your tween children, heartily.
August 22, 2016
*First read when I was a kid*
This volume is the first one that really stuck out to me, mostly because it deals with the issue of chronic illness (and its themes can be extended to mental illness). I think that even while I was enjoying the story, I was trying to take in the lessons they were extending, and to apply them to my own life. I think I still am today. I don't have a whole lot to say about this volume generally (a lot of it's covered below), but the mix of funny and heartbreaking and ultimately, hope is what really drew me to this series.
Misc. comments on individual stories:
Fireflies and Time - I like how this chapter used more imagination sequences. It really broke out of tradition, and was the better for it (I definitely remembered "Rhondapunzel" as soon as I got to it).
"There is nothing in the world like the last day of school... It kinda feels like it's Saturday morning and you have a bowl of "Apple Jacks." And you're watching cartoons and it's all good ones... And the cereal has made the milk all pink and sweet... And Monday is a holiday, and it's gonna snow on Tuesday, and it feels like time is standing still." I love the way Gownley describes different parts of life, and how they still hold up over time.
I love how the series can go from humorous (squishing fireflies) to heartbreaking (the last few panels as her world shatters).
Into Graceland - We get to see more of the Park View Terrace cast! This is one of the issues where they really start to develop, which leads into their parts in later stories.
I love the part where Amelia talks about what her life could have been at a new school - maybe more so now that I'm older, and I'm reflecting on where I've gone since I originally read this.
"But I was wrong. Someone was looking out for me. Someone always is." I love Tanner and Amelia's relationship so much, and we really get to see more of it in this issue. This line really hit me, maybe because even when things get bad, they manage to get better again.
"So I run back in, and I jump up on her, and I'm hugging her around her neck, and I start crying, and she starts laughing, and I still can't think of anything to say. But it doesn't matter, 'cuz superheroes never need to be thanked anyway." - :')
Old Friends Who Just Met - "It was Pajamaman. He's a bad seed! I was just up here praying..." Good lord, Reggie.
I like how when characters are upside down, the text bubbles are upside down too. It's a nice touch.
"I've never seen this kid in my life!" is a good line, too.
My Novel's Gonna Need an Evil Villain - I'm pretty sure I still think about the Evil Legion of Steves whenever I meet someone by that name.
The ending leads into the more serious tone of the story, which is a really interesting switch for the series. It's easily the most adult theme the series has tackled so far, and I think it's well-summed up by the exchange: "Did anyone ever tell you that you're a troublemaker, little girl?" "Everybody tells me that. What's going on?" It's still humorous, but there's an edge to it.
I love the final image of the chapter of Trish shining the flashlight. It parallels well with later parts of the story.
When the Hero Takes a Fall - Kyle and Joan have such a great back-and-forth. I'm glad the newer characters hold up as well as the older ones.
The brightness of the "There's nothing to tell" exchange works so well when it's put in plain lines during the truth or dare scene. It really amplifies the emotional aspect of the scene, and adds to Amelia's hardness.
The Rhonda and Reggie story is so cute, and I love the comics homage.
The panel where the glass shatters above Rhonda is beautiful. We don't get as much with her character, but I think it captures younger angst really well.
"It's not like you'll be around much longer anyway." is the heaviest line of the entire series.
"Was that gesture directed at me?" Iconic and inspiring.
I was honestly crying during the panel where Amelia's laying on the ground + the next chapter. Less is more.
Against Unbelievable Odds - I really love how Reggie's daydream from the first chapter is contrasted with this one. Adults being as helpless as kids is kind of a big theme in the series, and that's amplified here.
Trish's story is a basic one, but still so good. Her villain is obviously her physical illness, but can be extended to mental illness too. Both the ideas that light can come from inside and that strength can come from others are integral to the story, and to the overall theme.
"She's not wearing any pants." The humor's still there.
I think now that I'm older, "And that was the last time I saw her" means more to me. It applies to many more people. I wish it didn't, but this is part of it's applicability comes from the series still relating, even after all these years.
I love the older scene between Amelia and Rhonda. It's bittersweet, even though it's obvious they're still friends. It reminds me of how those days are behind me, but also how I have a lot to look forward to. (Or maybe I'm just a sucker for flashforward scenes.)
Between "You are INSIGNIFICANT!" and "Did she get to live "Happily Ever After?" Well, no one ever does. But thats not what's important. What's important is SHE LIVED!," the second story that comes out of this issue is part of why it means so much to me. The fantasy parallels reality, and gives hope that people are able to get through bad situations. I'll try to remember those, too.
"There's lots more between now and then. More school, more play. Lots more laughs, a few more tears. More friends. More goodbyes. Amelia once said she didn't want to grow up. I wonder if she still feels that way? I bet kinda not. As for me? I can't wait." I'm quoting a lot in this, but I kind of needed this quote (a week away from my sophomore year in college). I'm still so worried about growing up. There's so much more to do.
I'm so glad this is holding up.
This volume is the first one that really stuck out to me, mostly because it deals with the issue of chronic illness (and its themes can be extended to mental illness). I think that even while I was enjoying the story, I was trying to take in the lessons they were extending, and to apply them to my own life. I think I still am today. I don't have a whole lot to say about this volume generally (a lot of it's covered below), but the mix of funny and heartbreaking and ultimately, hope is what really drew me to this series.
Misc. comments on individual stories:
Fireflies and Time - I like how this chapter used more imagination sequences. It really broke out of tradition, and was the better for it (I definitely remembered "Rhondapunzel" as soon as I got to it).
"There is nothing in the world like the last day of school... It kinda feels like it's Saturday morning and you have a bowl of "Apple Jacks." And you're watching cartoons and it's all good ones... And the cereal has made the milk all pink and sweet... And Monday is a holiday, and it's gonna snow on Tuesday, and it feels like time is standing still." I love the way Gownley describes different parts of life, and how they still hold up over time.
I love how the series can go from humorous (squishing fireflies) to heartbreaking (the last few panels as her world shatters).
Into Graceland - We get to see more of the Park View Terrace cast! This is one of the issues where they really start to develop, which leads into their parts in later stories.
I love the part where Amelia talks about what her life could have been at a new school - maybe more so now that I'm older, and I'm reflecting on where I've gone since I originally read this.
"But I was wrong. Someone was looking out for me. Someone always is." I love Tanner and Amelia's relationship so much, and we really get to see more of it in this issue. This line really hit me, maybe because even when things get bad, they manage to get better again.
"So I run back in, and I jump up on her, and I'm hugging her around her neck, and I start crying, and she starts laughing, and I still can't think of anything to say. But it doesn't matter, 'cuz superheroes never need to be thanked anyway." - :')
Old Friends Who Just Met - "It was Pajamaman. He's a bad seed! I was just up here praying..." Good lord, Reggie.
I like how when characters are upside down, the text bubbles are upside down too. It's a nice touch.
"I've never seen this kid in my life!" is a good line, too.
My Novel's Gonna Need an Evil Villain - I'm pretty sure I still think about the Evil Legion of Steves whenever I meet someone by that name.
The ending leads into the more serious tone of the story, which is a really interesting switch for the series. It's easily the most adult theme the series has tackled so far, and I think it's well-summed up by the exchange: "Did anyone ever tell you that you're a troublemaker, little girl?" "Everybody tells me that. What's going on?" It's still humorous, but there's an edge to it.
I love the final image of the chapter of Trish shining the flashlight. It parallels well with later parts of the story.
When the Hero Takes a Fall - Kyle and Joan have such a great back-and-forth. I'm glad the newer characters hold up as well as the older ones.
The brightness of the "There's nothing to tell" exchange works so well when it's put in plain lines during the truth or dare scene. It really amplifies the emotional aspect of the scene, and adds to Amelia's hardness.
The Rhonda and Reggie story is so cute, and I love the comics homage.
The panel where the glass shatters above Rhonda is beautiful. We don't get as much with her character, but I think it captures younger angst really well.
"It's not like you'll be around much longer anyway." is the heaviest line of the entire series.
"Was that gesture directed at me?" Iconic and inspiring.
I was honestly crying during the panel where Amelia's laying on the ground + the next chapter. Less is more.
Against Unbelievable Odds - I really love how Reggie's daydream from the first chapter is contrasted with this one. Adults being as helpless as kids is kind of a big theme in the series, and that's amplified here.
Trish's story is a basic one, but still so good. Her villain is obviously her physical illness, but can be extended to mental illness too. Both the ideas that light can come from inside and that strength can come from others are integral to the story, and to the overall theme.
"She's not wearing any pants." The humor's still there.
I think now that I'm older, "And that was the last time I saw her" means more to me. It applies to many more people. I wish it didn't, but this is part of it's applicability comes from the series still relating, even after all these years.
I love the older scene between Amelia and Rhonda. It's bittersweet, even though it's obvious they're still friends. It reminds me of how those days are behind me, but also how I have a lot to look forward to. (Or maybe I'm just a sucker for flashforward scenes.)
Between "You are INSIGNIFICANT!" and "Did she get to live "Happily Ever After?" Well, no one ever does. But thats not what's important. What's important is SHE LIVED!," the second story that comes out of this issue is part of why it means so much to me. The fantasy parallels reality, and gives hope that people are able to get through bad situations. I'll try to remember those, too.
"There's lots more between now and then. More school, more play. Lots more laughs, a few more tears. More friends. More goodbyes. Amelia once said she didn't want to grow up. I wonder if she still feels that way? I bet kinda not. As for me? I can't wait." I'm quoting a lot in this, but I kind of needed this quote (a week away from my sophomore year in college). I'm still so worried about growing up. There's so much more to do.
I'm so glad this is holding up.
April 1, 2016
I am a Brave Boy, my home is near. YOU ARE INSIGNIFICANT! Vol 3 made Amelia Rules jump from good to great. A realistic portrayal of life as an only child with divorced parents. Vol 3 kicks off with the beginning of summer vacation and maybe a brutal change for Amelia, but luckily her Aunt Tanner former pop star saves the day
We also get to know some minor characters from Book 2 as the members of GASP have to take on their arch enemies the Ninja's and a new group called the Legion of Steves. Along the way we also get to know the history between Reggie and Rhonda. And the heart breaking story of Trish one of Amelia's new friends.
The series as usual shows a brutally honest portrayal of life as a 4th grader. But the two key stories that sky rockets this volume is the backstory if Reggie, who in 1st grade was a quiet, shy, bullied, boy which reminded me of me and the words of wisdom his mother always told him. You are a brave boy and your home is near. With those words written on a piece of paper Reggie keeps on himself and pulls out whenever he needs it, it becomes his mantra and shows why Rhonda would fall for him.
Amelia co-opts it and makes it a mini mantra of her own as well. But the real emotional story is that of Trish, young girl who lives near Tanner's new residence. Writer on a tween magazine produced by a friend of hers. Trish writes a fantasy series about Trishara and her battles with the evil Shadowman. In reality it is playing out a situation that Trish is dealing with which is in itself tragic. It all wraps up in the final story of the collection that takes a peek into the future of Amelia and Rhonda that adds an emotional cap to the story of Trish and it is one of the best stories I have ever read.
A great series with fully formed characters, comedy, romance, drama and everything young kids go through. Brilliant series.
We also get to know some minor characters from Book 2 as the members of GASP have to take on their arch enemies the Ninja's and a new group called the Legion of Steves. Along the way we also get to know the history between Reggie and Rhonda. And the heart breaking story of Trish one of Amelia's new friends.
The series as usual shows a brutally honest portrayal of life as a 4th grader. But the two key stories that sky rockets this volume is the backstory if Reggie, who in 1st grade was a quiet, shy, bullied, boy which reminded me of me and the words of wisdom his mother always told him. You are a brave boy and your home is near. With those words written on a piece of paper Reggie keeps on himself and pulls out whenever he needs it, it becomes his mantra and shows why Rhonda would fall for him.
Amelia co-opts it and makes it a mini mantra of her own as well. But the real emotional story is that of Trish, young girl who lives near Tanner's new residence. Writer on a tween magazine produced by a friend of hers. Trish writes a fantasy series about Trishara and her battles with the evil Shadowman. In reality it is playing out a situation that Trish is dealing with which is in itself tragic. It all wraps up in the final story of the collection that takes a peek into the future of Amelia and Rhonda that adds an emotional cap to the story of Trish and it is one of the best stories I have ever read.
A great series with fully formed characters, comedy, romance, drama and everything young kids go through. Brilliant series.
July 4, 2014
Amazing and cleaver this book was a total random book sale buy and I seriously can't wait to find the others. This is how you write a children's graphic novel Yolan take notes. I didn't expect this to make me weep like a baby but wow that ending, heartrendingly amazing.
My only complaint is that these kids are supposed to be fourth graders to fifth grade age, when honestly should have been sixth to seventh. That way the vocabulary and topics would be more on par with who is able to read this series.
For girls age fifth-eighth grade and if the characters were older then this series would be able to reach older kids without sacrificing any part of the story.
I am all about this series right now.
My only complaint is that these kids are supposed to be fourth graders to fifth grade age, when honestly should have been sixth to seventh. That way the vocabulary and topics would be more on par with who is able to read this series.
For girls age fifth-eighth grade and if the characters were older then this series would be able to reach older kids without sacrificing any part of the story.
I am all about this series right now.
August 14, 2020
Argh! I could not remember which kid was which. I even forgot which one was Amelia. This is all on me -- the art was great and everyone was very distinctive. I'm terrible at graphic novels. It didn't help that this is my first Amelia book, and I had system shock from the vision of the future where Amelia rags on herself for going boy-crazy.
The rival gangs were fun and Amelia's fear of the green space made sense to me. The final chapter was a bit dramatic and didn't really work for me.
The rival gangs were fun and Amelia's fear of the green space made sense to me. The final chapter was a bit dramatic and didn't really work for me.
Read
August 3, 2020I read these books when I was in 4th or 5th grade? And LOVED THEM. They were my personality. It took me about 20 minutes of searching on Google to find the name of these books so I could finally log it. I don’t remember much from this specific book except for the fact that it made little me cry a river and then a sea.
May 27, 2017
This have a lot of interesting things in the book and shows how life is
July 6, 2019
I think that this book was extremely funny, because of G.A.S.P. A lot of people in G.A.S.P, especially Reggie, made this book funny.
November 30, 2019
Favorite book or the whole series!!! ♥️👍
September 19, 2020
“I’m a brave boy. My home is always near. And your are insignificant”
March 8, 2022
i love this book. so much. scream cry childhood.
June 23, 2022
This is my favorite book, is really fantastic and addictive.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
August 28, 2023impulse grab at the library August 2023... maybe if I'd started with the first book it would have made more sense... I skipped through to the end after getting to p. 58 and my brain is just fried...
September 21, 2023
LOVE. SO MUCH LOVE. i missed this series sm loutit needs to get on top of it
January 23, 2024
i love you amelia mcbride i’ve missed you so much
February 6, 2024
Thanks, Jimmy Gownley, for making me cry at 10 PM on Monday, January 29th. And when I say "cry", I mean sob in ways that are incomprehensible. I hope you're happy.
December 11, 2015
Summary: This book is the third in a series of Amelia Rules! by Jimmy Gownley's. This book, Superheroes, is about Amelia's adventures dealing with having to move, new friendships and secret legends, and all the adventures she faces with superhero characters.
Characteristics that support the genre: The book is laid out in a comic strip form that combines the traits of a novel.
Writing mentor traits:
Presentation-The book is in a comic strip form with different punctuations to emphasize expression. The illustrations are comically and expressive to show the character's feelings in a funny way. Colors and sizes change to illustrate the emotions.
Idea-The idea of the book is about a girl dealing with issues that kids might face and the friendship and family connections along the way. Their are many stories that are in detail throughout the book. The stories ends on a happy note to realize being brave can help you face difficult situations and the bonds of friendship.
Voice-The characters and narration of the book is in quotes throughout the book that we can hear directly what the characters are saying and feeling. Some of the voice is in large print, bold, italicized, all to emphasize the meaning.
Integration into the classroom: The book would be a great book to get kids to read that do not like reading a traditional novel but still get the ideas and meaning of a story. This would be a great recommendation for students that connect to humor and funny characters. The book could also be used in a reading lesson comparing and contrasting characters throughout the book. Students would learn how to pick out character traits throughout the book and compare them at the beginning and end as well.
Other suggestions: This book would be a good example of how to treat others well and decisions you might have to make. The characters in this story face a game of "truth and dare". What would you do in this situation? What about other times that you have to decide what would be the right thing to do? All would create a discussion on decision making. This book is designed for grades 3-5.
Characteristics that support the genre: The book is laid out in a comic strip form that combines the traits of a novel.
Writing mentor traits:
Presentation-The book is in a comic strip form with different punctuations to emphasize expression. The illustrations are comically and expressive to show the character's feelings in a funny way. Colors and sizes change to illustrate the emotions.
Idea-The idea of the book is about a girl dealing with issues that kids might face and the friendship and family connections along the way. Their are many stories that are in detail throughout the book. The stories ends on a happy note to realize being brave can help you face difficult situations and the bonds of friendship.
Voice-The characters and narration of the book is in quotes throughout the book that we can hear directly what the characters are saying and feeling. Some of the voice is in large print, bold, italicized, all to emphasize the meaning.
Integration into the classroom: The book would be a great book to get kids to read that do not like reading a traditional novel but still get the ideas and meaning of a story. This would be a great recommendation for students that connect to humor and funny characters. The book could also be used in a reading lesson comparing and contrasting characters throughout the book. Students would learn how to pick out character traits throughout the book and compare them at the beginning and end as well.
Other suggestions: This book would be a good example of how to treat others well and decisions you might have to make. The characters in this story face a game of "truth and dare". What would you do in this situation? What about other times that you have to decide what would be the right thing to do? All would create a discussion on decision making. This book is designed for grades 3-5.
March 30, 2007
There simply aren't enough good words in the English language to describe this book. It's been compared to Peanuts more times than I can count, and if you're just looking at the cuteness of it, I can understand that--it does have a moderately Peanutsy look. But where this story really shines is in the emotional content. Gownley's biggest strength is his ability to portray situations with all the gravity they have to a 10-year-old. A situation that doesn't merit much thinking about to an adult, but is a big deal to a kid--Gownley writes it as a Big Deal. Because to Amelia and her friends, it IS a big deal.
Superheroes, the third Amelia Rules collection, is probably the most emotional by far. Watching her moving away from her friends, coping with a new friend moving away, a bike accident on a scary road, and the projections of what happens to Amelia as she grows up are by turns heartbreaking and hopeful. Gownley is really in top form in this collection.
Superheroes, the third Amelia Rules collection, is probably the most emotional by far. Watching her moving away from her friends, coping with a new friend moving away, a bike accident on a scary road, and the projections of what happens to Amelia as she grows up are by turns heartbreaking and hopeful. Gownley is really in top form in this collection.
July 19, 2014
This is the third book in the Amelia Rules! series by Jimmy Gownley. We recently discovered this series and our girls just love it - they will argue over who gets to read the books first. They are really into reading graphic novels right now and we all love that it features a strong female main character who has other strong women in her life.
The book is broken up into six short stories that are consecutive in time and show how the friends' relationship develops and changes over time and introduces new characters. I loved the side stories, the comic strips and especially the tale about Princess Trishara.
Overall, I love the complexities of the emotions and the tough subjects that are handled with both humor and sensitivity. We all really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of the books in this series.
The book is broken up into six short stories that are consecutive in time and show how the friends' relationship develops and changes over time and introduces new characters. I loved the side stories, the comic strips and especially the tale about Princess Trishara.
Overall, I love the complexities of the emotions and the tough subjects that are handled with both humor and sensitivity. We all really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of the books in this series.
May 21, 2008
Summary (Worldcat): Amelia McBride has to face even more changes. Her beloved she's moving again, her new friend Trish is hiding a terrible secret, and superhero-wannabe Reggie has vowed to destroy the evil Legion of Steves.
Review: This book is great fun and a great introduction to graphic novels. The medium is skillfully used to alternate character view point, to change tone, and even for parody. The characters are loveable and dynamic. The story line is dramatic but feel very authentic as well. However, some of the text is so small is it obviously made for young eyes.
Positive review from Booklist. I wans't able to locate any other reviews for this specific volume, but others have been positively reviews by SLJ, who is quoted on the cover as stating "A character to rival Ramona".
Review: This book is great fun and a great introduction to graphic novels. The medium is skillfully used to alternate character view point, to change tone, and even for parody. The characters are loveable and dynamic. The story line is dramatic but feel very authentic as well. However, some of the text is so small is it obviously made for young eyes.
Positive review from Booklist. I wans't able to locate any other reviews for this specific volume, but others have been positively reviews by SLJ, who is quoted on the cover as stating "A character to rival Ramona".
January 4, 2013
Ten year old Amelia Louise McBride is getting used to living in a small town. Sure, it was hard to leave New York after her parents decided to get divorced. But now that she's got her friends Reggie, Rhonda, and Pajamaman, she's starting to feel like things just might be okay. That is, until her mom drops the bomb that they might be moving again - across town, to a new school district. Can things get any worse for Amelia?
When Amelia meets her new friend Trish and learns about the terrible secret she's hiding, Amelia realizes that sometimes you just have to look adversity in the face and then give it a wedgie on its way out the door.
When Amelia meets her new friend Trish and learns about the terrible secret she's hiding, Amelia realizes that sometimes you just have to look adversity in the face and then give it a wedgie on its way out the door.
October 31, 2017
Even the superhero team G.A.S.P. cannot stop the Grim Reaper AKA Shadow Man. Have the tissues ready. This book exemplifies all that is good about the medium of comic book story telling and is my favourite (so far) of the collected Amelia Rules books. Gownley cops out a little and may have left the possibility of a positive ending - myself I think otherwise. Whatever the intentions of the author, it is magnificent storytelling at its best.
February 18, 2013
I started reading these when I was 13 and I still love them. They remind me of being a little kid again and are funny while have serious messages. Amelia is a great character: she's precocious and really a bit of a smart-Alec, but understanding and sensitive. Tanner is like a rockstar Yoda in a belly-showing shirt. Amelia's friends are unique and funny in every way. Her parents are kind and nurturing, without being totally perfect. These books charming and heartwarming, with beautiful artwork. It's so sad that this series has ended.
RIP Amelia Rules
Read these! Seriously they're great! :)
RIP Amelia Rules
Read these! Seriously they're great! :)
January 27, 2016
Ok, I'm back for some more gushing about how much I love this series. I think this might be my favorite volume in the series (at least so far). It handled some pretty heavy topics, but it was really handled so well. Gownley is really good at handling "adult" topics in a way that's accessible to kids without treating them like they're unintelligent. This is something I have also noticed in Peanuts, which this has been compared to on several occasions, and I can definitely see the similarities! I love Amelia and all of the other characters and these books just put me in a great mood.
July 16, 2008
Amelia Rules! graphic novels always make me happy! The characters are wonderful, as is the presentation. Amelia shows life thru the eyes of a 10 year old girl with all its ups & downs. This one had more downs then usual, but still enough light-hearted moments to round it off nicely. Her collection of friends add different view points, as does her Aunt Tanner. Everyone should have a Tanner in their lives.
January 28, 2009
This is going to be a great book to give to a child going through a divorce. I am touched by Amelia and her friends. They are funny (especially in their superhero costumes) but they also are real. I went from laughing to almost crying. The characters are real and their lives are much like many childrens. grades 4+
March 22, 2010
These books are helping transition my daughter to self reading instead of being read to. The stories are a bit more complex than in chapter books, and the illustrations help her apply inflection to her reading also.
Amelia is a many faceted character and a relatable child. I would recommend this for girls aged 7-11.
Amelia is a many faceted character and a relatable child. I would recommend this for girls aged 7-11.
February 7, 2015
I'm sure I've read this one before, but it's feeling new. The Phondapunzel silent movie fantasy had me laughing out loud (I just knew that a handsome prince would come save me! You are a prince, right? (Well, my Dad has most of his albums.) Close enough!), and I just love the balance of humor and darkness in this series.
March 22, 2014
This is like a female 'Calvin' from the Watterson days. The beautiful difference is that you get a completely fleshed out story. To an adult the 'danger' or choices might seem small, but for pre-teens they hit the target. Recommended to any 4-6 grade teacher who can figure out how to display the art while using this as a read a-loud.
December 4, 2014
I absolutely loved this! This was the second one that I've read and I love the storyline and the characters. It brings back the memories that I have of elementary school. There was a couple of twists and turns where I wasn't sure what would happen to Amelia and Trishia, but I loved that it gives the readers a glimpse into the future. Awesome!! A book for all ages :)
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