What do you think?
Rate this book
The Real Riley Mayes: A Graphic Novel
Funny and full of heart, this debut graphic novel is a story about friendship, identity, and embracing all the parts of yourself that make you special.
Fifth grade is just not Riley’s vibe. Everyone else is squaded up—except Riley. Her best friend moved away. All she wants to do is draw, and her grades show it.
One thing that makes her happy is her favorite comedian, Joy Powers. Riley loves to watch her old shows and has memorized her best jokes. So when the class is assigned to write letters to people they admire, of course Riley’s picking Joy Powers!
Things start to look up when a classmate, Cate, offers to help Riley with the letter, and a new kid, Aaron, actually seems to get her weird sense of humor. But when mean girl Whitney spreads a rumor about her, things begin to click into place for Riley. Her curiosity about Aaron’s two dads and her celebrity crush on Joy Powers suddenly make more sense.
Readers will respond to Riley’s journey of self-discovery and will recognize themselves in this character who is less than perfect but trying her best. And creative kids will recognize themselves in her love of art and drawing.
While often funny and light, Riley’s exploration of what it feels to be an outsider and how hard it can be to make a friend break your heart in the best way. And with all of Riley’s hijinks and missteps, this story is laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
21 people are currently reading
2708 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 26, 2024
Absolutely adored this! I’ve seen this so many times but I didn’t have the time to pick it up. I’m glad that finally did. It’s such a sweet coming of age and coming out story that’s perfect for a middle grade audience. There are some difficult moments in terms of content warnings where Riley is bullied and experiences homophobia from other students but she has such a great support system and is able to really connect with another student. I loved the emphasis on being true to self and only making space for those who allow you to do the same. Riley is an imperfect character and has a lot to learn, but overall she’s sweet, kind, and quirky character that even I could relate to. Overall, a good debut!
March 12, 2022
The Real Riley Mayes gave me a bit of a stomachache. That’s because debut Author/Illustrator Rachel Elliott does a stellar job of whisking readers onto the runaway roller coaster known as fifth grade. This inspiring and hopeful graphic novel made me laugh, too.
Since her best friend moved away, Riley’s unsure where she fits. No one gets her. Not the boys, who won’t let her play football at recess. Not the girls, who just want to crush on the latest boy band. She’s getting to know the principal, though, even though the school year has barely begun.
Fifth grade isn’t my kinda vibe, Riley says on page one.
Her teacher wants Riley to pay attention and stop drawing on her assignments. But Riley, who says she isn’t great with words, must draw! She’s an artist! Since the school has cut its art program, Riley’s parents promise to pay for community art lessons if she gets all Bs on her report card and doesn’t get into any more trouble at school. Riley’s response: “That’s impossible.”
She’s lucky to have kind parents and a sweet older brother who love her exactly as she is and encourage her to tiptoe past her comfort zone to connect with others. Riley succeeds in making new friends but—this is fifth grade, after all—there are harrowing swerves and loop-de-loops along the way.
When the Queen Bee calls her “lesbo,” Riley is confused. Lesbians go with other girls, she thinks, and she doesn’t go with anybody. Also, isn’t “lesbo” a mean word? Not wanting to risk having another note sent home, Riley decides to handle it herself.
As she works on a school project about her favorite comedian, a woman named Joy Powers, Riley wonders if she might have a crush on Joy? If so, would that “psych people out” or frighten away a new friend?
Readers will cheer for charming, kind-hearted Riley as she struggles to find herself, her place and her people. The story and its lively illustrations, which celebrate the power of art to connect people and bring positive energy into the world, is well-suited for the popular graphic novel format.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion about the book. I don’t review books that I didn’t finish or didn’t enjoy.
Since her best friend moved away, Riley’s unsure where she fits. No one gets her. Not the boys, who won’t let her play football at recess. Not the girls, who just want to crush on the latest boy band. She’s getting to know the principal, though, even though the school year has barely begun.
Fifth grade isn’t my kinda vibe, Riley says on page one.
Her teacher wants Riley to pay attention and stop drawing on her assignments. But Riley, who says she isn’t great with words, must draw! She’s an artist! Since the school has cut its art program, Riley’s parents promise to pay for community art lessons if she gets all Bs on her report card and doesn’t get into any more trouble at school. Riley’s response: “That’s impossible.”
She’s lucky to have kind parents and a sweet older brother who love her exactly as she is and encourage her to tiptoe past her comfort zone to connect with others. Riley succeeds in making new friends but—this is fifth grade, after all—there are harrowing swerves and loop-de-loops along the way.
When the Queen Bee calls her “lesbo,” Riley is confused. Lesbians go with other girls, she thinks, and she doesn’t go with anybody. Also, isn’t “lesbo” a mean word? Not wanting to risk having another note sent home, Riley decides to handle it herself.
As she works on a school project about her favorite comedian, a woman named Joy Powers, Riley wonders if she might have a crush on Joy? If so, would that “psych people out” or frighten away a new friend?
Readers will cheer for charming, kind-hearted Riley as she struggles to find herself, her place and her people. The story and its lively illustrations, which celebrate the power of art to connect people and bring positive energy into the world, is well-suited for the popular graphic novel format.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion about the book. I don’t review books that I didn’t finish or didn’t enjoy.
March 25, 2022
The Real Riley Mayes was adorable, relatable, and memorable. Riley is funny and full of personality. She’s fun and marches to the beat of her own drum—which seems to be off-beat compared to everyone else, leading her to feel like no one really gets her. As she struggles to find the right words to write in a letter to her favorite comedian, Joy Powers, she begins to realize maybe her obsession with Joy is more than she thought. While going through fifth grade, she discovers her own identity while finding people who get her. The book is filled with heartfelt friendships and realistic struggles with kids at school. The art is humorous and the story is a quick-read. I’d definitely recommend checking it out!
March 7, 2022
What a book for this historical moment! Did you know that Oklahoma is advancing a bill that would criminalize school librarians over LGBTQ books? Not only do they want to ban queer books, but they want to make it okay in the state of OK to penalize with a fine of $10,000 any librarian who doesn’t remove books at any parent’s complaint. That’s not OK! And it’s not America. Remarkably, these issues are at the heart of Rachel Elliott’s debut graphic novel for middle-grade kids, The Real Riley Mayes. The Real Riley Mayes is set in Oklahoma, and the author-illustrator is from Pryor. So, she knows what it’s like to grow up queer in a red state. The book tenderly and humorously examines how middle-grade kids navigate school politics as they find friends, face their first crushes, sneak into the library for real information, and create art to resist the bullies around them. Come to think of it, Riley Mayes represents us all at this moment in time when finding real info, creating community, and resisting bullies is what we all need to do as Americans. The Real Riley Mayes comes out in May!
March 20, 2022
This joyous, laugh-out-loud hilarious graphic novel will be a one-sit read for anyone who picks it up. Fifth grader Riley Mayes is just trying to figure out who she is: at school and at home. When she realizes she has a crush on celebrity comedian Joy Powers, she begins to explore her queer identity and what that might mean. While she faces homophobic classmates, Riley finds support from her family and her friend group. This story is a celebration of the power of friendship, embracing who you really are, and sharing that unbridled happiness with everyone around you. I absolutely loved this book, and I cannot wait to see more from debut author and illustrator Rachel Elliot!
June 23, 2025
“If a person is gay… will they still have friends? Does being gay ruin your life?”
Well that was cute! I personally had no concept of celebrity crushes in 5th grade, but I definitely would’ve related to Riley in 7th grade. My Joy Powers was Anne Hathaway lol. I loved the part where Riley came out to her brother and he was like “Duh. I already knew”😭😭 Happened to me with my sister lol. Another thing I loved was seeing how Aaron’s dads helped Riley come to terms and feel comfortable with her sexuality. I know exactly who played this role in my own coming out journey and I’ll never thank them enough 🫶🏻
Well that was cute! I personally had no concept of celebrity crushes in 5th grade, but I definitely would’ve related to Riley in 7th grade. My Joy Powers was Anne Hathaway lol. I loved the part where Riley came out to her brother and he was like “Duh. I already knew”😭😭 Happened to me with my sister lol. Another thing I loved was seeing how Aaron’s dads helped Riley come to terms and feel comfortable with her sexuality. I know exactly who played this role in my own coming out journey and I’ll never thank them enough 🫶🏻
March 29, 2023
This was super charming! Lots of practical lessons for kids navigating friendships at a really hard age and lots for adults to relate to and learn from as well. Good parents, a nice sibling relationship, and the illustration style is fun, especially with Riley's art mixed in.
February 7, 2022
Who is Riley Mayes, really? She's an artist, a jokester, and a self-proclaimed "dude-ish girl", just to name a few things. She's also totally obsessed with her favorite comedian, Joy Powers. Humor is embedded into Riley's fifth-grade growing pains that include (but aren't limited to) discovering identity, forging new friendships, and finding your passion-- which all combines into a meaningful and memorable graphic novel perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller.
June 3, 2024
A coming of age tween graphic novel exploring sexuality, school and friend drama with humor and childlike drawings.
I don't usually like graphic novels but in this instance the format works because Riley is an artist and Cate's Nyanland is a zany word populated by cats just begging for Riley to illustrate. The graphic format also effectively conveyed the comedy of Joy Powers, Riley's celebrity crush. The art looked appropriately childlike and the comics were weird but conveyed the children's imaginations well.
What I didn't like was the plot. It was a lot of bullying and then a swift, happy resolution. Riley is a sympathetic character, somewhat. I wish her ADHD had been addressed. She reads ADHD to me and/or something else. She speaks without thinking, can't concentrate on school work, isn't a writer but is an excellent artist. She's also bullied for being different. I can somewhat relate to Riley but man these kids are INTENSE for 11! Celebrity crushes on boybands and serious homophobic bullying. YIKES! 5th grade? I don't even remember being aware of any of that stuff in 5th grade. Like Riley I thought the idea of kissing boys was gross. She's ELEVEN! That doesn't mean she's a lesbian or abnormal. It means she's a kid. These kids toss around slurs that no adult seems to hear. Riley mentioned it to the school nurse and yet the nurse didn't shut down the usage of that word nor explain well what it meant. "Lesbians go with other girls." is not an explanation. The story is full of characters who don't understand and don't want to understand LGBTQ+ issues. Every time Riley is bullied, she's the one who gets intro trouble and the principal doesn't do anything except make a vague promise the boy will be punished too. We never see anyone else except Riley punished.
Whitney is awful. She's a mean girl and half the girls in the class know it but want to be her friend anyway and the rest just are the wannabes. Whitney bullies Riley for having short hair and NOT having crushes on boybands. I don't think Whitney fully understands what she's saying, she just knows it pushes Riley's buttons. Whitney is awful to Cate too, especially after Cate starts hanging out with Riley. Their problems started before that though when Whitney decided to be a mean girl teenager (did I mention they're only in 5th grade?) and left Cate behind in childhood. When Cate doesn't fall in line with Whitney's mean girl schemes, Whitney lashes out at Cate even more. Now THAT I remember and understand but again not that young. Junior High. Aaron is bullied too. No one can remember his name ostensibly because he's new but probably because he has darker skin than everyone else. Aaron tries to keep a low profile at school so he isn't bullied for having two dads. That is not a big deal. Many kids have two moms or two dads now and if they live in a city they should be used to it by 5th grade. I get that it's Oklahoma...
The secondary characters are all two-dimensional. The teacher and principal don't do anything except punish Riley. Her parents are supportive of her but want her to get her grades up before she's allowed to take art classes. Yeesh. Poor kid. Maybe her grades would go up if she was happier and she would be happier if she was allowed to take art classes. When she is allowed, she finds her tribe and makes new friends and is happier. See that was easy! Her older brother seems supportive and understanding.
I didn't get the Joy Powers obsession. I didn't understand the humor at all. Joy Powers is a large part of the story and seems to be an SNL type comedian who has a sketch comedy show. I just don't get the humor. Riley finds it funny and tries to emulate Joy Powers but no one else gets it. Well, yeah... because none of it makes sense! Cate's sense of humor is strange too. I didn't get her either.
Even though I didn't love this book, I think it is necessary to have in schools and libraries for kids like Riley who are trying to figure out who they are and make sense of growing up feeling like they're different. It's also necessary for the Whitneys of the world to learn empathy and understanding. The parents who want to censor this book would do well to remember that.
Kids around here in 5th grade and middle school don't think being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is any big deal and they love LGBTQ+ graphic novels. I don't know if my niece has read this one but I bet her school had it on the shelves. I found it at the public library in the children's library graphic novel section right where it belongs. I do hope kids read this book and learn from it.
I don't usually like graphic novels but in this instance the format works because Riley is an artist and Cate's Nyanland is a zany word populated by cats just begging for Riley to illustrate. The graphic format also effectively conveyed the comedy of Joy Powers, Riley's celebrity crush. The art looked appropriately childlike and the comics were weird but conveyed the children's imaginations well.
What I didn't like was the plot. It was a lot of bullying and then a swift, happy resolution. Riley is a sympathetic character, somewhat. I wish her ADHD had been addressed. She reads ADHD to me and/or something else. She speaks without thinking, can't concentrate on school work, isn't a writer but is an excellent artist. She's also bullied for being different. I can somewhat relate to Riley but man these kids are INTENSE for 11! Celebrity crushes on boybands and serious homophobic bullying. YIKES! 5th grade? I don't even remember being aware of any of that stuff in 5th grade. Like Riley I thought the idea of kissing boys was gross. She's ELEVEN! That doesn't mean she's a lesbian or abnormal. It means she's a kid. These kids toss around slurs that no adult seems to hear. Riley mentioned it to the school nurse and yet the nurse didn't shut down the usage of that word nor explain well what it meant. "Lesbians go with other girls." is not an explanation. The story is full of characters who don't understand and don't want to understand LGBTQ+ issues. Every time Riley is bullied, she's the one who gets intro trouble and the principal doesn't do anything except make a vague promise the boy will be punished too. We never see anyone else except Riley punished.
Whitney is awful. She's a mean girl and half the girls in the class know it but want to be her friend anyway and the rest just are the wannabes. Whitney bullies Riley for having short hair and NOT having crushes on boybands. I don't think Whitney fully understands what she's saying, she just knows it pushes Riley's buttons. Whitney is awful to Cate too, especially after Cate starts hanging out with Riley. Their problems started before that though when Whitney decided to be a mean girl teenager (did I mention they're only in 5th grade?) and left Cate behind in childhood. When Cate doesn't fall in line with Whitney's mean girl schemes, Whitney lashes out at Cate even more. Now THAT I remember and understand but again not that young. Junior High. Aaron is bullied too. No one can remember his name ostensibly because he's new but probably because he has darker skin than everyone else. Aaron tries to keep a low profile at school so he isn't bullied for having two dads. That is not a big deal. Many kids have two moms or two dads now and if they live in a city they should be used to it by 5th grade. I get that it's Oklahoma...
The secondary characters are all two-dimensional. The teacher and principal don't do anything except punish Riley. Her parents are supportive of her but want her to get her grades up before she's allowed to take art classes. Yeesh. Poor kid. Maybe her grades would go up if she was happier and she would be happier if she was allowed to take art classes. When she is allowed, she finds her tribe and makes new friends and is happier. See that was easy! Her older brother seems supportive and understanding.
I didn't get the Joy Powers obsession. I didn't understand the humor at all. Joy Powers is a large part of the story and seems to be an SNL type comedian who has a sketch comedy show. I just don't get the humor. Riley finds it funny and tries to emulate Joy Powers but no one else gets it. Well, yeah... because none of it makes sense! Cate's sense of humor is strange too. I didn't get her either.
Even though I didn't love this book, I think it is necessary to have in schools and libraries for kids like Riley who are trying to figure out who they are and make sense of growing up feeling like they're different. It's also necessary for the Whitneys of the world to learn empathy and understanding. The parents who want to censor this book would do well to remember that.
Kids around here in 5th grade and middle school don't think being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is any big deal and they love LGBTQ+ graphic novels. I don't know if my niece has read this one but I bet her school had it on the shelves. I found it at the public library in the children's library graphic novel section right where it belongs. I do hope kids read this book and learn from it.
June 14, 2024
I appreciate that Elliott has hope that Oklahoma's young people will rescue us from such politicians as the one who spoke of "filth" after the death of Nex Benedict. Our governor is trying to lead us backwards, though, so I don't blame the author for moving away. This mostly sunny story charms, feels plausible, and is a good fit for the target audience and their families, though. I enjoyed reading it.
June 13, 2022
For the preteen crowd, a graphic novel about discovering your sexuality, bullying, friends, first crushes, lots of questions and hobbies. Riley is a girl who loves drawing, gets in trouble at school and can't seem to keep friends. This graphic novel was quite unique with it's focus on celebrity crushes and social issues, along with it's illustrations and narration style. Riley herself didn't really draw me in but I related to some of the other characters and I liked how a variety of relationships were explored. Middle grade kids who like drawing, are figuring out their place in school or among their friends, are being bullied, or just want an interesting graphic novel to read should like this one.
March 15, 2022
I loved the simplicity of The Real Riley Mayes. At it's heart, it's about a kid who starts to learn her celebrity obsession may mean more to her identity than she initially thought. Filled with heartfelt new friendships and big questions, this graphic novel is a very sweet and affirming addition to the shelves of middle schoolers everywhere.
August 12, 2024
Great realistic graphic novel that feels ripped from the author's lived experience.
I appreciated the thoughtful lettering - the dialogue is in all caps, while the captions are in mixed case.
Interesting depiction of idolization of a celebrity.
I appreciated the thoughtful lettering - the dialogue is in all caps, while the captions are in mixed case.
Interesting depiction of idolization of a celebrity.
November 19, 2024
A fun and quick read. It's great to read such an inclusive story- I think younger me would have gotten a lot of comfort from this book.
July 2, 2024
I loved it it talked about Riley and how she has a crush on joy powers a actor/celebrity as she trying to figure out herself through school and it was really hard on her but she got through it would recommend this book for anyone who doesn't know who they are
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
Although I didn't love the art style, I think it fits the story well! This was a super cute story about a young lesbian realizing that she likes girls, as well as her struggles fitting it at school. Also I loved the Cabaret reference!
April 16, 2022
The Real Riley Mayes is an engrossing realistic graphic novel about a 5th grader who just wants to watch Joy Powers' comedy sketches, doodle, and not be constrained by gendered expectations. Through making new friends, embracing creativity, and writing to their favorite comedian, Riley leans into just being Riley. Perfect for young readers 4th grade & up. Equally heartwarming for adult reader who love stories of tenacious youth.
February 6, 2022
This book is full of heart. Riley Mayes is worried that no one gets her. Struggling grades, notes from the principal, drawing in class, and friendship problems all add to that worry. But she learns to find herself and embrace that discovery, all while finding friends who really get her. I loved the family relationships and the very real friendship struggles.
March 2, 2023
Loved this one! Riley was very likeable, and there were some excellent lessons about friendship that went deeper than I expected, about how sometimes a friend will get you later and you’ll reconnect even if they aren’t working out right now. Adored this book, liked the different style of drawing.
June 20, 2022
A book with heart and honesty.
March 15, 2023
This graphic novel was a lot of fun. I could relate to Riley's earnestness, clumsily saying the wrong thing, when trying to puzzle out her identity.
November 8, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Riley is in fifth grade and is having trouble making friends, now that the people she used to hang out with are gone. She is frequently in trouble in class for wearing her hat, talking loudly, or doodling instead of doing her work, and finds it somewhat difficult to connect with others. There is a new boy, Aaron, whose dads own the local comic book store, and Cate, who has interests other than just talking about crushes. Riley is also very interested in comic Jo Powers, but few of the other children know who this is. When Riley's class is assigned to write a letter to someone they find inspiring, she choses Jo Powers, but struggles with what to say. Cate offers to help, and the two start to hang out together. Cate is also friends with the other girls in the class, but they are quite mean to Riley. They call her "lesbo" and make fun of her, especially after she cuts her own hair very short. They don't want to invite her to the sleepover for all of the girls in the grade because they claim that having her there would be like having a boy there. (Riley also affects a traditionally more masculine mode of attire.) After meeting Aaron's dads, and realizing that she has a crush on Jo Powers, Riley starts to wonder if she is gay. She wants to talk to Aaron's dads, but he doesn't want anyone in their class to know about them quite yet. When she accidentally tells the class about them, Aaron is angry with her. Because her parents have promised that she can take an art class if she can stay out of trouble and keep her grades up, Riley has tried to do better at school, but when the kids in class give her a hard time, she gets into another fight. Her parents are fairly understanding (as is an older brother), and getting a letter from Powers helps her spirits as well.
Strengths: Even though Riley is having problems, she still is fairly upbeat, and the color palette reflects that with sunny yellows and blues. Her parents don't quite understand her, but try to work with her rather than punish her for things like cutting her own hair. (They offer to help trim it a bit, and put forward the opinion that it's a bit drastic, but are otherwise okay with it.) While a good number of the children in her class are mean, she does at least have support from Aaron, who gets her sense of humor, and Cate, who sticks up for her with the mean girls. Riley's questioning, and wanting to seek help from Aaron's dads, seems realistic, and the treatment she recieves at school is also, sadly, probably true to form.
Weaknesses: This is a weakness for my own collection, but a plus for elementary ones. The structure of the classes, lunch, and recess, as well as the interactions with classmates, all seems more appropriate to elementary school. Middle school students have their time structured differently, and interact in sneakier and more sneaky, hurtful ways.
What I really think: This is a bit young for my students, but a good choice for elementary schools that want to add to their collection of LGBTQIA+ titles. This is a good choice for young readers who have moved beyond picture books but aren't quite ready for more middle school titles.
Riley is in fifth grade and is having trouble making friends, now that the people she used to hang out with are gone. She is frequently in trouble in class for wearing her hat, talking loudly, or doodling instead of doing her work, and finds it somewhat difficult to connect with others. There is a new boy, Aaron, whose dads own the local comic book store, and Cate, who has interests other than just talking about crushes. Riley is also very interested in comic Jo Powers, but few of the other children know who this is. When Riley's class is assigned to write a letter to someone they find inspiring, she choses Jo Powers, but struggles with what to say. Cate offers to help, and the two start to hang out together. Cate is also friends with the other girls in the class, but they are quite mean to Riley. They call her "lesbo" and make fun of her, especially after she cuts her own hair very short. They don't want to invite her to the sleepover for all of the girls in the grade because they claim that having her there would be like having a boy there. (Riley also affects a traditionally more masculine mode of attire.) After meeting Aaron's dads, and realizing that she has a crush on Jo Powers, Riley starts to wonder if she is gay. She wants to talk to Aaron's dads, but he doesn't want anyone in their class to know about them quite yet. When she accidentally tells the class about them, Aaron is angry with her. Because her parents have promised that she can take an art class if she can stay out of trouble and keep her grades up, Riley has tried to do better at school, but when the kids in class give her a hard time, she gets into another fight. Her parents are fairly understanding (as is an older brother), and getting a letter from Powers helps her spirits as well.
Strengths: Even though Riley is having problems, she still is fairly upbeat, and the color palette reflects that with sunny yellows and blues. Her parents don't quite understand her, but try to work with her rather than punish her for things like cutting her own hair. (They offer to help trim it a bit, and put forward the opinion that it's a bit drastic, but are otherwise okay with it.) While a good number of the children in her class are mean, she does at least have support from Aaron, who gets her sense of humor, and Cate, who sticks up for her with the mean girls. Riley's questioning, and wanting to seek help from Aaron's dads, seems realistic, and the treatment she recieves at school is also, sadly, probably true to form.
Weaknesses: This is a weakness for my own collection, but a plus for elementary ones. The structure of the classes, lunch, and recess, as well as the interactions with classmates, all seems more appropriate to elementary school. Middle school students have their time structured differently, and interact in sneakier and more sneaky, hurtful ways.
What I really think: This is a bit young for my students, but a good choice for elementary schools that want to add to their collection of LGBTQIA+ titles. This is a good choice for young readers who have moved beyond picture books but aren't quite ready for more middle school titles.
February 28, 2023
This relatable middle-grade graphic novel is a 3.5 for me. Her fifth grade year couldn't be more miserable for Riley Mayes, who finds it hard to relate to the celebrity crushes her classmates have and is interested in different hobbies than they are. Feeling particularly lonely and awkward after her one friend moves, Riley is bored by her classes and spends her time doodling and cracking jokes. Eventually, she does find friends who "get" her, but the road to acceptance is long, winding, and painful. It's not made any easier when she realizes that her admiration for comedian Joy Powers might have more significance than she thought. Or when her Mean Girl classmate Whitney called her "lesbo" during a volleyball game and begins spreading rumors about the finger length of the pointer finger vs. the ring finger being an indication of someone's sexual identity. Riley is curious about new classmate, Aaron's, two fathers and how they met, but she accidentally reveals Aaron's family composition and offends one of her only possible allies. Her other potential friend, Cate, struggles with standing up for herself and Riley, especially given the influence that Whitney seems to wield on their classmates. Filled with heart, humor and insight, this graphic novel effectively depicts one girl's struggles to figure out where she fits in and to accept herself as she is. As most readers, no matter their age, can attest, it's such a relief when we can be ourselves and not try to change ourselves to please others or to avoid their judgment. Riley is fortunate to have loving, supportive parents. Personally, I loved being along for her self-questioning and her journey to self-acceptance as well as the glimpses of Nyanland, the fantasy cat world Cate envisioned, and the two of them brought to life. While the ending of the book might be a bit more hopeful and Whitney put in her place more swiftly than might be the case in actuality, this story is healing and life-affirming in many respects. The world needs more individuals like Riley Mayes, true to themselves in every respect.
August 22, 2022
Disclaimer: A Physical ARC was provided via Harper Collins India in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
This beautiful heartwarming debut middle grade graphic novel is all about understanding one’s own identity through friendships, crushes and bullies in middle school.
•
•Riley Mayes is all about drawings - and the celebrity Joy Powers. And getting anew group of friends. Its her journey to not only finding herself but also finding her own identity when she becomes the subject of bullying.
•
With beautiful drawings and illustrations, this book becomes quite the introduction to sensitive topics like sexual identity to middle grade children.
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon |
August 30, 2022
Riley Mays is in fifth grade. They love laughing and to make others laugh, they also love to draw. Their best friend moved away and now they must make new friends, especially if they’re going to talk their parents into art classes. This book is fantastic. In the beginning you didn’t know if Riley was a boy or a girl and it didn’t matter. You do find out about a fourth of the way through and that actually becomes part of the idea of this book. Who is Riley Mayes? Are they gay? Are they a lezbo? If they are will that ruin their life? Will they have friends still? Will that even matter? These are all questions that run through Riley‘s mind after being called a Lesbo. Riley realizes that maybe I am, maybe I’m not, but does it matter? This book was awesome. It fits a fifth grader so well. I think anybody could read this and learn something either about themselves or the people around them. I also think it shows that it is OK to not know who you are or be worried about who you are. If I had to compare this book to another, I would say this is gender queer for younger readers. It is not afraid to ask the questions and explore on levels appropriate for fifth grade. I loved absolutely everything about this book, however I am deathly afraid kids won’t be able to read it because of current book banning and book censorship problems in schools across our nation. Add to that problem Barnes & Noble only selling top notch authors this book could be hidden. Please don’t hide this book! Share it! Save it! Send it! Buy it! Use it! There are kids out there that need this book. And there are many people even if they do not need it will love it.
June 4, 2023
I saw this at the library and picked it up to give it a try.
Riley is in middle school and nobody seems to get her. She loves drawing and comedy and she isn't like most of the other kids in her school. She's considered a problem kid. Riley is trying to figure herself out.
I love that there are stories like this for kids in school now. I don't remember having many stories about misfits when I was going through. It was usually about people finding ways to fit in.
I understand that young kids sort of like this sloppy looking art style, but I really don't enjoy it. I have no doubt that Rachel could really draw well, but this comic art is simply a style that isn't for me. I don't enjoy it. Still, it feels like a 6th grade drew it for her friends. I think that's part of the style and reason for choosing it.
This story is focused for middle grade kids and it handles the subject matter of being gay appropriately. The girls are having crushes on guys, simply talking about who they are attracted to and Riley figures out that she is crushing on a woman. That's basically the most it touches on the subject. It handles the subject well.
I do like the friendships that Riley develops during the book. She, Aaron and Kate make a great little group. Good story.
Riley is in middle school and nobody seems to get her. She loves drawing and comedy and she isn't like most of the other kids in her school. She's considered a problem kid. Riley is trying to figure herself out.
I love that there are stories like this for kids in school now. I don't remember having many stories about misfits when I was going through. It was usually about people finding ways to fit in.
I understand that young kids sort of like this sloppy looking art style, but I really don't enjoy it. I have no doubt that Rachel could really draw well, but this comic art is simply a style that isn't for me. I don't enjoy it. Still, it feels like a 6th grade drew it for her friends. I think that's part of the style and reason for choosing it.
This story is focused for middle grade kids and it handles the subject matter of being gay appropriately. The girls are having crushes on guys, simply talking about who they are attracted to and Riley figures out that she is crushing on a woman. That's basically the most it touches on the subject. It handles the subject well.
I do like the friendships that Riley develops during the book. She, Aaron and Kate make a great little group. Good story.
May 23, 2022
This was really sweet and charming too. I loved following Riley's misadventures as she tries to figure out a bit about who she might be. Riley's occasionally chaotic energy, her awkward questions, her wacky sense of humor, her fascination with old videos of her favorite comedian Joy Powers all rang true for some of my former students. She just is such a dear character. I also have interests that are considered deeply odd by most people, at least certainly when I was growing up - the Muppets, Shakespeare, Greek mythology etc. The 5th grade friend drama and beginnings of crushes felt realistic. Your heart just breaks for Riley and her friends as they struggle through some difficult conversations and situations. Riley is just discovering she might be gay and I found her conversations, especially with Aaron's dads to be really sweet. It was also lovely to see her family readily accept her and her close friends too. Obviously there's still some bullying behavior going on, but largely this is a positive book about learning bits and pieces of yourself as you grow. A great addition for elementary schools for sure.
February 24, 2023
5th grader Riley had one friend, but they moved. Now, everyone is already in their groups and Riley, who really likes to draw is on her own. Her favorite thing to draw? Joy Powers, a comedian. So, when the teacher assigns the class to write a letter to someone they admire, Riley knows exactly who to send it to, but Riley draws, she doesn't write, and this letter is important. But when Cate, a classmate offers to help write the letter, and a new boy moves into the class - Riley might be on track to make some friends. Until Whitney starts a rumor about her, and Riley wonders if it might be true.
The Real Riley Mayes is a wonderful story about finding your true self. Riley learns some great lessons about navigating new friendships and apologizing when things go terribly wrong. Elliott's illustrations are darling and fun. Riley's new friend Aaron has 2 dads, and Riley questions her identity.
Cross-posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
The Real Riley Mayes is a wonderful story about finding your true self. Riley learns some great lessons about navigating new friendships and apologizing when things go terribly wrong. Elliott's illustrations are darling and fun. Riley's new friend Aaron has 2 dads, and Riley questions her identity.
Cross-posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
April 30, 2022
Ahhhhh 5th grade - even someone as ancient as I am, just SAYING 5th grade evokes all sorts of memories and feelings; some good, some not-so-much. ;-)
Riley is a great MC, just trying to find her place in the world without spending her whole school year in the principal's office. She is artistic, quirky and not really understood by anyone. Enter the "new" kid, who has secrets and is quirky too and they quickly become friends and cohorts and help each other navigate the terrors of 5th grade.
Perfect for those going into 5th grade and those who have been and are still dealing with the "trauma" of that year [early middle-graders], they will enjoy this story and the fun illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Elliot and HarperCollins Children's Books/Balzer + Bray for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Riley is a great MC, just trying to find her place in the world without spending her whole school year in the principal's office. She is artistic, quirky and not really understood by anyone. Enter the "new" kid, who has secrets and is quirky too and they quickly become friends and cohorts and help each other navigate the terrors of 5th grade.
Perfect for those going into 5th grade and those who have been and are still dealing with the "trauma" of that year [early middle-graders], they will enjoy this story and the fun illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Elliot and HarperCollins Children's Books/Balzer + Bray for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2022
I really liked this and thought it was especially great because it seemed like something I haven't seen before, but is surely relevant to many many readers. Riley's friendship woes were a little different than the standard-it seemed like she was too "out there" for people she used to be friends with and she struggled to find someone who gets her. She has a celebrity crush and it's on a woman so she wonders if she's gay. I felt like this was a great story for where kids are now-Riley knows "love is love", she's cool with her friend having two dads, so people being gay isn't traumatic, but she doesn't know what it means for her. For example, an all girls sleepover sounds great, but if she's gay will she be excluded? She was a cool kid and I'd be friends with her. (But yeah, if I was her teacher I'd probably be frustrated with her distractability.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews