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Click #5
Crunch
Kayla Miller, the New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Click , Camp , Act , and Clash , returns with a new Olive story! Olive is balancing the too-many things she wants to do with the too-few hours in the day to do them. When everything adds up, suddenly it’s crunch time! It’s no secret that Olive loves trying new things. Between taking guitar lessons, making a short film, joining Berry Scouts, and leading the charge on her school’s dress code reform, Olive has her hands full! But she enjoys being busy, so staying on track with her jam-packed schedule should be no problem…right? As weeks fly by, it gets harder and harder for Olive to find time for her activities, never mind time for herself. Will she be able to accomplish her goals, or will all her sizzle turn to fizzle? The New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kayla Miller delivers a vibrant and timely story about the importance of balance, effort, and reaching out for help. Don't miss any of the popular graphic novels in Kayla Miller's Click
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2022
350 people are currently reading
1483 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
October 2, 2022
"Fun. I haven't been having much of that lately. Everything I want to do sounds fun on its own, but then it piles up... and I want to give everything my all and do the best that I possibly can - but when I do that, I run out of steam and mess things up! And let people down." pg. 163
This is the fifth book in the Olive Branche series by Kayla Miller. I thought this was going to be about healthy foods and eating healthy or maybe making a crunchy friend or trying to live a crunchy lifestyle.
Ha ha ha, no, I was way off base. It's actually about Olive overbooking herself with activities and projects. Unlike most cases, where parents push their child into many various activities, here it is Olive doing it to herself. She is taking guitar lessons (three hours a week practice required!), she wants to make a movie for the upcoming student film festival, and being on the school council (see: Act) means that she has to do a project explaining why the dress code should be revamped. She also gets coerced into being the the Berry Scouts by her old friend Willow's parents.
Speaking of Willow, all the familiar characters from the series are here. Willow, still annoying me to death being so shy, needy, clingy, passive-aggressive, and weak; Nat, still being a fucking asshole; and of course the rest of the gang who don't make as big an impression. We also have, of course, Olive's more traditional mother and her liberal library-worker aunt. I feel like we might be getting hints in this book that Molly (the liberal library-worker) might be a lesbian, but perhaps I'm reading too much into this, IDK.
Speaking of sex, there is none in this book. If you are looking for a children's graphic novel that doesn't mention or speak of ANYTHING, no crushes, no dating, no kissing, no relationship-interest (I mean, Hugh is dating Willow I think but it's not even mentioned in this book) - this is your best bet. It's pretty sterile if that's what you are looking for. Olive has a lot of concerns in her life, but none of them are about romance. A book completely free of love/romance/crushes.
TL;DR - Cute art style, nice slice of schoolgirl life in the vein of Raina Telgemeier. Stories for children that involve and depict realistic, everyday concerns with (mostly) realistic and mundane solutions. This book is teaching kids not to overexert themselves, but isn't being preachy. I like Olive, she's likeable. Perfect books for ages 7-11, perhaps.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
This is the fifth book in the Olive Branche series by Kayla Miller. I thought this was going to be about healthy foods and eating healthy or maybe making a crunchy friend or trying to live a crunchy lifestyle.
Ha ha ha, no, I was way off base. It's actually about Olive overbooking herself with activities and projects. Unlike most cases, where parents push their child into many various activities, here it is Olive doing it to herself. She is taking guitar lessons (three hours a week practice required!), she wants to make a movie for the upcoming student film festival, and being on the school council (see: Act) means that she has to do a project explaining why the dress code should be revamped. She also gets coerced into being the the Berry Scouts by her old friend Willow's parents.
Speaking of Willow, all the familiar characters from the series are here. Willow, still annoying me to death being so shy, needy, clingy, passive-aggressive, and weak; Nat, still being a fucking asshole; and of course the rest of the gang who don't make as big an impression. We also have, of course, Olive's more traditional mother and her liberal library-worker aunt. I feel like we might be getting hints in this book that Molly (the liberal library-worker) might be a lesbian, but perhaps I'm reading too much into this, IDK.
Speaking of sex, there is none in this book. If you are looking for a children's graphic novel that doesn't mention or speak of ANYTHING, no crushes, no dating, no kissing, no relationship-interest (I mean, Hugh is dating Willow I think but it's not even mentioned in this book) - this is your best bet. It's pretty sterile if that's what you are looking for. Olive has a lot of concerns in her life, but none of them are about romance. A book completely free of love/romance/crushes.
TL;DR - Cute art style, nice slice of schoolgirl life in the vein of Raina Telgemeier. Stories for children that involve and depict realistic, everyday concerns with (mostly) realistic and mundane solutions. This book is teaching kids not to overexert themselves, but isn't being preachy. I like Olive, she's likeable. Perfect books for ages 7-11, perhaps.
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
September 2, 2022
Absolutely precious. Read this in one sitting and devoured it! If this series is not in your classroom library you’re missing out!
What I love about this specific one in the series is the lack of drama. There’s no friendship quarrels and no drama between each other. It’s a great lesson about managing time and prioritizing your wants and needs. It was also a great message about asking for help.
This was definitely my favorite in the series. I’d recommend it 10000x over, but do suggest reading them in order simply because of the usage of the characters we’ve met over time.
What I love about this specific one in the series is the lack of drama. There’s no friendship quarrels and no drama between each other. It’s a great lesson about managing time and prioritizing your wants and needs. It was also a great message about asking for help.
This was definitely my favorite in the series. I’d recommend it 10000x over, but do suggest reading them in order simply because of the usage of the characters we’ve met over time.
January 24, 2023
The latest installment in one of my favourite graphic novel series certainly doesn't disappoint. Not only is it as endearing as its predecessors, this book also tackles an important issue that I can relate to: Burnout, wanting to excel at it all and being stretched too thin.
I just love how wholesome and uncomplicated and healthy all the relationships here are, whether it's peers, parents or siblings. There's no toxicity or unnecessary drama, just lots of growth and acceptance and supporting one another.
Seriously, I'll read anything by Kayla Miller.
Check out my reviews of:
1. Click
2. Camp
3. Act
4. Clash
I just love how wholesome and uncomplicated and healthy all the relationships here are, whether it's peers, parents or siblings. There's no toxicity or unnecessary drama, just lots of growth and acceptance and supporting one another.
Seriously, I'll read anything by Kayla Miller.
Check out my reviews of:
1. Click
2. Camp
3. Act
4. Clash
November 1, 2022
Olive Branche experiences a time crunch as she gets overscheduled with student council, guitar lessons, homework, scouting, and a personal film project with a deadline to be submitted for a local film festival, all on top of family and friendship time.
It's a pleasing story with simple lessons about prioritizing, asking for help, and allowing time for rest.
The supporting cast is getting kind of large, but I was happy to see that a whole slew of them at least get last names in this volume, including Aunt Molly . . . Amato! And I was happy to see Molly's subtle and sweet little side story twine through Olive's travails.
It's a pleasing story with simple lessons about prioritizing, asking for help, and allowing time for rest.
The supporting cast is getting kind of large, but I was happy to see that a whole slew of them at least get last names in this volume, including Aunt Molly . . . Amato! And I was happy to see Molly's subtle and sweet little side story twine through Olive's travails.
September 20, 2022
Yes, I gave a solid 4 stars to every book in this series including this one, but Crunch was my favorite. I haven't seen a book do the topic of overloading and burnout so well for middle grade.
September 13, 2023
I loved this book because it teaches you a lesson to never give up and that sometimes things are hard and that’s ok
January 7, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Critical Score: A-
Personal Score: B+
Reading Experience: 📘📘📘(3/5)
I’m so glad to see new children’s books that are so forward-thinking. This is an important read that always stays lighthearted and feel-good.
This take on student stress culture is different in that the protagonist is not over-involved due to a sense of obligation, and she is not stressy messy the whole time. Instead, Miller has chosen a happy-go-lucky student who just wants to do everything and doesn’t get stressed about it until things go to hell. This is an interesting choice for a commentary on youth pressure. Not necessarily a wrong one, but definitely a lighthearted one, if less probing as a result. I’m thinking this happened because this is the fifth book with Olive’s character, and Miller can’t just suddenly change Olive’s whole personality to suit the subtext.
Excellent for its themes, if underwhelming in other departments.
Critical Score: A-
Personal Score: B+
Reading Experience: 📘📘📘(3/5)
I’m so glad to see new children’s books that are so forward-thinking. This is an important read that always stays lighthearted and feel-good.
This take on student stress culture is different in that the protagonist is not over-involved due to a sense of obligation, and she is not stressy messy the whole time. Instead, Miller has chosen a happy-go-lucky student who just wants to do everything and doesn’t get stressed about it until things go to hell. This is an interesting choice for a commentary on youth pressure. Not necessarily a wrong one, but definitely a lighthearted one, if less probing as a result. I’m thinking this happened because this is the fifth book with Olive’s character, and Miller can’t just suddenly change Olive’s whole personality to suit the subtext.
Excellent for its themes, if underwhelming in other departments.
January 15, 2023
Amazing 👏
October 6, 2022
Why do I think Liv’s aunt and guitar teacher have the potential to be romantically involved girl friends?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
What worked:
Compared to most graphic novels I’ve read, this book does pretty well in developing Olive’s character. The whole story is about her and the many different activities she takes on. Middle-grade readers may relate to her stress since that’s a time when many new clubs, sports, and hobbies become available to them. It’s a time to explore interests but that sometimes gets out of control. Olive is enthusiastic (impulsive?) as she’s already quit karate after three classes and now spontaneously plans to enter a short-film contest she notices on a bulletin board. Never mind the fact she doesn’t have an idea for a film nor does she have a camera to record one. She displays social awareness as she uses her position on the student council to challenge the school dress code. However, she lacks the foresight of the consequences of joining the Berry Scouts in addition to school, homework, and other commitments.
There are a couple of curiosities about the story that may resonate with young readers. The film contest consumes Olive’s attention despite being one thing in her life she hasn’t planned on. She notices an ad for the upcoming contest and it immediately distracts her in school and at school when she should be practicing guitar, doing homework, and helping her friend with Berry Scouts. Another unexpected aspect of the story is the fact there aren’t any negative characters. All of Olive’s friends and classmates get along and are respectful to adults. It seems like every book has at least one character who goofs off, bullies others, or causes trouble but you won’t find that in this one. Actually, Olive’s friends, family, and teachers are very supportive and understanding even though they’re not fully aware of what she’s going through.
As with all graphic novels, pictures are used to replace text so they’re very important in telling the story. The illustrations in this book aren’t overly detailed but they effectively communicate events and emotions to keep the plot moving. Groups of pictures quickly display time passing in school and dinner at home to allow more focus on Olive’s overwhelming extracurricular activities. Facial expressions and graphic techniques offer clues to characters’ feelings as conflict and tension affect their lives. A sequence of illustrations shares Olive’s nightmare caused by her internal conflicts as the plot nears its climax.
What didn’t work as well:
A common problem with graphic novels is the lack of text leaves out details and descriptions to help readers fully understand characters and make connections. The development of Olive’s character is better than average but the other characters are lacking. This book still presents an interesting story that generally reflects the lives of many middle-grade readers.
The Final Verdict:
The author/illustrator expertly meshes pictures and words to create a charming story of a young girl learning to find balance in her life. The pictures help keep the narrative moving and the conflict will be relatable for many young readers. I recommend you give this book a shot.
Compared to most graphic novels I’ve read, this book does pretty well in developing Olive’s character. The whole story is about her and the many different activities she takes on. Middle-grade readers may relate to her stress since that’s a time when many new clubs, sports, and hobbies become available to them. It’s a time to explore interests but that sometimes gets out of control. Olive is enthusiastic (impulsive?) as she’s already quit karate after three classes and now spontaneously plans to enter a short-film contest she notices on a bulletin board. Never mind the fact she doesn’t have an idea for a film nor does she have a camera to record one. She displays social awareness as she uses her position on the student council to challenge the school dress code. However, she lacks the foresight of the consequences of joining the Berry Scouts in addition to school, homework, and other commitments.
There are a couple of curiosities about the story that may resonate with young readers. The film contest consumes Olive’s attention despite being one thing in her life she hasn’t planned on. She notices an ad for the upcoming contest and it immediately distracts her in school and at school when she should be practicing guitar, doing homework, and helping her friend with Berry Scouts. Another unexpected aspect of the story is the fact there aren’t any negative characters. All of Olive’s friends and classmates get along and are respectful to adults. It seems like every book has at least one character who goofs off, bullies others, or causes trouble but you won’t find that in this one. Actually, Olive’s friends, family, and teachers are very supportive and understanding even though they’re not fully aware of what she’s going through.
As with all graphic novels, pictures are used to replace text so they’re very important in telling the story. The illustrations in this book aren’t overly detailed but they effectively communicate events and emotions to keep the plot moving. Groups of pictures quickly display time passing in school and dinner at home to allow more focus on Olive’s overwhelming extracurricular activities. Facial expressions and graphic techniques offer clues to characters’ feelings as conflict and tension affect their lives. A sequence of illustrations shares Olive’s nightmare caused by her internal conflicts as the plot nears its climax.
What didn’t work as well:
A common problem with graphic novels is the lack of text leaves out details and descriptions to help readers fully understand characters and make connections. The development of Olive’s character is better than average but the other characters are lacking. This book still presents an interesting story that generally reflects the lives of many middle-grade readers.
The Final Verdict:
The author/illustrator expertly meshes pictures and words to create a charming story of a young girl learning to find balance in her life. The pictures help keep the narrative moving and the conflict will be relatable for many young readers. I recommend you give this book a shot.
February 7, 2024
Kayla Miller vuelve a sumergirse en el universo de su serie Click para hacernos entender, principalmente a los más jóvenes, lo necesario que es saber pedir ayuda y delegar en otras personas parte del trabajo y las responsabilidades. Además, también habla sobre el poder que ejercen muchas veces los adultos sobre sus hijos, alumnos, etc., en la toma de algunas decisiones.
Esta novela gráfica cuenta cómo Olivia, la protagonista, se embarca en tantas actividades que no es capaz de realizar ninguna correctamente. Hasta llegar a no poder descansar.
Con este argumento, la trama principal está bastante bien definida. De este modo, se puede ver cómo la autora quiere o persigue que sus lectores infantiles aprendan a saber pedir ayuda para determinados trabajos, que no pueden o no tienen el tiempo suficiente ni los conocimientos y/o recursos necesarios para llevar a buen puerto la tarea. Así, los jóvenes lectores van viendo tanto a través de los textos como con las ilustraciones, muy didácticas y bien claras para su entendimiento y comprensión, que las acompañan.
Unido a esto, aunque visto desde el punto de vista contrario, también habla sobre que hay que saber decir no en algún momento para no acabar extenuado. Al igual que se tiene que saber parar y descansar para recuperar las fuerzas.
Por otro lado, aunque de manera secundaria, pone de manifiesto el excesivo control que ejercen algunos padres con sus hijos. Éste se observa cuando les obligan a realizar determinadas actividades porque ellos también las hicieron, o a relacionarse con determinadas personas. Y todo ello sin ni siquiera ser capaces de escuchar o pedir opinión a sus vástagos, provocando que estos últimos se sientan mal y con una autoestima escasa.
También se puede extrapolar a otros ámbitos donde se tienen que cumplir con normas obsoletas.
En otro orden de cosas, pone de relieve el valor que tiene para las personas más introvertidas la amistad y el no ser prejuzgadas a priori. Siendo importante para que puedan ir dando pequeños pasos para vencer su timidez y sacar sus cualidades a relucir.
Finalizo la reseña con mi opinión personal sobre esta novela gráfica, la cual es una muy buena y divertida manera de que los jóvenes lectores aprendan el gran valor que tiene pedir ayuda y saber elegir que hacer, y hasta donde involucrarte para que no afecte a la salud. Por eso creo que es una interesante lectura y muy recomendable.
Esta novela gráfica cuenta cómo Olivia, la protagonista, se embarca en tantas actividades que no es capaz de realizar ninguna correctamente. Hasta llegar a no poder descansar.
Con este argumento, la trama principal está bastante bien definida. De este modo, se puede ver cómo la autora quiere o persigue que sus lectores infantiles aprendan a saber pedir ayuda para determinados trabajos, que no pueden o no tienen el tiempo suficiente ni los conocimientos y/o recursos necesarios para llevar a buen puerto la tarea. Así, los jóvenes lectores van viendo tanto a través de los textos como con las ilustraciones, muy didácticas y bien claras para su entendimiento y comprensión, que las acompañan.
Unido a esto, aunque visto desde el punto de vista contrario, también habla sobre que hay que saber decir no en algún momento para no acabar extenuado. Al igual que se tiene que saber parar y descansar para recuperar las fuerzas.
Por otro lado, aunque de manera secundaria, pone de manifiesto el excesivo control que ejercen algunos padres con sus hijos. Éste se observa cuando les obligan a realizar determinadas actividades porque ellos también las hicieron, o a relacionarse con determinadas personas. Y todo ello sin ni siquiera ser capaces de escuchar o pedir opinión a sus vástagos, provocando que estos últimos se sientan mal y con una autoestima escasa.
También se puede extrapolar a otros ámbitos donde se tienen que cumplir con normas obsoletas.
En otro orden de cosas, pone de relieve el valor que tiene para las personas más introvertidas la amistad y el no ser prejuzgadas a priori. Siendo importante para que puedan ir dando pequeños pasos para vencer su timidez y sacar sus cualidades a relucir.
Finalizo la reseña con mi opinión personal sobre esta novela gráfica, la cual es una muy buena y divertida manera de que los jóvenes lectores aprendan el gran valor que tiene pedir ayuda y saber elegir que hacer, y hasta donde involucrarte para que no afecte a la salud. Por eso creo que es una interesante lectura y muy recomendable.
September 21, 2022
Another relatable middle grade graphic novel by Kayla Miller, this time Olive takes on too many hobbies and projects, causing her to stress out. I've enjoyed the previous graphic novels about Olive and this one was no exception. Some kids take on way too many extra curricular activities and, like Olive, everything takes a hit. I felt Olive got a free pass with her friend when she quits an activity they take together, but the author did a great job showing Olive consider and reject a new activity when she thought it would add too much stress. Also included are instructions on making a "to do" list and how to make stop motion animation.
September 19, 2022
I love Olive Branche. She is the kind of person I wish I could have been at that age, or at least the kind of friend I would have liked to have (or still would like to have). The way she navigates having so much on her plate is a truly relatable experience. Kids and adults alike can learn from the message of this book -- that it's okay to say no to things when, as the author states in the last part of the book, "you have too many ducks" in your row.
June 29, 2023
Rating - 3.5 stars
Out of the books in this series so far, this one was the most fleshed out. Things were actually explained instead of mentioned and then never expounded upon. I so related to Olive because I often overcommit myself haha, but Miller wonderfully showcased what handling busyness looks like. This series is not my most favorite, but it's really cute and I look forward to reading the next book when it releases in 2024.
Out of the books in this series so far, this one was the most fleshed out. Things were actually explained instead of mentioned and then never expounded upon. I so related to Olive because I often overcommit myself haha, but Miller wonderfully showcased what handling busyness looks like. This series is not my most favorite, but it's really cute and I look forward to reading the next book when it releases in 2024.
September 14, 2022
Olivia is a passionate soul. She takes guitar lessons, instigated a study to re-ecaluate the school dress code, joins Berry Scouts, and creates a movie. Understandably she starts dropping some of those balls. She gets some of her many friends to help, slowly realizes that Williw does not have the same skl set, and begins to decide which activities she really wants to pursue.
April 13, 2023
I got this book when my brother gave it to me at the library. We have bought book one, Click. In the 4th box, on the first page, Willow has a frown. I think she is jealous? And I love love love the movie!!!!!!😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚😚🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩perfect! And I am sooooo jealous that she gets to go on her computer whenever in her room. My parents don’t let me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
Always great to read another Olive story. These books have such great plot lines and vibrant illustrations. In this one, Olive is struggling to find time to juggle all her interests and have fun with her friends and she comes to the stage where she has to choose what to prioritise. Fun read and wonderfully resolved as always.
September 13, 2022
“Crunch” by Kayla Miller ☺️
I’ve loved all the graphic novels by Kayla Miller so far- and this one is another HIT! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Packed with a great cast of characters, humour & life lessons, and a great fast-moving story. This graphic novel follows Olive, a middle-schooler who is just trying to pack too much in… guitar lessons, making a short film, student council, friendships…! 😳 Along the way, she faces some challenges, but has her friends, teachers, and family to give her advice along the way.
The PERFECT book for kids who have busy schedules or who like to be involved in… everything! Great lessons about balance, asking for help, and leaning on friends for support.
I’ve loved all the graphic novels by Kayla Miller so far- and this one is another HIT! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Packed with a great cast of characters, humour & life lessons, and a great fast-moving story. This graphic novel follows Olive, a middle-schooler who is just trying to pack too much in… guitar lessons, making a short film, student council, friendships…! 😳 Along the way, she faces some challenges, but has her friends, teachers, and family to give her advice along the way.
The PERFECT book for kids who have busy schedules or who like to be involved in… everything! Great lessons about balance, asking for help, and leaning on friends for support.
December 5, 2022
As always Kayla Miller books never fail to entertain me!
Sadly, this book was way to relatable. Our MC Olive is overworking herself & trying to do things for others on top of her own stuff.
I did need a nice happy change in books, & this middle grade graphic did it!
Sadly, this book was way to relatable. Our MC Olive is overworking herself & trying to do things for others on top of her own stuff.
I did need a nice happy change in books, & this middle grade graphic did it!
January 25, 2023
I liked Olive's gradual realization that she was doing too much, complete with stress dream. Miller's tips at the end about task management were spot on.
Somehow I haven't read the first in this series (?). Will definitely have to find that one as well as Clash.
Somehow I haven't read the first in this series (?). Will definitely have to find that one as well as Clash.
November 20, 2023
I really like this book,but the part that I didn’t like was that she got so cot up with all the activity’s that she just blew up and she couldn’t even think straight. But besides that I really enjoyed this book
December 18, 2022
I love this series for middle grade readers ❤️ Such good role models and practical portrayals of supportive friendships.
May 12, 2023
AWESOME
July 28, 2023
3.5 stars. I would definitely put this in the hands of my middle school students who are learning how to balance school and activities in a healthy way.
November 11, 2023
It’s a cute lil kids book about productivity!
January 18, 2024
Oh no I’m this main character and despite being a full thirty years older, I still haven’t figured out how to say no to having too much on my plate. 😫
April 3, 2024
Crunch
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.42/10 overall
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 8
Logic - 8
Enjoyment - 8
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.42/10 overall
Characters - 9
Atmosphere - 9
Writing - 8
Plot - 9
Intrigue - 8
Logic - 8
Enjoyment - 8
January 11, 2023
bro i always be doing what olive does but I don't usually ask for help but I should more often.
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