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The Crossover Graphic Novel #2
Booked Graphic Novel: A Graphic Novel
In this electric and heartfelt follow-up to Newbery Medal–winner The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. From the dynamic team behind the graphic novel edition of The Crossover.
Twelve-year-old Nick is a soccer-loving boy who absolutely hates books. In this graphic novel version of Booked, the follow-up to the Newbery Medal–winning novel The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage as Nick tries to figure out how to navigate his parents’ divorce, stand up to a bully, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges—which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal—change his life, as well as his best friend’s.
Twelve-year-old Nick is a soccer-loving boy who absolutely hates books. In this graphic novel version of Booked, the follow-up to the Newbery Medal–winning novel The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage as Nick tries to figure out how to navigate his parents’ divorce, stand up to a bully, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges—which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal—change his life, as well as his best friend’s.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2022
30 people are currently reading
2785 people want to read
About the author
Kwame Alexander
82 books3,146 followersKwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book; Booked, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 24, 2022
I haven't read the original novel but felt compelled to pick this up based on the cover. What a wholesome graphic novel that deals with timeless themes of friendship, love, school and growing up. I enjoyed Nick's coming-of-age story in which he learns to stand up to his bullies, navigate being a child of divorce, juggle school and soccer, as well as discover the joy of books.
This might be a middle-grade book but I found it very educational myself and learnt some new vocabulary. I also love the large, easy-to-read text and minimalist colour palette. A great read overall!
This might be a middle-grade book but I found it very educational myself and learnt some new vocabulary. I also love the large, easy-to-read text and minimalist colour palette. A great read overall!
November 3, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Clairon Books for the opportunity to review the graphic novel version of Booked by Kwame Alexander.
Kwame Alexander has established himself as a master at writing engaging high-interest books that include deep thinking and complex vocabulary. I was thrilled when I first learned that some of his books were being adapted into graphic novels because that makes them even more accessible to young readers. Although Booked doesn't follow the traditional graphic novel format with panels and word balloons, the words and illustrations still work together to create a cohesive story.
Nick is a twelve-year-old soccer player. He isn't a fan of books, but his dad requires him to read from a dictionary in order to increase his vocabulary. Nick faces challenges related to soccer, bullying, girls, and his parents' relationship. Through it all he has the support of his best friend Coby, the school librarian, and a counselor. I believe that many young readers will be able to relate to the struggles that Nick experiences.
I would recommend this book to my middle school students and believe that it would also appeal to some high school students.
#Booked
#NetGalley
#Bookstagram
#graphicnovels
Kwame Alexander has established himself as a master at writing engaging high-interest books that include deep thinking and complex vocabulary. I was thrilled when I first learned that some of his books were being adapted into graphic novels because that makes them even more accessible to young readers. Although Booked doesn't follow the traditional graphic novel format with panels and word balloons, the words and illustrations still work together to create a cohesive story.
Nick is a twelve-year-old soccer player. He isn't a fan of books, but his dad requires him to read from a dictionary in order to increase his vocabulary. Nick faces challenges related to soccer, bullying, girls, and his parents' relationship. Through it all he has the support of his best friend Coby, the school librarian, and a counselor. I believe that many young readers will be able to relate to the struggles that Nick experiences.
I would recommend this book to my middle school students and believe that it would also appeal to some high school students.
#Booked
#NetGalley
#Bookstagram
#graphicnovels
February 9, 2023
I’m a such huge Kwame fan…. And this graphic novel adaptation of his soccer-themed novel is really wonderful. The new art is bold and dynamic, the story of a 12 year old boy and his struggles with school, girls, his parents divorce and some annoying bullies, is the perfect story for young readers. The focus on sports can draw a reluctant reader in, and the focus on the power of words, vocabulary and books, is done in such a fun and funny way, to inspire. A book I can’t wait to recommend in my day job.
January 3, 2021
Grateful to Edelweiss and Etch/HMH Books for Young Readers for the E-ARC of this book. I love that Kwame Alexander’s popular middle grade books are being reimagined as graphic novels. While his books have already been loved by many students, this format will make them accessible to an even bigger audience. I loved re-visiting this story, but in graphic novel format. Same great story, and now we have visuals. I’m sure some will prefer the original which is in a verse novel format, but I am happy to have both options as I truly think it will widen the range of readers to which I will hand off this book. My only complaint is that sometimes I didn’t love the chapter titles. They felt confusing - are they part of the page or separate from the text and especially when some of the text was larger later in the page. I also was taken aback by the illustrations of Mr. Mac. Not sure what I had in my mind, but that wasn’t what I was expecting for some reason! I truly enjoyed having the chance to connect with these characters and this story again.
November 23, 2022
The power went out at school so I decided to have the students silent-read until it came back on. 76 minutes later and I was enthralled with this graphic novel. I realized that I did not have many graphic novels in my classroom library, so I put 7 (of the 10) on my wishlist. One of those books was this gem about an African-American boy who plays soccer and has an amazing vocabulary (due to his father writing a anthology of words). The book focuses on his struggles with bullying, injury, dating, and his parents divorce. It was hard to put this book down and I often found myself laughing aloud with some of his observations about life.
February 26, 2021
I absolutely love they are turning these stories into graphic novels. We have so many Booked, and Kwame fans in general. This will NOT stay on my shelf once it's there!
October 18, 2022
Absolutely loved this fun, original novel about friendship, family & the life of a soccer-obsessed 12-year-old boy - filled with clever word play & emotional depth. My full review:
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2022/...
https://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2022/...
December 18, 2020
The graphic novel version of Kwame Alexander's Booked would be a good addition to the middle or high school library collection. The minimalist drawings are still attention-grabbing and build off of and enhance the text. I have actually not read the verse novel version of Booked, so the whole storyline was new to me. I did feel the story was a little jumbled or choppy at times, bouncing between aspect's of Nick's life. But the story was not hard to follow, the topics will be relatable for younger kids, and the pacing was appropriate Thank you to the publishers and #NetGalley for the ARC.
December 10, 2024
Booked by Kwame Alexander is the 2nd graphic novel I've enjoyed by this talented author and also his illustrator, David Anyabwile. The story follows Nick Hall, a young boy, who loves playing soccer and competing against his best friend Coby. But life isn't a bed of roses for Nicky.
His parents are going through a difficult time; they love each other but are finding it difficult to live together anymore. Nick's mom is heading to Kentucky to help train horses. Nick is finding this a difficult situation with which to cope. Also there are two brothers who bully Nick and others. They steal Nick's bike. His friend Coby tries to stand up for him, gets in a fight and is expelled. This, while Nick, is afraid to help his friend. Nick also likes April, a girl in his class and finds it difficult to express his feelings, even though it's clear she does like him too.
Nick's father is insistent on improving Nick's vocabulary and has published a dictionary of odd words that he wants Nick to read. READ ANYTHING! Of course, Nick rebels. One of his best friends is Mr. MacDonald, an ex-rapper, changed to school librarian. He also keeps giving Nick books. READ! Besides all of this, there are the normal other school situations. Nick doesn't like English class, doesn't like the girl, Winifred, who has all of the answers.
But Nick's overall situation is a tense one. He's developing stomach pains, can't sleep because his mother is away, is angry with her for 'abandoning' him. He refuses to talk with her, all of the pressures of growing up in a family that is drifting apart. All of this will build to a crisis situation. Will it affect Nick's health? Will it affect Nick's ability to attend a big soccer tournament in Dallas? Check it out.
It's a fascinating story. The language is cool and well-paced. Nick and his friends are neat kids. The soccer scenes are so well-drawn and described. And you will learn words you might not have heard before as throughout, these words are interspersed and defined for you. Kind of a neat touch. It's an intelligent, well-written, interesting story about growing up. Check it out. (4.5 stars)
His parents are going through a difficult time; they love each other but are finding it difficult to live together anymore. Nick's mom is heading to Kentucky to help train horses. Nick is finding this a difficult situation with which to cope. Also there are two brothers who bully Nick and others. They steal Nick's bike. His friend Coby tries to stand up for him, gets in a fight and is expelled. This, while Nick, is afraid to help his friend. Nick also likes April, a girl in his class and finds it difficult to express his feelings, even though it's clear she does like him too.
Nick's father is insistent on improving Nick's vocabulary and has published a dictionary of odd words that he wants Nick to read. READ ANYTHING! Of course, Nick rebels. One of his best friends is Mr. MacDonald, an ex-rapper, changed to school librarian. He also keeps giving Nick books. READ! Besides all of this, there are the normal other school situations. Nick doesn't like English class, doesn't like the girl, Winifred, who has all of the answers.
But Nick's overall situation is a tense one. He's developing stomach pains, can't sleep because his mother is away, is angry with her for 'abandoning' him. He refuses to talk with her, all of the pressures of growing up in a family that is drifting apart. All of this will build to a crisis situation. Will it affect Nick's health? Will it affect Nick's ability to attend a big soccer tournament in Dallas? Check it out.
It's a fascinating story. The language is cool and well-paced. Nick and his friends are neat kids. The soccer scenes are so well-drawn and described. And you will learn words you might not have heard before as throughout, these words are interspersed and defined for you. Kind of a neat touch. It's an intelligent, well-written, interesting story about growing up. Check it out. (4.5 stars)
April 14, 2021
A fun and very “bookish” graphic novel that not only talked about soccer, but included great book recommendations and some blackout poetry. Thanks again to NetGalley and Etch/HMH Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for feedback.
This book is about a young boy, named Nick, who loves playing soccer, but doesn’t love that his parents are dealing with issues at home. His father loves words and makes Nick read a dictionary, so a lot of new and interesting words end up in this graphic novel (including their definition, which is helpful). Nick is also dealing with bullies, so with the help from friends (and his crush), he learns how the power of words can help him down the road. I also really enjoyed the fact that this book offered some book recommendations that I didn’t know anything about, so they are on my to-read list. Not only that, but this book even had some pages of blackout poetry included (which I LOVE), so that was an extra delight!
This book is about a young boy, named Nick, who loves playing soccer, but doesn’t love that his parents are dealing with issues at home. His father loves words and makes Nick read a dictionary, so a lot of new and interesting words end up in this graphic novel (including their definition, which is helpful). Nick is also dealing with bullies, so with the help from friends (and his crush), he learns how the power of words can help him down the road. I also really enjoyed the fact that this book offered some book recommendations that I didn’t know anything about, so they are on my to-read list. Not only that, but this book even had some pages of blackout poetry included (which I LOVE), so that was an extra delight!
December 31, 2021
Although I have read a few of Kwame Alexander's books, I have not read the original version of this one. As with The Crossover, this story is about so much more than sports. This title is actually a reference to both soccer and books. Nick loves soccer and is a good player, but he's also dealing with a lot at home, along bullies and even a medical issue. His dad is a linguistics professor and he's required to read his dad's dictionary of weird and wonderful words when really he does not want to read at all. Yet, as the story goes on, we see him figure things out with the support of his family, a really great friend, and a few others who encourage him to actually start enjoying reading.
*I received an electronic copy of this book for honest review.
*I received an electronic copy of this book for honest review.
February 9, 2025
Its not everyday that I recommend a middle school book to my husband, but this one I read in one sitting and I need someone to talk about it.
Booked is everything I love about YA books: unapologetic, no BS approach to the many blows that life may give you as a teenager. MC grows so much and that growth is earned. Secondary characters are a little one dimensional (as they may be in the mind of a not so uncommon egocentric teen), yet vividly painted. It will take you low, but you'll come out on top, higher than before. Brimming 5 stars.
Booked is everything I love about YA books: unapologetic, no BS approach to the many blows that life may give you as a teenager. MC grows so much and that growth is earned. Secondary characters are a little one dimensional (as they may be in the mind of a not so uncommon egocentric teen), yet vividly painted. It will take you low, but you'll come out on top, higher than before. Brimming 5 stars.
July 16, 2023
A novel in verse about family, bullies, and adjusting to change. The main character is in 8th grade. This was the graphic novel version, and I thought the art was engaging. I think the version without art would be equally good and even slightly better because you would see the intended form of the poems, which is lost in this version.
July 7, 2025
Pretty good for a graphic novel. It grew on me towards the end. Especially because I feel like it captures the mind of a 12 year old. It felt a little bit disconnected at times, because of the jumps in between "chapters". It would be quite fun to teach malapropisms with the examples in the book.
September 14, 2022
I liked this book a lot, it reminded me of my last season of soccer. I won't say anything else so you have to read this amazing book!
September 26, 2022
4.5 stars.
October 11, 2022
This was a fantastic book! We follow Nick Hall as he deals with school, bullies, soccer, and his home life. He goes through a lot and I really liked how the book dealt with all that. I thought it was very realistic. Overall, a great book!
February 20, 2021
Stellar! Another amazing book by Kwame Alexander. His love of words and language is especially clear in this story. The bold, powerful images go perfectly with the text. What a delight!
July 12, 2023
Eh, a little cheesy with the “you got beat by a girrrllll!” jokes (at the same time, I’m in no way expecting the average middle school boy to be above that lol) and outdated slang “that was tight," BUT the emotional turmoil and the helplessness Nick feels is excellent.
The main character Nick feels like his whole life has been uprooted and left unbalanced when his parents lay a huge announcement on him. Soccer is one of the few things that centers him and provides joy to his now seemingly unstable life.
The parental drama will be very relatable for kids because Nick’s father is overly strict and hard on him (as an adult, I know he just wants Nick to have an education, so he can open more opportunities, but he was too overbearing even for me), his mother’s increased absence affects him, and he can’t find his voice to stand up to bullies at school. When his parents make huge decisions that don’t include him, he’s forced to get over it. At one point, his emotions boil over at his father’s continual chastisement where Nick says…
Again, I thought the awkward navigation of emotional distress as a young teen and even the inclusion of counseling were great.
A small nitpick: with the way the font is written when Nick is having a conversation with someone, you can easily lose track of who is speaking.
Lastly, word up! * in my Wordgirl voice* This book includes a lot of great, uncommon words to build your vocabulary. c:
3.5
The main character Nick feels like his whole life has been uprooted and left unbalanced when his parents lay a huge announcement on him. Soccer is one of the few things that centers him and provides joy to his now seemingly unstable life.
The parental drama will be very relatable for kids because Nick’s father is overly strict and hard on him (as an adult, I know he just wants Nick to have an education, so he can open more opportunities, but he was too overbearing even for me), his mother’s increased absence affects him, and he can’t find his voice to stand up to bullies at school. When his parents make huge decisions that don’t include him, he’s forced to get over it. At one point, his emotions boil over at his father’s continual chastisement where Nick says…
Again, I thought the awkward navigation of emotional distress as a young teen and even the inclusion of counseling were great.
A small nitpick: with the way the font is written when Nick is having a conversation with someone, you can easily lose track of who is speaking.
Lastly, word up! * in my Wordgirl voice* This book includes a lot of great, uncommon words to build your vocabulary. c:
3.5
November 11, 2022
LOVED THIS! Couldn’t put it down!
Love that he went to therapy and the whole cool librarian and how he did finally get into reading.
Hope Rebound also becomes a Graphic Novel!
More books into graphic novels please!
Love that he went to therapy and the whole cool librarian and how he did finally get into reading.
Hope Rebound also becomes a Graphic Novel!
More books into graphic novels please!
March 20, 2023
My first in print Kwame Alexander and it is a graphic novel! :)
I have listened to a few Alexander’s and I had no idea he wrote in short bursts like poetry until I picked up one at my library. He retained that same style in the graphic novel and it is an interesting style. I would say it enhances the story, actually.
For this one, I’m glad that he chose to highlight lots of positive struggles as the previous Alexander works concerned heavy issues like police violence. I felt that lots of kids could relate to Nick’s resistance to his parents, their marital issues and its effect on Nick, and Nick’s navigation into the world of dating. Nick’s focus on soccer is sure to resonate with a lot of kids as well.
I loved Mr. Mac. I guess most librarians are the same because he wore shirts/said phrases that I have said/worn, etc. :) It was encouraging to see a Black male as a librarian as there are not very many of those that I am aware of. It’s a challenge in the profession.
I learned a lot of new words too and I thought Alexander’s inclusion of them was clever. Like most parents, I wish I could make my children see and realize their full potential even if they don’t want to.
The most unrealistic part of this story is that Nick cleaned the fridge as a chore!! Man, I guess I suck at parenting because I don’t make my children clean the fridge and I didn’t do it until I owned my own fridge :)
I have listened to a few Alexander’s and I had no idea he wrote in short bursts like poetry until I picked up one at my library. He retained that same style in the graphic novel and it is an interesting style. I would say it enhances the story, actually.
For this one, I’m glad that he chose to highlight lots of positive struggles as the previous Alexander works concerned heavy issues like police violence. I felt that lots of kids could relate to Nick’s resistance to his parents, their marital issues and its effect on Nick, and Nick’s navigation into the world of dating. Nick’s focus on soccer is sure to resonate with a lot of kids as well.
I loved Mr. Mac. I guess most librarians are the same because he wore shirts/said phrases that I have said/worn, etc. :) It was encouraging to see a Black male as a librarian as there are not very many of those that I am aware of. It’s a challenge in the profession.
I learned a lot of new words too and I thought Alexander’s inclusion of them was clever. Like most parents, I wish I could make my children see and realize their full potential even if they don’t want to.
The most unrealistic part of this story is that Nick cleaned the fridge as a chore!! Man, I guess I suck at parenting because I don’t make my children clean the fridge and I didn’t do it until I owned my own fridge :)
September 24, 2021
First, I have to say, I love Kwame Alexander’s books. He has an incredible ability to tell a heartfelt and gripping story through the tight restraints of poetry. He is a master of words. Alexander’s skill at poetic story telling still shines through the graphic novel version of his book...
However, as much as I enjoyed reading this version of Booked, it wasn’t as powerful as other books I’ve read by Alexander. Booked offered so much to think about and work through, but it was missing that extra something that I’ve felt in his non-graphic novels. I think the problem is with me, though. As much as I enjoyed the graphics, I found them a bit distracting, and at one point the image shown didn’t correspond with the words on the page (ie. knee grabbing in the movie theatre). I enjoyed the story but would probably have enjoyed the traditional format better.
That being said, I can see this graphic novel connecting with many young readers and being the door leads those readers to discover more of Alexander’s amazing stories.
Thank you NetGalley for a free digital version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley
However, as much as I enjoyed reading this version of Booked, it wasn’t as powerful as other books I’ve read by Alexander. Booked offered so much to think about and work through, but it was missing that extra something that I’ve felt in his non-graphic novels. I think the problem is with me, though. As much as I enjoyed the graphics, I found them a bit distracting, and at one point the image shown didn’t correspond with the words on the page (ie. knee grabbing in the movie theatre). I enjoyed the story but would probably have enjoyed the traditional format better.
That being said, I can see this graphic novel connecting with many young readers and being the door leads those readers to discover more of Alexander’s amazing stories.
Thank you NetGalley for a free digital version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley
January 23, 2021
I finished this graphic novel in one sitting. I really enjoyed the characters. I wish Nick had stood up for his friend, Coby, at some point over the course of the novel. I'm used to interrupted poem breaks in books in verse but not in graphic novels, so that took me a moment to get used to. The minimalist drawings showed the action while letting the reader's imagination fill in some of the details. A lot of my students are fans of Alexander's original version and graphic novels, so they're sure to love this. Students will also find something to relate to with everything that Nick is going through.
September 8, 2022
The graphic novel adaptation of Alexander’s popular verse novel about a soccer-obsessed middle schooler will be very popular. Nick is dealing with his parents’ divorce, bullies, and having to compete against his best friend on the soccer field. Best of all is the cool school librarian sporting a mohawk and always there with advice and a book to read. Nick’s father has created a dictionary just for Nick which might be one reason Nick has a flair for words, especially malapropisms and writing in blackout style.
December 9, 2021
Confident and in control on the soccer field, middle schooler Nick struggles off the field between issues with his parents and dealing with schoolwork. He rather be playing or daydreaming about soccer but instead he has his English teacher nagging him to pay attention and his linguistics professor dad making him memorize vocabulary words. But with some prodding from the librarian and his crush to join the school book club Nick may find he may not hate reading and that he has more people on his side then he thinks. An ode to both soccer and words, Kwame Alexander’s novel in verse brings authenticity to the middle school experience.
Booked: The Graphic Novel takes Alexander’s original book and adds Dawud Anyabwile’s bold black and white illustrations to bring additional life to the story. With splashes of the same shade of green the graphics are simple but striking, using bold lines, different sized words, and varying layouts to convey the emotions of the language. Nick also unintentionally sprinkles the vocabulary words he’s forced to learn throughout his speech and a graphic with the word’s definition is given on the same page, tying the words into the story.
The multifaceted characters are what really make Booked shine though. The characters are complex and given enough details to feel like real people without slowing down the pace of the book. For instance, the librarian is a former rap producer who survived a brain tumor and now runs the Nerds and Words book club at school. In a few sentences Alexander develops this interesting side character that even without the illustrations the reader can visualize clearly.
Weaving an ode to words and language into a strikingly illustrated sports story, Booked: The Graphic Novel will appeal to a wide range of readers who will relate to the struggles of growing up.
Booked: The Graphic Novel takes Alexander’s original book and adds Dawud Anyabwile’s bold black and white illustrations to bring additional life to the story. With splashes of the same shade of green the graphics are simple but striking, using bold lines, different sized words, and varying layouts to convey the emotions of the language. Nick also unintentionally sprinkles the vocabulary words he’s forced to learn throughout his speech and a graphic with the word’s definition is given on the same page, tying the words into the story.
The multifaceted characters are what really make Booked shine though. The characters are complex and given enough details to feel like real people without slowing down the pace of the book. For instance, the librarian is a former rap producer who survived a brain tumor and now runs the Nerds and Words book club at school. In a few sentences Alexander develops this interesting side character that even without the illustrations the reader can visualize clearly.
Weaving an ode to words and language into a strikingly illustrated sports story, Booked: The Graphic Novel will appeal to a wide range of readers who will relate to the struggles of growing up.
December 16, 2022
Booked by Kwame Alexander is a great book. Because there is a great plot in the story. It's inspiring and it shows hard work and dedication. He had to deal with bullies, divorces, and impressing the girl of his dreams, These challenges—which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal—change his life, as well as his best friend’s. to do what's right and to do what you love. He just made the soccer team at school, and he is super excited because he is very athletic and he loves soccer. Can Nick, being under all the pressure at home, like his parents getting in a divorce or his dad always trying to get him to read, make the soccer team proud.
I think this book is great because I love sports as well so if you like sports, this is the book for you. I think this book is unique because it's written in an unnatural pose. This book is a great one for people that go beyond the words in the book, because the illustrations tell so much about the story. I think that anybody in the pre-teen age zone would love this book. Booked is also very relatable for a lot of people, because I know divorces are tough to deal with, especially as a kid.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Nick gets invited to the Dallas Cup, a prestigious soccer tournament that the best teams get invited to. This is a big deal because his best friend, Coby was also invited but on a different team, they both train super hard to beat each other, but at one of Nick’s games, he hurts his leg really badly and he won't be able to play in the cup, this is devastating for him. But while he's in the hospital he gets visited by a ton of people and he feels a lot better.
I think this book is great because I love sports as well so if you like sports, this is the book for you. I think this book is unique because it's written in an unnatural pose. This book is a great one for people that go beyond the words in the book, because the illustrations tell so much about the story. I think that anybody in the pre-teen age zone would love this book. Booked is also very relatable for a lot of people, because I know divorces are tough to deal with, especially as a kid.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Nick gets invited to the Dallas Cup, a prestigious soccer tournament that the best teams get invited to. This is a big deal because his best friend, Coby was also invited but on a different team, they both train super hard to beat each other, but at one of Nick’s games, he hurts his leg really badly and he won't be able to play in the cup, this is devastating for him. But while he's in the hospital he gets visited by a ton of people and he feels a lot better.
June 12, 2021
“𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄, 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌. 𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆.”
What business do I have reading a graphic novel in June that doesn’t come out until January 2022? I was too excited to check this one out. Booked is a graphic adaptation of Kwame Alexander’s 2016 National Book Award Long List nominee.
Nick Hall loves soccer and hates reading. Nick’s father is a linguistics professor and has him read his dictionary each night to build his vocabulary. But that’s not Nick’s only problem: he wrestles with problems at home, deals with bullies, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Will Nick discover the power of words, and how they can help solve his problems?
I loved this book - it’s quick paced, well-plotted, and emotional. Not having read the original book, this story was all new to me; it is written in free verse poetry, and I loved the flow of the text. I also adored how the text adds to how interesting this book is to read; the words are not set up like a typical graphic novel with a traditional comic book layout. The use of new words was really cool (like mewling or limerence), and the fun footnotes that explain them and how Nick gets caught up in the love of books, saying that sometimes they stay slow but then you "𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.”
I will definitely be on the lookout for the original novel, along with Alexander’s The Crossover (in novel and graphic novel form). Booked is a great story for middle schoolers about the power of language, the thrills and setbacks of life, soccer, family, love, and friendship. Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt & NetGalley for the ARC!
What business do I have reading a graphic novel in June that doesn’t come out until January 2022? I was too excited to check this one out. Booked is a graphic adaptation of Kwame Alexander’s 2016 National Book Award Long List nominee.
Nick Hall loves soccer and hates reading. Nick’s father is a linguistics professor and has him read his dictionary each night to build his vocabulary. But that’s not Nick’s only problem: he wrestles with problems at home, deals with bullies, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Will Nick discover the power of words, and how they can help solve his problems?
I loved this book - it’s quick paced, well-plotted, and emotional. Not having read the original book, this story was all new to me; it is written in free verse poetry, and I loved the flow of the text. I also adored how the text adds to how interesting this book is to read; the words are not set up like a typical graphic novel with a traditional comic book layout. The use of new words was really cool (like mewling or limerence), and the fun footnotes that explain them and how Nick gets caught up in the love of books, saying that sometimes they stay slow but then you "𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆.”
I will definitely be on the lookout for the original novel, along with Alexander’s The Crossover (in novel and graphic novel form). Booked is a great story for middle schoolers about the power of language, the thrills and setbacks of life, soccer, family, love, and friendship. Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt & NetGalley for the ARC!
December 21, 2021
Nick is a star soccer player who doesn't see the value in reading books. Unfortunately for him, his father is a "Linguistics Professor with Verbomania" who expects Nick to read from his unique words dictionary on a daily basis. Nick is dealing with all of the usual stressors of middle school: bullies, crushes, and homework when his parents drop a bombshell on him...his mom is moving away for work and their marriage is in jeopardy.
Can Nick overcome all of these obstacles to continue the pursuit of his soccer dreams? Will April, his crush, help him refocus on interests outside of soccer? Be sure to check out this graphic novel adaptation of Booked when it releases in the Summer of 2022!
Overall, I loved this book. I always like when authors include other books within their writing. This practice invites readers to seek out these other titles and read them too. The one flaw I found with this book is that the bullies are described as "pit-bull mean." As a pit bull owner, it's incredibly frustrating to hear stereotypes like this perpetuated. Pit bulls are incredibly sweet and loving animals who have received a bad reputation based upon how humans have treated them.
Can Nick overcome all of these obstacles to continue the pursuit of his soccer dreams? Will April, his crush, help him refocus on interests outside of soccer? Be sure to check out this graphic novel adaptation of Booked when it releases in the Summer of 2022!
Overall, I loved this book. I always like when authors include other books within their writing. This practice invites readers to seek out these other titles and read them too. The one flaw I found with this book is that the bullies are described as "pit-bull mean." As a pit bull owner, it's incredibly frustrating to hear stereotypes like this perpetuated. Pit bulls are incredibly sweet and loving animals who have received a bad reputation based upon how humans have treated them.
January 9, 2021
Booked is an excellent adaptation of Kwame Alexander's middle grades book, published in 2016, under the same title. Nick Hall, an 8th grader at Langston Hughes, is struggling to balance his position on the soccer team, parent's separation, friendships, school work, and crush. Told in a combination of verse and graphics, this is a novel that students of all ages, genders, and interests will love. Similar to his other novels, it's about sports without actually being about sports. Teachers and librarians alike will love all the vocabulary and book references intertwined through the story. Personally, I loved the characterization of Mr. Mac - as a school librarian, I aspire to be him. Alexander and Anyabwile have done a great job with this story. There are a few sections of the story that seem to skip a little bit, probably due to turning it from a full book into a graphic novel. It does not impede the storyline. I will, without a doubt, be adding this book to my collection when it's officially released.
February 6, 2021
Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and #Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of the graphic novel Booked by Kwame Alexander. All opinions are my own.
Nick loves soccer and hates book. His hatred is amplified by his father's love of words and the fact that Nick is required to read a dictionary written by his father. His life gets more complicated when his parents separate and his mom leaves Nick with his father while she goes to work in another state. At school, Nick has trouble with bullies and girls.
I loved the original novel-in-verse version of Booked and the graphic novelization did not disappoint me. My students love the lyrical style and the pacing of the book. Even my most reluctant readers become absolutely captivated by Alexander's books. I love that Booked covers important themes related to family, divorce, bullying, and relationships. The illustrations in the graphic novel really bring the story to life and enhance the messages and emotions. This book is perfect for upper elementary and middle school libraries.
Nick loves soccer and hates book. His hatred is amplified by his father's love of words and the fact that Nick is required to read a dictionary written by his father. His life gets more complicated when his parents separate and his mom leaves Nick with his father while she goes to work in another state. At school, Nick has trouble with bullies and girls.
I loved the original novel-in-verse version of Booked and the graphic novelization did not disappoint me. My students love the lyrical style and the pacing of the book. Even my most reluctant readers become absolutely captivated by Alexander's books. I love that Booked covers important themes related to family, divorce, bullying, and relationships. The illustrations in the graphic novel really bring the story to life and enhance the messages and emotions. This book is perfect for upper elementary and middle school libraries.
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