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Amelia Rules! #5
Amelia Rules! Volume 5: The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular
Do you know there’s no true opposite to the word “catastrophe”?
Amelia McBride and company are about to embark on their most daunting mission yet: navigating the promises and pitfalls of popularity at Joe McCarthy Elementary. A tricky task when you consider an unmatched pair of socks alone can cause ridicule for years to come. Really, though, all the gang wants is not to be unpopular. Rising and falling through the ranks of nerd, geek—and cheerleader?—with advice from wacky popularity expert Dr. Victoria Medeochrias, Amelia and her friends encounter riotous mobs, unfortunate makeovers, and bad catch phrases. Even after things go from bad to worse, Amelia learns there are some things that are just a little bit more important than being popular.
In his first brand new volume in two years, Jimmy Gownley dishes up another hilariously satisfying dose of Amelia Rules!, in what Comics Buyer’s Guide has called “a timeless manner to which readers young and old can easily relate.”
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Gownley
89 books106 followersJimmy Gownley is the author and illustrator of the Amelia Rules! series of graphic novels, as well as the memoir The Dumbest Idea Ever!.
He has been nominated for 13 Eisner awards and 6 Harvey awards. His book Superheroes won the 2006 Cybil Award for best graphic novel for kids 12 and under.
He lives in Pennsylvania.
He has been nominated for 13 Eisner awards and 6 Harvey awards. His book Superheroes won the 2006 Cybil Award for best graphic novel for kids 12 and under.
He lives in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 31, 2011
This is actually the first Amelia Rules book that I've read. It hit me a third of the way through that Amelia's mom is my age, which makes sense since Amelia is in 5th grade, just like my oldest, so my mind-set changed a little, but I was able to "get back" into Amelia's head. :)
There was definitely some humor in it. A few parts made me laugh, but the rest was entertaining enough. My only issue is that some of the conclusions Amelia makes aren't well set-up, and some of the scenes have odd action or conversation transitions. There are also a couple of times where the author leaves you hanging--and not in a good way (like in the middle of dialogue).
Visually, my favorite parts were when Aunt Tanner tells Amelia a story about something that happened when she was younger, and then all of the sudden the pages you're looking at changes to an old comic book style. You see the colors made up of the tiny dot print, and the characters were drawn in the style of Archie comics. I also liked when Amelia finally has a conversation with Jenny (the girl whose reputation tanked afer wearing non-matching socks in the class picture) and the more they talked, the more pigment appeared in Jenny's skin, hair, sweatshirt, etc. (she was previously colored in grays). And then when the conversation was interrupted, she went back to being in gray. Well done!
Overall, enjoyable, but I wouldn't go out of my way to make people read it. (My 5th grader gives it 4 out of 5 stars).
There was definitely some humor in it. A few parts made me laugh, but the rest was entertaining enough. My only issue is that some of the conclusions Amelia makes aren't well set-up, and some of the scenes have odd action or conversation transitions. There are also a couple of times where the author leaves you hanging--and not in a good way (like in the middle of dialogue).
Visually, my favorite parts were when Aunt Tanner tells Amelia a story about something that happened when she was younger, and then all of the sudden the pages you're looking at changes to an old comic book style. You see the colors made up of the tiny dot print, and the characters were drawn in the style of Archie comics. I also liked when Amelia finally has a conversation with Jenny (the girl whose reputation tanked afer wearing non-matching socks in the class picture) and the more they talked, the more pigment appeared in Jenny's skin, hair, sweatshirt, etc. (she was previously colored in grays). And then when the conversation was interrupted, she went back to being in gray. Well done!
Overall, enjoyable, but I wouldn't go out of my way to make people read it. (My 5th grader gives it 4 out of 5 stars).
September 27, 2017
Still cute. Still reading.
January 29, 2014
After reading "The Good Soldiers" and "Thank You for Your Service" back-to-back, I need a fun, easy palate cleanser. I picked this up at the last Scholastic Book Warehouse sale I went to. Pretty fun. One of the things I've been most pleased about as I've started poking around in more current kids' books is how many graphic novels there are for girls out there now. I never had a problem with superhero comics, but it's nice for girls who might like the genre but want to read about other things to have some options too.
This volume follows Amelia and her friends as they deal with the typical trials of elementary school - trying to fit in, trying not to stick out, getting in trouble, negotiating problems with friends, all that good stuff. I think it's pretty true and honest while also being sweet and funny. My favorite thing about this book is that the two main girls - Amelia and her friend, Rhonda - are pretty different and have different feelings and aims, but neither girl is depicted as being particularly right or wrong. Rhonda wants more people to like her, she really wants to be a cheerleader, she watches Snow White and sees a beautiful love story. Amelia doesn't care if certain people like her, doesn't feel the desperate need to be a cheerleader, and thinks Snow White is kind of a moron. Both styles are presented as completely valid as long as that's what makes each girl happy.
This is volume 5 but jumping in there didn't cause any confusion. I definitely enjoyed this enough to grab the other volumes when I see them.
This volume follows Amelia and her friends as they deal with the typical trials of elementary school - trying to fit in, trying not to stick out, getting in trouble, negotiating problems with friends, all that good stuff. I think it's pretty true and honest while also being sweet and funny. My favorite thing about this book is that the two main girls - Amelia and her friend, Rhonda - are pretty different and have different feelings and aims, but neither girl is depicted as being particularly right or wrong. Rhonda wants more people to like her, she really wants to be a cheerleader, she watches Snow White and sees a beautiful love story. Amelia doesn't care if certain people like her, doesn't feel the desperate need to be a cheerleader, and thinks Snow White is kind of a moron. Both styles are presented as completely valid as long as that's what makes each girl happy.
This is volume 5 but jumping in there didn't cause any confusion. I definitely enjoyed this enough to grab the other volumes when I see them.
April 30, 2016
After the emotional roller coaster of the last two volumes vol 5 was a breath of fresh air. Not that there is anything wrong with the emotional roller coaster in fact they were excellent, but this time around we look into the world of popularity and our focus shifts to Rhonda.
Rhonda is done with being unpopular so she tries to drag her friends into a bid to being popular trying different things which all end as expected. But along the way we learn more info about not only our main characters but more of the costars. Joan joins the crew now going to public school and her and pajama man get closer. We learn a secret about popular girl Britney, and we get to see a side of depressed Jenny that we have never seen. Also look into the mind of turnip head.
But we get a better vision into Tanner's past and we spend time with an obsessed Rhonda. Great series, great characters, great art. Check it out.
Rhonda is done with being unpopular so she tries to drag her friends into a bid to being popular trying different things which all end as expected. But along the way we learn more info about not only our main characters but more of the costars. Joan joins the crew now going to public school and her and pajama man get closer. We learn a secret about popular girl Britney, and we get to see a side of depressed Jenny that we have never seen. Also look into the mind of turnip head.
But we get a better vision into Tanner's past and we spend time with an obsessed Rhonda. Great series, great characters, great art. Check it out.
June 29, 2014
I grabbed this off a shelf of graphic novels at the library, not realizing it was part of a series. I liked the style of illustration right off the bat and found the characters pretty authentic. The level of drama was a tad over the top, but, being a 6th grade teacher, I know that's how a lot of tween girls operate. Overall, this was a quick and fun read that should appeal to upper elementary and lower middle school aged girls, especially reluctant readers who may need something to hook them into reading full length novels.
January 28, 2011
Highlights here for me were the Archie homage and Rhonda's makeover.
November 11, 2017
My first Amelia Rules! book. It is well drawn and probably a delight for young people but quite thin, plot-wise, for me.
Did contain some tidbits, however:
1. Sign in front of Amelia's school: "Joe McCarthy Elementary--'weeding out the wrong element since 1952.'"
2. Mentioned during Amelia and friend's presentation of present day items that will be "dorktastic" in the future is: The electoral college "for obvious reasons."
3. From Dr. V the author of the book within the book with the same name: "parents spend so much time telling their kids they're special , right? That they can do anything. But that's not true. That's why very few parents encourage their kid to excel once the the child is out of school."
"Q: What do you mean?"
"A: Well, when a child is coming through the ranks in school he or she is encouraged to do well, to distinguish him or her self, to strive for excellence. But as soon as he or she get a diploma or a degree, what do people tell them then ? 'Get a job with benefits, keep your head down, and wait to die.'"
Did contain some tidbits, however:
1. Sign in front of Amelia's school: "Joe McCarthy Elementary--'weeding out the wrong element since 1952.'"
2. Mentioned during Amelia and friend's presentation of present day items that will be "dorktastic" in the future is: The electoral college "for obvious reasons."
3. From Dr. V the author of the book within the book with the same name: "parents spend so much time telling their kids they're special , right? That they can do anything. But that's not true. That's why very few parents encourage their kid to excel once the the child is out of school."
"Q: What do you mean?"
"A: Well, when a child is coming through the ranks in school he or she is encouraged to do well, to distinguish him or her self, to strive for excellence. But as soon as he or she get a diploma or a degree, what do people tell them then ? 'Get a job with benefits, keep your head down, and wait to die.'"
May 29, 2019
Amelia has a weird way of looking at the world. Her ideas for not being unpopular are funny, creative and inventive. This was a good Amelia book pitting Snow White against the evil queen to show the concept of "the Princess Effect". A science project ends with Amelia being honest in a very loud way. Rhonda and her "fruit" based poems are sooooo corny.Amelia begins to believe she may really be BAD like principle Wright always says. Her thoughts are all over the place trying to find her way to not being unpopular. She even tries out for the cheerleading squad. Amelia makes me smile, I like her and want her to succeed.
December 29, 2017
I'll be honest. I picked this up because I knew it would be a quick read and I wanted to finish my Goodreads challenge for the year...but I really enjoyed it. Reluctant readers will be willing to pick it up, but it's a little quirky and I love the sense of humor and there's a nice lesson thrown in there too. I might read more in the series and if I can get my sons to pick up a book with a girl on the cover I'll give it to them too! It's definitely not girly, despite having a female protagonist.
January 8, 2018
Taught a great lesson in this one about the true unimportance of popularity. As Amelia and her friends struggle with friendships, and life, Amelia becomes embroiled in a situation that has the whole school chasing her and Rhonda. Amelia’s Aunt Tanner puts life in perspective for Amelia and helps her to realize that life isn’t just about being cool.
February 2, 2018
Amelia has lots of friends , Britney , Christina and the another girl think they are 1#.Ronda incident fell her lunch on Britney’s head,it was really awesome !
‘This book is really cool,I only have this book,I really wish I have 1#,2#,3#,4#,6#,a very ninja Christmas .bye bye!
‘This book is really cool,I only have this book,I really wish I have 1#,2#,3#,4#,6#,a very ninja Christmas .bye bye!
May 6, 2018
Rhonda, glaring at a snooty group of "popular" girls: "I'd like to do something GOTHIC to them". This volume focuses on what it means to be "popular" and whether it is desirable. And oh no: please don't let Rhonda lose her soul to the cool kids... give me volume 6, quickly!
September 24, 2017
One word-Spacemonkeys.
May 26, 2018
I love this book because it is funny and
August 26, 2019
Accidentally read the 5th one first! Oops!
July 10, 2020
Smart and funny - I laughed out loud many times!
January 18, 2011
The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular by Jimmy Gownley is the fifth book in the Amelia Rules series. Amelia McBride has settled into her life in upstate New York after the divorce of her parents. She's going into a new year of school with her old friends, Rhonda, Reggie, Pajamaman, and Joan, who recently moved to the area. They've spent the last year dealing with their unpopularity, but Rhonda has discovered the eponymous guidebook that is supposed to help them achieve every tweenage and teenage dream: popularity. The quest has Rhonda acting in more abnormal ways than even she is accustomed to. When Amelia and Rhonda team up on a school project that at first gives them their heart's desire and then goes wrong...very, very wrong, leaving Amelia labeled "bad" by the school principal and wondering who she really is. I have no idea how Gownley manages to write so accurately in the mind of a ten-year-old girl, although I would have loved her dialogue when I was her age. His books are so well-written, filled with brilliant dialogue, as thought-provoking plots that will inspire real thinking in children, and conversations with their parents. He tackles topics often thought too deep for children and handles them with true delicacy and finesse. He gives parents a view into their children's minds, while giving those kids something to laugh about while also learning lessons about life, but he never does it in a pedantic way that would turn off readers. I am unashamedly in love with the Amelia Rules series, as is my seven-year-old daughter. Gownley has created something truly wonderful in this series, and I look forward to following the series for years to come.
October 13, 2012
Amelia Rules! Volume 5: The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular
1-Genre: Graphic Novel
2-This is a story of two friends Amelia and Rhonda. They both deal with the struggles of the popularity chain that each child struggles with. Amelia finally reaches her boiling point when her friend Rhonda is exposed to bullying day in and day out. So Rhonda decides that they need to follow the suggestions of the self-help book, "The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular". As the two follow the directions of this book a disaster seems to unfold.
3-(a) The illustrator’s ability to provide sequential art.
(b) Throughout the book the illustrator has a substantial ability to properly layout each illustration. He makes it very easy for the reader to follow the story by his placement choices and the succession of panels. Within these panels he uses a proper amount of gutter spacing to allow the reader to differentiate between each picture.
(c) A great example of this is on page 60. He does not use the typical framing format that is used with graphic novels. Even though he chose a different format, it did not pull away from the reader’s ability to follow the sequence. By his placement of panels and the use of gutter space the reader can see the sequence of events before Amelia takes off running because of the angry school mob.
4-This book could be used when discussing the effects of bullying. This book adds a fun twist to the normal presentation of bullying. The children would be able to see how bullying greatly effects people and the length that it pushes people to get away from it.
1-Genre: Graphic Novel
2-This is a story of two friends Amelia and Rhonda. They both deal with the struggles of the popularity chain that each child struggles with. Amelia finally reaches her boiling point when her friend Rhonda is exposed to bullying day in and day out. So Rhonda decides that they need to follow the suggestions of the self-help book, "The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular". As the two follow the directions of this book a disaster seems to unfold.
3-(a) The illustrator’s ability to provide sequential art.
(b) Throughout the book the illustrator has a substantial ability to properly layout each illustration. He makes it very easy for the reader to follow the story by his placement choices and the succession of panels. Within these panels he uses a proper amount of gutter spacing to allow the reader to differentiate between each picture.
(c) A great example of this is on page 60. He does not use the typical framing format that is used with graphic novels. Even though he chose a different format, it did not pull away from the reader’s ability to follow the sequence. By his placement of panels and the use of gutter space the reader can see the sequence of events before Amelia takes off running because of the angry school mob.
4-This book could be used when discussing the effects of bullying. This book adds a fun twist to the normal presentation of bullying. The children would be able to see how bullying greatly effects people and the length that it pushes people to get away from it.
August 10, 2014
This is the fifth book in the Amelia Rules! series by Jimmy Gownley. We recently discovered this series and our girls just love it - they will argue over who gets to read the books first. They are really into reading graphic novels right now and we all love that it features a strong female main character who has other strong women in her life.
This book is different from the others in that it's one long story, broken up into parts (Amelia decides to begin in the middle of the story for fun.) The story has several flashbacks and we enjoy hearing more about Tanner's life as a teenager. I also loved the long flashback story that pays homage to the classic Archie comic strip.
Overall, I love the complexities of the emotions and the tough subjects that are handled with both humor and sensitivity. I also love how the characters are maturing, learning, and really becoming dear to us. We all really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of the books in this series.
interesting quotes:
"The dodo is not extinct, it's just not returning your calls." (p. 50)
"And most importantly, remember...you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose...but neither will stop global warming." (p. 50)
"You're not sick, you're humiliated. Trust me, I know the difference." (p. 85)
"Y'know, it's weird how many things have changed the whole world...and yet, have had no effect on me whatsoever." (p. 107)
This book is different from the others in that it's one long story, broken up into parts (Amelia decides to begin in the middle of the story for fun.) The story has several flashbacks and we enjoy hearing more about Tanner's life as a teenager. I also loved the long flashback story that pays homage to the classic Archie comic strip.
Overall, I love the complexities of the emotions and the tough subjects that are handled with both humor and sensitivity. I also love how the characters are maturing, learning, and really becoming dear to us. We all really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of the books in this series.
interesting quotes:
"The dodo is not extinct, it's just not returning your calls." (p. 50)
"And most importantly, remember...you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose...but neither will stop global warming." (p. 50)
"You're not sick, you're humiliated. Trust me, I know the difference." (p. 85)
"Y'know, it's weird how many things have changed the whole world...and yet, have had no effect on me whatsoever." (p. 107)
March 23, 2011
Amelia McBride is grade school’s answer to Daria. And like that sadly defunct cartoon series, Amelia’s adventures display clever wordplay and biting wit that will be appreciated by adults perhaps more than those the protagonist’s age.
I just loved all the little in-jokes scattered throughout this graphic novel. For example, look closely at Amelia’s school and you’ll see this sign:
Joe McCarthy Elementary. “Weeding out the wrong element since 1952”
My favorite recurring character was Jenny, a tattered, haggard-looking waif who appears only in grayscale. Amelia’s friend describes how Jenny achieved this miserable situation:
Behold Jenny Gray. Not so long ago she had it all...friends, good grades, the respect of teachers and peers alike. Then, last year on picture day Jenny accidentally wore mismatched socks. One white tube, one argyle. ... Today she lives her life as a pariah. An outcast.
Jenny, is a pose reminiscent of Gollum, points at Amelia and rasps:
I never realized that one’s stocking feet were so important. ... But they are...theeeeeey....aaaaare....
The title refers to an over-the-top manual that Amelia’s friend reads religiously in order to discover the secrets of popularity. The ultimate message of course, skewers the ridiculous social standards young kids impose on their peers. (The popular girl’s bubble-headed class presentation was a pitch-perfect mockery of Valley Girl stupidity.)
I just loved all the little in-jokes scattered throughout this graphic novel. For example, look closely at Amelia’s school and you’ll see this sign:
Joe McCarthy Elementary. “Weeding out the wrong element since 1952”
My favorite recurring character was Jenny, a tattered, haggard-looking waif who appears only in grayscale. Amelia’s friend describes how Jenny achieved this miserable situation:
Behold Jenny Gray. Not so long ago she had it all...friends, good grades, the respect of teachers and peers alike. Then, last year on picture day Jenny accidentally wore mismatched socks. One white tube, one argyle. ... Today she lives her life as a pariah. An outcast.
Jenny, is a pose reminiscent of Gollum, points at Amelia and rasps:
I never realized that one’s stocking feet were so important. ... But they are...theeeeeey....aaaaare....
The title refers to an over-the-top manual that Amelia’s friend reads religiously in order to discover the secrets of popularity. The ultimate message of course, skewers the ridiculous social standards young kids impose on their peers. (The popular girl’s bubble-headed class presentation was a pitch-perfect mockery of Valley Girl stupidity.)
January 12, 2013
Closer to 3.5 than 4, but closer to 4 than 3, hence my rating.
It's been a while since I've read about any of Amelia's happenings, but the character is still entertaining and spunky. I think I've now read #1, 3, and 5 (this one), and it does not seem to matter if you skip any; the stories stand on their own.
This story is about the doom of being unpopular. Amelia and her friends explore why they are unpopular, what they could do to break free of that stigma, and what it means anyway. Some lessons on being true to yourself arise here and there, and they are all good. They could have easily ended up being preachy, but the tone in this title is just right, and I'm speaking from the perspective of the unpopular here.
Social status, friends, and the school pecking order are issues that kids have long dealt with, and this fifth Amelia outing tackles them with humor and caring. I enjoyed Tanner, Amelia's aunt, most of all, and was happy to see her return, although in a small role. I didn't really 'get' the sickly looking girl who worked at the 5&10 store, but glad to see that her small story part was not left hanging at the end. The art is well done, with a wide range of expressions and good use of color throughout.
My 11 year old son read it and enjoyed it. I recommend it for all tweens!
It's been a while since I've read about any of Amelia's happenings, but the character is still entertaining and spunky. I think I've now read #1, 3, and 5 (this one), and it does not seem to matter if you skip any; the stories stand on their own.
This story is about the doom of being unpopular. Amelia and her friends explore why they are unpopular, what they could do to break free of that stigma, and what it means anyway. Some lessons on being true to yourself arise here and there, and they are all good. They could have easily ended up being preachy, but the tone in this title is just right, and I'm speaking from the perspective of the unpopular here.
Social status, friends, and the school pecking order are issues that kids have long dealt with, and this fifth Amelia outing tackles them with humor and caring. I enjoyed Tanner, Amelia's aunt, most of all, and was happy to see her return, although in a small role. I didn't really 'get' the sickly looking girl who worked at the 5&10 store, but glad to see that her small story part was not left hanging at the end. The art is well done, with a wide range of expressions and good use of color throughout.
My 11 year old son read it and enjoyed it. I recommend it for all tweens!
August 26, 2016
Since the format of the newer issues are a little different from the old ones (more of a focus on the overall story broken up into chapters, instead of consecutive smaller stories), I'll start doing more general reviews, instead of commenting on each story.
I don't remember if this came out a little ways into my childhood, or if these being the "newer" (issued by Simon & Schuster) made a few stylistic differences, but this definitely had a different feel than previous issues. I still enjoyed them, I just felt a noticeable difference (that I'm not sure I noticed when I was younger).
I'm not sure I'm a fan of the nonlinear storyline (it did even out eventually), but that might have just been because I'd been used to the previous format. One thing I did notice was that it still had a lot of heart - the underlying themes of being true to yourself and loyal to others from the first four issues were definitely still there. From the incident that kickstarts the issue to Amelia's final decision, the emotional parts of the book still felt true.
The themes were generally more straightforward in this one, which was just different, but in the end, this was still a good story. I didn't love it as much as the previous ones, but it's still the series I grew up with and loved.
I don't remember if this came out a little ways into my childhood, or if these being the "newer" (issued by Simon & Schuster) made a few stylistic differences, but this definitely had a different feel than previous issues. I still enjoyed them, I just felt a noticeable difference (that I'm not sure I noticed when I was younger).
I'm not sure I'm a fan of the nonlinear storyline (it did even out eventually), but that might have just been because I'd been used to the previous format. One thing I did notice was that it still had a lot of heart - the underlying themes of being true to yourself and loyal to others from the first four issues were definitely still there. From the incident that kickstarts the issue to Amelia's final decision, the emotional parts of the book still felt true.
The themes were generally more straightforward in this one, which was just different, but in the end, this was still a good story. I didn't love it as much as the previous ones, but it's still the series I grew up with and loved.
January 4, 2013
Did you know there's no true opposite to the word "catastrophe"?
Amelia McBride and company are about to embark on their most daunting mission yet: navigating the promises and pitfalls of popularity at Joe McCarthy Elementary. A tricky task when you consider an unmatched pair of socks alone can cause ridicule for years to come. Really, though, all the gang wants it to not be unpopular. Rising and falling through the ranks of nerd,geek -and cheerleader?- Amelia and her friends encounter riotous mobs, unfortunate makeovers, and bad catchphrases. Even after things go from bad to worse, Amelia learns there are some things that are just a little bit more important than being popular.
Amelia McBride and company are about to embark on their most daunting mission yet: navigating the promises and pitfalls of popularity at Joe McCarthy Elementary. A tricky task when you consider an unmatched pair of socks alone can cause ridicule for years to come. Really, though, all the gang wants it to not be unpopular. Rising and falling through the ranks of nerd,geek -and cheerleader?- Amelia and her friends encounter riotous mobs, unfortunate makeovers, and bad catchphrases. Even after things go from bad to worse, Amelia learns there are some things that are just a little bit more important than being popular.
February 18, 2013
I started reading these when I was 13 and I still love them. They remind me of being a little kid again and are funny while have serious messages. Amelia is a great character: she's precocious and really a bit of a smart-Alec, but understanding and sensitive. Tanner is like a rockstar Yoda in a belly-showing shirt. Amelia's friends are unique and funny in every way. Her parents are kind and nurturing, without being totally perfect. These books charming and heartwarming, with beautiful artwork. It's so sad that this series has ended.
RIP Amelia Rules
Read these! Seriously they're great! :)
P.S. This is actually the first one I read; I didn't go in order!
RIP Amelia Rules
Read these! Seriously they're great! :)
P.S. This is actually the first one I read; I didn't go in order!
May 15, 2010
This book spent the first week being read and reread at bed time, dinner time, and after school by the tweens in my house. Handled with humor and spot-on insight, Amanda and her friend set out to be popular. Filled with elementary-school characters all of us recognize, Gownley writes a wonderful graphic novel. Using a great hook, he starts in the middle of the story with Amanda and Rhonda experiencing their "worst day ever." The graphic novel is the perfect format and really helps those that are reluctant readers see the fun and enjoyment in reading. I admit it even hooked me.
October 14, 2011
Whyyyyyyyyy did I wait so long to pick up one of the Amelia books?! This hilarious, full-color graphic novel reads like an episode of a Nickelodeon cartoon (and I mean that in a good way). Highly recommended for fans of Babymouse, Dear Dumb Diary, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. My own complaint has nothing to do with the book, really, but the paperbacks I ordered for my library are printed on VERY thin paper that rips easily. I wish the book was sturdier because I will now be shoving them into the hands of every kid I see.
May 22, 2016
I love this series a ton (as evidenced by my previous reviews) so I can keep this pretty short. This wasn't my favorite volume from the series so far but I really and truly love the cast of characters. They all work so well and seem so genuine and real. Jimmy Gownley's art style is fun and bright and delightful to look at. Amelia Rules! was such a big part of my introduction to comics growing up and I'm so happy that it continues to make me smile as much as it did when I first gave these books a read.
August 29, 2010
Graphic novels aren't my thing, but I do think girls and boys will enjoy this tween aimed graphic novel about the vagaries of popularity in the middle grades. My only quibble - why oh why did the author have to stick the word "crappy" into the book? I really don't want to have the argument with a parent when "lousy" "cruddy" "useless" etc. could have been just as good. It makes me feel like a bad librarian to not want to have that fight.....
February 23, 2011
Popularity is a topic most kids can relate to. The message here is that kids don't have to try to be something they're not. The main character, Amelia, grows from the beginning to the end of the story and makes a tough choice to put her girlfriend's needs before her own. I thought it was a neat artistic touch that when Amelia's aunt recalls an incident from her teen years, the artist draws in a style reminiscent of an Archie comic to highlight the flashback.
March 23, 2011
No matter how much time passes between volumes, whenever a new one comes out it's always a time to celebrate![return][return]This latest book delves into the awkwardness of a young teen trying to find acceptance with her peers while realizing that the "weird" friends she has are still fun. Typical Amelia zaniness with its usual touching moments makes this another great book worthy of a hundred guffaws!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews