7/10, actually a good graphic novel. ( )

I read this a few years ago and liked it but did not do a review at that time. So, I took the time to read it again and it was still good but I'm not sure if I enjoyed it as much as the first time through it - but still a good selection for middle school readers and those who like graphic novels.

Peppi is the new girl in school and in the first few minutes of arriving at the new school -- she trips and falls and drops all of her books and papers which results in her being targeted by the school bullies. A boy her same age stops to help her and in in the midst of so much embarrassment, Peppi shoves him and runs away. She is then consumed by guilt of what she has done and agonizes over the event for a very long time until she finally makes amends finding that she has made a new friend, Jaimie.

No two families are the same and we get a close look at three of them in this story. One of the families is very dysfunctional to the point the child refers to her parents as "parental units" and the father doesn't talk about the mother kindly and in the end the mother and daughter packs up and leaves the situation leaving our main character Peppi sad and confused.

Even the two main teachers (art and science) seem to be a little dysfunctional leaving one to wonder who is looking out for these kids and who is teaching them how to grow up and be functional adults...and why you are wondering -- the kids seem to find the solutions for themselves.

I still enjoyed the book and will be interested in reading the next titles in the series and see what happens. ( )

I enjoyed this sweet, funny school story. There’s touch of manga to the artwork, which is appealing and adds to the humor of the book. Peppi Torres is a relatable narrator and a kind soul. Young graphic novel fans will enjoy this story and maybe even learn something from it. ( )

Loved the artwork, loved the message, loved the diversity and realisticness of the characters, loved the design gallery and drawing process overview in the back.

Fans of Raina Telgemeier will absolutely enjoy this one. Can't wait for Svetlana Chmakova to write another graphic novel...maybe about the newspaper club next time? ( )