Bug Girl

March 1, 2017
An insect-obsessed sixth-grader must convince her snobby former best friend to join forces with her in order to save their mothers from a dastardly villain. Twelve-year-old earnest, smart Amanda has been badly stung by her image-conscious friend Emily's mean-girl behavior, which commenced at the same time they started middle school. When, however, their mothers go missing even as strange, monstrous creatures rampage through their town, a set of clues left behind by Amanda's mother guides her to a new understanding about herself and about special powers she and Emily both possess. Readers will recognize the ugly social-clique dynamics depicted here and will enjoy the irony of Amanda's reclamation of the once-taunting name "Bug Girl." Stylized, cartoonish line drawings are featured on many pages, complementing the jazzy, futuristic design, and they match the novel's playful tone well. The main characters all seem to be white, with the exception of Emily's family's Latina housekeeper, Frida. Amanda's pal Vincent's fashion know-how proves a boon to her, and her funny and sweet grandfather is genuinely endearing. A clear setup at the end suggests there will be more to come for this science-minded protagonist. Bearing all the campy hallmarks and high drama of a classic superhero romp, this entertaining but formulaic tale also features interesting entomological tidbits throughout. (Adventure. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Sixth grader Amanda loves bugs and the adventures of Megawoman and Dragonfly, Oyster Cove's local superheroines, who haven't been seen in many years. Amanda doesn't like that since sixth grade started, her former BFF, Emily, is now one of the "uberpopular" kids and is nothing but mean to Amanda, calling her "Bug Girl." When evil invaders begin terrorizing their town, Amanda's nickname all of a sudden becomes quite real as she develops insectlike superpowers. She must learn to use these abilities very fast, as her and Emily's mothers have been kidnapped. Amanda must also figure out how to work alongside Emily again, which is no easy feat, even for a superhero. The book is visually appealing, with illustrated borders on each page and cartoon images and bug facts included throughout, and the superhero story line will make it an easy sell to a wide range of readers. The pacing is brisk, reminiscent of an animated TV show, though the plot points are repetitive and drag in spots. Characters are relatively flat. An epilogue sets up a possible sequel. VERDICT Likely to find an audience, this novel has enjoyable moments but is ultimately underwhelming.-Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library, IL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2017
Grades 5-8 An invasion of holographic green monsters not only sends the town of Oyster Cove into a panic but touches off multiple shocks for socially ostracized sixth-grader and insect-lover Amanda. When Amanda sees long-retired local superheroes Dragonfly and Megawoman being kidnapped, she recognizes the two as her own mom and the mom of her estranged former best friend Emma. Stranger yet (but to her, totally cool), Amanda suddenly acquires antennae, an exoskeleton, and a host of buggy traits. Before she can fly to the rescue, though, she needs to break through that thick wall Emma has built between themand also acquire both a support squad and a hot (but age-appropriate) costume. With occasional visual backup from Syed, this tucks both middle-school fashion advice and insect facts into a tale that scuttles along to a wildly destructive climactic battle. By story's end, Amanda and Emma are at least frenemies, and Amanda has gotten better at the whole being-assertive thing. For extra buzz, lurid green borders frame the pages of this arch outing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2018
Amanda's fascination with insects manifests as bug-like superpowers when evil creatures invade her hometown and kidnap her mother. This origin story reveals her mother's own crime-fighting history and sheds light on the dissolution of Amanda's friendship with Emily, who is also an emerging superhero. Occasional bug facts and lighthearted black-and-white illustrations with fluorescent green accents accompany this emotionally deep, girl-power adventure tale.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)