One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to read the Sunday comics. Curled up on the couch I’d unfurl the colorful pages and enjoy each comic strip. Many had story lines you had to follow for weeks until the episode resolved. This new graphic novel reminded me of those Sundays and it was nice to have the entire “comic strip” in one place.
Thanks to a review copy I was able to dive into this one shortly after enjoying two other reviews about this title from other MMGM participants: RANDOMLY READING and COMPLETELY FULL BOOKSHELF.
Here’s the official blurb from JY FOR KIDS:
My name is Grace, not “Kyle’s little sister!”
Having a good-looking, friendly, outgoing older brother sucks—especially when you’re the total opposite, someone who likes staying home and playing video games. Your parents like him better (even if they deny it!), and everyone calls you “Kyle’s little sister” while looking disappointed that you’re not more like him. I was really hoping I’d get to go to a different middle school, but no such luck. At least I have my friends…until he finds a way to ruin that, too…! Argh! What do I have to do to get out of his shadow?!
The theme of sibling rivalry is not a common one in MG but very common in the real world. It’s a focus here along with a theme kids are always interested in: friend drama (and plenty of it).
Middle school and 6th grade is a huge change and having a sibling in 8th grade can make it even more difficult. Grace loses friends in part by her own bratty attitude. She’s also convinced Kyle is the worst brother. Thankfully, there’s some resolution on all fronts by the last panel.
The artwork is excellent always emphasizing the emotions of each character. The middle grade scenes are accurately portrayed and will be familiar to young readers. Graphic novel lovers have another friend in KYLE’S LITTLE SISTER.
BonHyung Jeong (Bon) studied Cartooning at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and Kyle’s Little Sister is her debut graphic novel, made possible with the help of numerous people. She hopes to make connections with others through relatable stories. Currently living in Korea, she’s always busy playing console games – exactly like someone in the book!
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Always in the Middle... 
Thanks for the shout-out—I appreciate it! I agree that this graphic novel is a lot of fun—it takes a really nice look at sibling struggles, and it’s nice to see Grace learn and grow by the end of the book. And the art style is a delight! I really hope to see a sequel or two of this book—I think there’s a lot of potential. Thanks so much for the great review!
MG readers will have fun with this story! Sibling rivalry is always an important theme to explore because it is expressed in very unusual ways. The art sounds great.
I remember reading the comics in the newspaper as a kid — they were plentiful!
You’re right. There aren’t many MG novels that look at sibling rivalry, but there sure is a lot of it in real life. It’s something I sure know about, and my daughters do as well. I will try to get a copy of this book. I don’t read a lot of graphic novels, but I think this one might be worth my time. Thanks for the review.