Jen is just getting used to her life on Peapod Farm with her new stepsisters, Andy and Reese. But when the school year starts, there are more changes in store for her. Jen has to navigate new friends and new challenges—at least she’ll have Andy with her, right?

Nonetheless, as she starts sixth grade, she finds that her stepsister seems way more interested in crushes and boys than hanging out with her, while Jen wants to know when the world decided boys and girls couldn’t be “just friends” anymore.

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The second novel in this graphic series follows STEPPING STONES, but the engaging APPLE CRUSH works fine on its own. The colorful images bursting with emotion tell a story many middle graders will find familiar. Divorce impacts everyone, especially 6th grader, Jen (pictured left in her normal tom-boy attire).

Jen gains a new friend at school (who is a boy), but in typical middle school culture everyone assumes they have to be more than friends. The assumptions are more than frustrating.

Jen has to deal with the misconceptions along with being pulled in different directions. Her dad on the weekends and Mom and boy friend during the week at Peapod Farms. It’s there that she and her step sister get jobs helping a neighboring farm run its annual pumpkin patch and popular haunted hayride.

Many new fans of the series will be attracted to the fun setting along with the effects of being at a new school—an honest portrayal indeed. Yes, librarians come to the rescue more than most realize.

Heartfelt and fast paced, you’ll smile and want a sip of apple cider after spending time with APPLE CRUSH.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Knisley is the critically acclaimed, award-winning, New York Times bestselling comics creator of Relish and Kid Gloves. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son. She specializes in personal, confessional graphic novels and travelogues. The Peapod Farms books are Lucy’s first graphic novels for kids.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

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*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.