Review by Maya Schulze, Age 11
The Children’s Book Review | October 17, 2017
Written by Victoria Jamieson
Age Range: 9-12
Paperback: 248 pages
Publisher: Dial Books (2017)
ISBN: 978-0525429999
What to Expect: Realistic Fiction, Adventure
Imogene and her family work at the Florida Renaissance Faire. Imogene is ready to be a squire and decides with the “queen” that stopping Homeschooling and starting middle school is the best way to begin her training! She is really brave and thinks she can handle it perfectly, but she has no idea what is coming. Imogene and her mother buy some new boots from the shops at the faire and school supplies from the shops outside of the faire. Imogene is ready to start her training!
Finally it is time for middle school, the first day arrives and Imogene is wishing school started later in the morning. But training is important, especially when you want to be a squire. Imogene gets to school and walks through the doors with confidence. Her fellow peers from first period invite her to lunch and she starts hanging out with them. Mika, Sasha, and Emily are really nice but Imogene isn’t sure she actually likes Mika, especially after the incident with the shoes—Imogene thought she was getting the “cool” shoes but then Mika pointed out, in front of what seemed like the whole school, that they were cheap knock-off versions. And then … Imogene goes to the shops with her mother again, for new clothes, everything is so expensive though, but then they go to the thrift store and find everything that Imogene is looking for, for a cheaper price. The only problem is that the cute denim jeans have a paint stain on them. This doesn’t bother Imogene though, until … it turns out she is wearing Mika’s old jeans.
I love this story so much, it gave me advice when things got tough the first week I started middle school. Also, Victoria Jamieson’s illustrations are always beautiful, and gave this graphic novel great character. All’s Faire in Middle School is a relatable story and I would definitely recommend it to my friends. Adventure through this rough journey and discover that true friends let you be who you are.
Available Here:
About the Author-Illustrator
Victoria Jamieson is the creator of the Newbery Honor winner Roller Girl. She received her BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a children’s book designer before moving to Portland, Oregon and becoming a freelance illustrator. She has also worked as a portrait artist aboard a cruise ship, and has lived in Australia, Italy, and Canada. She maintains a not-so-secret identity as Winnie the Pow, skater with the Rose City Rollers roller derby league and has a not-so-secret past as a Renaissance Faire groupie.
All’s Faire in Middle School, by Victoria Jamieson, was reviewed by Maya Schulze (age 11). Follow along with our articles tagged with Graphic Novels, Middle School, Reality Fiction, Renaissance, Victoria Jamieson, and Reviews by Children to discover more great books for kids.