Skip to main content

Cub

Cub
By Cynthia L. Copeland
Chapel Hill: Algonquin, 2020. Graphic novel.

Cindy Copeland knows one thing for sure - seventh grade is a jungle. Filled with mean-girl predators, and dorky prey, Cindy's goal is to play dead and stay invisible long enough to survive. One place she isn't invisible, though, is in her English class where her teacher soon arranges a "cub reporter" position at the local newspaper. Cindy's new mentor is a young and hip reporter who teaches Cindy how to be a reporter and gives her the self-confidence to navigate the world of her junior high - especially after her best friend starts to hang out with the predators.

This graphic novel memoir is sure to be a hit with fans of ROLLER GIRL, SMILE, or REAL FRIENDS. Set in the 1970s, some pop culture references may miss young readers (was John Denver ever really a dreamboat?) but many events mentioned have clear current ties (Watergate, Earth Day, ERA) and Copeland does a good job naturally introducing and explaining these cultural touchpoints.


Comments

Tiffany said…
I loved Cub by Cynthia Copeland. Even though I didn't grow up in the 70's I felt like the author did a great job of talking about topics that are still relevant to our day, like taking care of the earth and the ERA. Its an entertaining and well told story about friendships, self discovery, and finding your own voice. I really enjoyed the drawings the humor and the main character, she was someone I could really relate to and understand. Even if you aren't a fan of the 70's and graphic novels pick up this book and give it a try, its an entertaining memoir.

Popular posts from this blog

Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick

If there's one book today's kids need to read, it is Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) . The authors provide a fun format for teaching etiquette to children. They discuss proper behavior at home, at school, at other people's homes and in public places. The information is completely up-to-date with cellphone manners and netiquette included. Fun, cartoony illustrations are on practically every page giving the book great visual appeal. This book is perfect for boys and girls in the fourth grade or older. WARNING: Bodily functions are discussed.

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin Illustrated by Leslie Evans Charlesburg; 2009; unpaged Faces of the Moon is a short nonfiction book that describes the different phases of the moon and why the moon appears like it does on certain nights. This book is short and sweet so even the youngest of moon lovers will enjoy it. The layout is simplistic and easy to follow. I don’t know much about the moon so I found it very interesting.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester 2008

J Fiction 328 pages I almost didn't finish this book. I got to Chapter 4, and was just about ready to quit (a kind of slow story about a girl, name of Piper McCloud, who discovers she can fly, parents freak out, she becomes a social outcast, yadda, yadda) but suddenly, right there in Chapter 4, the story takes a sharp turn and becomes really interesting . Piper finds herself in the company of others like her, but not "fliers", and under the care and authority of Dr. Hellion. I won't even tell you any more. Read this book. Forester does a great job of keeping you wondering who's the good guy and who's the bad? Piper is a likeable, strong, endearing character that girl readers will enjoy. But don't NOT give it to boys! The main male character is an extremely intelligent young man who is one of the ones you wonder about . . . good or bad? This is a good one, well worth your time.