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Review: Freestyle

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By Gale Galligan
New York: Graphix, 2022. Graphic novel. 240 pgs.

It's the last year before high school, and the Eight Bitz dance crew can feel themselves pulled in different directions -- and before they all go to different high schools, they are determined to win the Bronx Kids Battle breakdance competition. For Cory, that means freestyling the dances and having fun with his friends, but for his team captain Tess, that means practice, practice, practice until they're perfect. When Cory's grades begin to slip, his parents hire fellow eighth-grader -- quiet, hijabi Sunna -- as his tutor. As Cory gets to know Sunna, he learns that she is a secret yo-yo prodigy and a much better friend than he had imagined. But, the more time that Cory spends with Sunna, the more his crew takes notice.

This is a fun and unique middle school story for kids who like graphic novels. Though the focus is on Cory and Sunna, who are both fully-fleshed out characters, a full cast of well-rounded supporting characters really enhances this book. The panels and cartoony illustrations bring the action of the story into the forefront -- b-boy dance moves and swinging yo-yos galore! The underlying message of losing, gaining, and keeping friends as you grow up will resonant with kids, who will also love the fast-paced, high-action plot.
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