Thirteen-year-old Juniper enters the prestigious boarding school Ellsmere Academy as its inaugural scholarship student. She is grateful for the opportunities the school affords yet feels a bit out of her depth. Jun meets her roommate, the bubbly and under-appreciated Cassie and the two become friends even though their personalities are opposite. Jun needs a friend to navigate the culture of this new school, especially when the Queen Bee, Emily, takes notice of her and starts to bully both Jun and Cassie. The girls take solace in the magical forest adjacent to the school grounds where they meet a mythological creature who gives them comfort. Although Emily tries-twice-to sabotage Jun's continued success at the Academy, Jun and Cassie devise a plan to beat her at her own game, securing Jun's position at the school. Can two unlikely roommates turn into a dynamic duo? Yes, when its Jun and Cassie!
I am a fan of Hick's work. I loved last year's Pumpkinheads and actually re-read it. This book had a lot of potential and I was excited to get my hands on it. The story is fine, but not too involved. Both of the main characters are likable and interesting, especially Jun, who is super cool in a nerdy sort of way. and whip smart. Cassie, though rich and ditsy, is a sympathetic character and someone that the reader will feel is a personal friend. The full-color artwork is terrific and steals the show. Not really a graphic memoir, readers who enjoy that genre will delve into this story. The bully storyline is fun, yet predictable, and Emily is truly the "girl you love to hate". Readers will enjoy seeing her get her comeuppance. The magical creature part of the story was jarring and was not as developed as the main plot. The book reads very quickly and will be enjoyed by young graphic novel readers. Kids love a good boarding school story, as well as an underdog, making this book an easy sell.
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