Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom (Frazzled #1)

Abbie Wu, a beleaguered middle child who is daunted to enter middle school, knows that "nothing good ever happens in the Middles," as evidenced by the Middle Ages and the middle seat of the car. Yet her best friends are jumping right into middle school life and even having fun in their various electives, leaving Abbie feeling like a "sad reject pastry" in desperate need of a "thing" of her own. As the injustices of the middle school cafeteria mount, Abbie discovers a talent for social--or at least lunchroom--leadership. Could community organizing be her "thing"? Vivat's funny, quick-moving debut skips along even faster thanks to the endearing doodles that appear throughout, punctuating Abbie's travails with chibi-esque emotional outbursts featuring flailing limbs, speed lines, and exaggerated typography. Though this is, at heart, a straightforward story of social adjustment, Abbie and her supporting cast show real depth as they learn that passions can change, "not everything has to work out," and no matter how confident some people may seem, "the truth is, no one really knows for sure." Ages 8-12. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Sept.)

Gr 3-6--Middle child and soon-to-be middle schooler Abbie Wu is in major need of crisis control. Her fear and anxiety have her constantly freaking out, especially when it comes to sixth grade. Abbie's mom doesn't understand why she's stressed, and her perfect siblings aren't helping the situation, either. Because Abbie couldn't decide on an elective class, she's been assigned to study hall. Her two best friends actually enjoy school and have found activities they're passionate about. Not having a "Thing" like everyone else is making Abbie feel left behind. The only part of school she's looking forward to is the cafeteria lunches, which include pizza, fries, and cookies. When Abbie discovers that sixth graders are forbidden from eating those foods, she organizes an underground lunch exchange. The success of her food rebellion gives Abbie the confidence to find her voice and, ultimately, her "Thing." Abbie's phobias and worries are charmingly depicted in this heavily illustrated hybrid novel. The humorous, doodlelike artwork makes her struggles entertaining and relatable. VERDICT Share this title with fans of Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series and anyone who will appreciate rooting for a witty underdog.--Sophie Kenney, Glencoe Public Library, IL