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Staff Pick
Larson’s new graphic novel about rocking out and navigating middle school relationships is heartfelt and fun. Perfect for any kid trying to figure out how to get through middle school without sacrificing what makes them special or brings them joy. Recommended By Lucinda G., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
All Together Now is New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Hope Larson's pitch-perfect graphic novel follow-up for fans of All Summer Long, music lovers, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of friendship.
Middle-schooler Bina is having the best time playing in her new band with her friends, Darcy and Enzo. But both the band and her friendships begin to crumble when Darcy and Enzo start dating, effectively relegating Bina to third-wheel status.
To make matters worse, Bina's best friend, Austin, starts developing a crush on her...one she is not sure she reciprocates. Now Bina must follow her heart. Can she navigate its twists and turns before the lights come up and the music starts playing?
Review
"[Bina's] coming-of-age fears are palpably engaging as she learns that romance need not be romantic....[W]onderfully sharp...characters, including a range of skin tones, sexual orientations, and body types. Altogether perfect." Kirkus Reviews, (Starred Review)
Review
"Larson realistically
captures the emotional minefield that is middle school through Bina and
her friends, who are all authentically flawed." Booklist
Review
"Heartfelt and authentic, this book tenderly captures the ebb and flow of love and friendship....For older kids and younger teens who love graphic novels and realistic fiction about music, friendship, and growing up." School Library Journal
About the Author
Hope Larson is the author of
All Summer Long, which was a 2018
Kirkus Reviews Best Book and an Eisner Award Nominee, as well as the recently published sequel,
All Together Now. She also
adapted and illustrated
A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel, which spent forty-four weeks on the
New York Times bestseller list and for which she won an Eisner Award. She is additionally the author and illustrator of
Salamander Dream,
Gray Horses,
Chiggers, and
Mercury, and the author of
Compass South and
Knife's Edge, both illustrated by Rebecca Mock. She lives in North Carolina. @hopelarson