The Makers Club: A Graphic Novel by Reimena Yee

Today, I'm taking a peek at a graphic novel for the upper end of the middle grade audience. This one shoots off a new series surrounding a diverse friends-group. Each character should be very creative in their own way, and it will be fun to see how they all mesh together. There are two novels in this first book (1+2) in the series, which adds to the reading pleasure.

But I'm sure these characters can speak for themselves, so let's dive in!

THE MAKERS CLUB

A Graphic Novel, #1-2

by Reimena Yee

Illustrated by Tintin Pantoja and

Melanie Ujimori

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Upper Middle Grade Contemporary   /   Graphic Novel

224 pages

ages 10-12

COMING AUGUST 6th!!!

Raina Telgemeier's Drama set in Southeast Asia. The Maker's Club, a gorgeous graphic novel from an Eisner-nominated author, is about a group of kids who blend art and science to create incredible projects in video gaming, fashion, and a whole lot more.

Join the Makers Club, where art and science come together! This graphic novel contains two stories in one. In the first story, readers meet Nadia and Priya, who are paired up for a science fair project. With Nadia's art and Priya's coding skills, they make a video game that's sure to impress, but soon learn there's more to teamwork than just having the individual skills. In the second story, old friends Aqilah and Yong Qiang reconnect at their new school. As they both try to pursue their passions in fashion design and engineering, they'll soon find that trying to do everything and please everyone catches up to you eventually.

Readers will love this colorful graphic novel that's all about friendship, crafting, and coming up with creative solutions.

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Friendship, science, and hands on creation shine with this diverse group as they pursue what they love most.

This first book in the series contains two stories: one surrounding Nadia and Priya, and the other over Aqilah and Yong Qiang. While all four are part of the same friend's group, the first days of coming together at the school are explored. For Nadia, the school means a big achievement and she's a bit frightened about her first day. When she's paired up with Priya for a science project, the two very creative girls need to work together, handle a disaster, and see if they can not only do well in the class but, maybe, become friends. As for Aquilah and Yong Qiang, they already know each other and are reconnecting at the new school. Both pursue their passions, and while Aqilah does her best to design fashion for Yong Qiang, things don't work out quite as planned. The tales are separate from one another, one right after the other, and offer a nice insight on each character as it starts up the series.

It's not clear where this novel takes place, but the cast is very diverse in many ways and highlights characters, who are passionate about their interests. It's an uplifting tale, which deals with everyday issues in a positive light. Most important is the friendship, which allows each one to grow and thrive in their own way and at their own pace. It inspires creativity and shows that hard work and persistence can lead to a goal, even when there are stumbling blocks along the way.

It's a bright, fast-paced read, and is sure to interest more than a few readers.