Today's read is the second in a series, and yes, I read the first one. Maybe, this is a new trend? (I'm not holding my breath.)
The first book was entertaining and held some great messages for middle graders, while keeping humor woven in...kind of like a Wimpy Kid for girls. So, I'm curious to see how this second tale runs.
Off we go!
MAPLE'S FORMULA FOR VICTORY
Maple #2
by Kate McMillan
Illustrated by Ruthie Prillaman
Aladdin
Middle Grade Contemporary / Graphic Novel
320 pages
ages 8 to 12
Perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Emmie & Friends, this second book in a diary-style illustrated middle grade series follows an anxious, science-minded sixth grader into the high-stakes world of middle school track.
Sixth-grader Maple has received absolutely devastating, world-shaking her health class fitness test has scored her at a fifth-grade level. That’s a whole grade level below where she should be. Having all her life been an overachiever—and fitness being an extremely important part of her twenty-year plan to become an astronaut like her hero Jackie Grand—Maple knows she has to fix this ASAP.
Maple and Lada decide to join the track team to improve their fitness scores, but they encounter new (and frankly unpleasant) variables like changing in locker rooms and periods. And when it turns out Lada is good at track, and her competitive spirit starts to change her, Maple is sent into a tailspin over her own performance and what it means if she can’t—literally and figuratively—keep up with her classmates.
Sixth-grader Maple has received absolutely devastating, world-shaking her health class fitness test has scored her at a fifth-grade level. That’s a whole grade level below where she should be. Having all her life been an overachiever—and fitness being an extremely important part of her twenty-year plan to become an astronaut like her hero Jackie Grand—Maple knows she has to fix this ASAP.
Maple and Lada decide to join the track team to improve their fitness scores, but they encounter new (and frankly unpleasant) variables like changing in locker rooms and periods. And when it turns out Lada is good at track, and her competitive spirit starts to change her, Maple is sent into a tailspin over her own performance and what it means if she can’t—literally and figuratively—keep up with her classmates.
MY TIDBITS
Friendship, working hard for goals, and middle grade life come together to form an adventure with laughs and important messages, too.
Maple can't believe it! Although she's been hard at work to stay fit with the latest fitness app, she scores an entire grade lower on the fitness test at school. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but Maple's life goal is to become an astronaut, and that requires top-scores on the fitness end. With her best friend at her side, she joins the Cross Country team...which is a little more work than she thought it would be. But Maple's determined. Unfortunately, other aspects of life keep popping up along the way until Maple wonders if she'll ever be able to keep up with the rest of the kids in her class and on her team.
This book is one for Wimpy Kid fans but with Maple and her best friend, definitely leans in the girl direction...theme wise as well. Now, that she has a best friend, who loves science and stuff like her...or at least, thinks differently than the rest of the kids in the class...her life has smoothed out on the social end as opposed to book one. Her determination rings loud and is inspiring as she truly does her best to stick to her goals. She just gets a bit distracted, at times, which adds more fun. Maple and her friend are enjoyable to follow as they hit one odd situation after the next. These still are very relatable things to the age group, which makes it a read to connect with and enjoy.
The illustrations meld with the humor and drama to draw in. These balance nicely with the text to create a quick read, which still exercises those reading skills. The other characters come across with little quirks to support Maple's personality even in these visual scenes. It increases the meaning of each relationship and lets the odd moments come across with the humor they deserve.
Family and friendship goodness hit every page, and there are several other messages included, too. This second book touch upon the problems sixth graders face (or about that age), and it should be noted that the topic of puberty is also addressed and woven in. But it melds nicely with the adventure. And it's great to see Maple staying true to her NASA dream...another aspect which makes her stand out.
Anyone who enjoyed the first book is sure to enjoy this next addition to the series. And those readers, who haven't met Maple yet and enjoy middle grade drama with silliness, might want to take a peek.
And here they are...
Kate McMillan grew up in Houston, Texas, illustrating and writing stories in the world’s tiniest font. She studied architecture at Yale and boatbuilding in Norway before making her way to Los Angeles to start a career as a concept artist in animation. She has worked for studios including DreamWorks and Disney TV, where she gets to make up worlds every day. In her free time, she enjoys building furniture, scouring the sidewalks of LA for scraps to build said furniture, and drawing wobbly buildings that look like they might fall down.
Ruthie Prillaman is a writer and musician from Potomac, Maryland. After a childhood full of reading books and playing in extremely niche rock bands, Ruthie studied English at Yale and received her MFA in screenwriting from University of Southern California. Since completing her studies, her creative career has spanned theater, documentary, classical music, opera, and film. She currently lives in Los Angeles where she writes for television. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing new clothes, writing music with her brother, and cooking Hungarian goulash in her traditional goulash pot.
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