(2) 4-6 In this clever graphic novel about comics and creative collaboration, story-loving middle-schooler Makayla makes a deal with classmate Howard, who would rather sketch caricatures than pay attention in class: Makayla will make up stories to accompany Howard’s many funny drawings. The pair meets up in the school library, and when they learn that Ms. Fatima, the media specialist, adores comics, too, the Cartoonists Club is born. They are joined by two more classmates: Art, who is excited to bring their versatile creativity to writing and drawing comics, and Lynda, a constant presence in the library who eventually gains the courage to share a notebook full of detailed, realistic drawings. Each of the multilayered characters in this diverse group has a distinct personality and approach to their art. Cartoon-style illustrations in cool, pale hues with occasional splashes of canary yellow effectively portray the characters’ quirks as well as the nuts and bolts of comics-making. Through Ms. Fatima as advisor and Art’s dad, a professional animator, as mentor, the Cartoonists learn the “magic of comics” and pass that knowledge on to readers. Back matter includes an interview with the book’s creators (where readers learn that Telgemeier was inspired by McCloud’s ­Understanding Comics as a teenager), a glossary, descriptions of comics careers, details about this book’s production, and suggested reading.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025