(2) 4-6 This Max & the Midknights (rev. 1/19) sequel finds Max enrolled at KSB (Knight School of Byjovia), Millie learning magic from wizard Mumblin, Simon apprenticed at Kevyn's dad's stable, and Kevyn writing books. His debut, "The Tale of Max & the Midknights" (sound familiar?), leads the friends to their next mission: after Millie casts a spell to produce duplicates of the book, they discover that one of the copies is actually a bodkin, a.k.a. an almost identical evil copy/twin of the original. Bodkins can be people, too, and those living in the shadow world of Knot are planning an invasion of Byjovia. It's up to the ­Midknights--including new character Sedgewick (one of Max's classmates)--to save the kingdom, again. In Peirce's latest comics-novel hybrid, humor abounds throughout the interplay of text, speech-bubble dialogue, and black-and-white illustrations (e.g., upon seeing an ominous-looking face form from the book bodkin's pages, Uncle Budrick quips, "And people wonder why I'm a reluctant reader"). But Peirce also adds emotional depth to Max's struggle with a very relatable anxiety: she wrestles with doubts about her skills ("What if I'm a lousy knight?"). An intriguing final twist for Max promises that fans of this mock-chivalric series will again be "seeing double" in a future installment.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021

(2) 4-6 In this humorous, action-packed, comics/novel hybrid set in the Middle Ages, troubadour's apprentice Max longs to become a knight--but girls aren't allowed to. Then Max discovers she's prophesied to save the kingdom. With help from new friends (who dub themselves "the Midknights"), she sets off on a hero's journey. Peirce's accessible, enlightening narrative flows seamlessly between regular text and speech bubbles in the black-and-white comic panels.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(3) 4-6 In perpetual sixth grader Nate Wright's eighth adventure, he develops a new crush, goes a few rounds with a school bully, faces a possible cross-country move, and participates in the annual Ultimate Frisbee Mud Bowl. Once again, Peirce captures everyboy Nate's foibles and good heart via humorous comics that don't shy away from tough subjects and that highlight Nate's emotional growth.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 4-6 This large collection celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of Peirce's semi-autobiographical Big Nate comic. A mix of daily and Sunday strips (black-and-white and color) from each year are dated and occasionally annotated with Peirce's memories or artistic advice. Combined with an illuminating foreword by his agent plus an in-depth Q&A with fellow cartoonist and author Jeff Kinney, this book is a must-have for aspiring artists.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 4-6 Per Principal Nichols's instructions, Nate becomes "buddies" with the geeky new kid, Breckenridge Puffington III, but he can't shake the feeling that he's met Breckenridge before. This seventh series installment, with its signature cartoons and frequent comic panels, contains many intersecting plot lines, but in the end there's a clear, satisfying resolution. The endpapers offer a maze to complete.

Reviewer: Breanna J. MCDaniel

(3) 4-6 Nate is suffering from a severe case of horrible luck in his sixth book. After Nate's friend Chad shares his good luck charm, Nate is suddenly "In the Zone"; he'll need all the luck he can get to win a bet with seventh-grade cool kid Marcus. Peirce's spot-on depiction of a sixth grader's point-of-view is entertaining, and comic panel illustrations enhance the humor.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 4-6 Nate's best friend Francis thinks he's a slob, so Nate undergoes hypnosis to become neater. This humorous character shift combines with a mystery (who stole the school's yearbook camera?), Nate's first encounter with a bully, a trivia slam, and lots of amusing cartoons, making for an entertaining fifth series entry.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) 4-6 In this fourth Big Nate book, P.S. 38 needs repairs, so the students must temporarily attend archrival Jefferson Middle School. Attempting to finally beat Jefferson at something, Nate enters a writing contest and competes in a snow sculpture contest. Nate’s enthusiastic nature, his amusing mishaps, and Peirce’s inviting comic style will keep fans happy.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(2) 4-6 Big Nate's third (mis)adventure finds the sixth grader in fierce albeit one-sided competition with all-around good guy Artur for both a new skateboard and the heart of Jenny, Nate's secret crush. The interplay between text and pictures remains fresh, as does the distinction between Peirce's cartoons and Nate's own cartoons, which make up in chutzpah what they lack in finesse.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2011

(2) 4-6 Nate (Big Nate) is partnered with grade-grubbing archnemesis Gina Hemphill-Toms for a research paper. Peirce gets the details of a sixth-grade boy just right: the humiliation of first love, monotony of school, relentlessness of bullies, etc. The angst is tempered by Nate's talent for making hilarious lists and drawing comics. Even the most jaded middle-grader will find much to laugh about here.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(1) 4-6 Sixth grader Big Nate (from the syndicated cartoon strip) is convinced that he's destined for greatness--but he seems destined for trouble. Nate's voice, at once sarcastic and optimistic, captures this goofy, awkward time. There's so much to like here--illustrations or cartoon panels on every page, fast-paced trouble for our hero, and laugh-out-loud commentary on the day-to-day monotony of school.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010