Last Day Pool Party

Gr 4-8–With cinematic pacing and a diverse ensemble cast, this story unfolds over the course of a pool party on the last day of eighth grade. Unpopular classmate Dustin is hosting, and his former friend Maya is forced to attend after posting an unkind video about him online. Liv is devastated that her best friend Juhi is moving away and is determined to find a new one, Rose is tired of being invisible, and Paul just wants to be left alone—yet he’s told he must either attend the party or go to his brother’s ball game. Throughout the story, each student’s personal struggle comes into focus. Though each friendship arc is different, the narrative comes together fluidly and captures ample doses of middle school angst. Bright and simple yet engaging artwork, with especially expressive faces, brings everything to a satisfying conclusion.