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224 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2021
The fourth entry in the popular and bestselling middle grade graphic novel series by , follows protagonist Olive as she and her school friends welcome a new kid into their fold. From previous novels, readers know and love Olive as the kid who is friendly and friends with everyone. In , we met Olive as she was trying to figure out her niche and wondering where or how exactly she fit in at school; in , Olive found herself opening up to the possibilities of more friends and new interests (and at odds with her more reticent friend Willow!); and Act sees student council and school politics at the forefront when Olive goes up against friends Trent and Sawyer during a school election. Now, in Clash, Olive finds herself struggling and worrying as a new, seemingly cool and sophisticated sixth-grader named Natasha just…doesn’t seem to like Olive. “I was just thinking about Nat…it’s not like she’s being really mean to me or anything, but I get the feeling…I dunno…that she doesn’t like me?� While Olive does her best to welcome Nat to the school, show her the ropes, and introduce her to all of her friends, Nat seems strangely detached. By asking Olive whether she’s a cheerleader or dating Trent, Nat finds out that Olive is actually friendly with just about everyone- and everyone likes and respects Olive back! As days go by, however, small and hurtful things Nat does push Olive the wrong way: after a volleyball incident in gym class, a lie about hanging out, and belittling ’s love of the supposedly juvenile Teen Swamp Creature television series, Olive starts to wonder…What do you do when you think someone doesn’t like you- no matter what you do? A climactic moment and reveals during a Halloween party are so well done, and Miller brings the story to an insightful finale. A thoughtful and heartwarming dive into friendship and all the uncertainties, highs and lows it can bring; as well as touching upon emotions of jealousy and loneliness, Clash is an excellent series entry, likely to be hugely resonant with readers. In an already-fantastic middle grade series, Clash might just be the strongest entry yet and I cannot wait to see where author and illustrator Kayla Miller goes next with ’s story. Readers can also look forward to a new graphic novel called , starring ’s friends Chanda and Beth. Besties: Work It Out, written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino, illustrated by Kristina Luu, is set to release in October 2021. Clash’s Extra Credits: Lettering by Micah Myers, Colour by Jess Lome.