Just Pretend

Synopsis:

“Tori has never lived in just one world.

Since her parents’ divorce, she’s lived in both her mom’s house and her dad’s new apartment. And in both places, no matter how hard she tries, her family still treats her like a little kid. Then there’s school, where friendships old and new are starting to feel more and more out of her hands.

Thankfully, she has books-and writing. And now the stories she makes up in her head just might save her when everything else around her—friendships, school, family—is falling apart.

Author Tori Sharp takes us with her on a journey through the many commonplace but complex issues of fractured families, as well as the beautiful fantasy narrative that helps her cope, gorgeously illustrated and full of magic, fairies, witches and lost and found friendships.”

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Review:

I think a lot of kids will definitely relate to Just Pretend. Tori must navigate sibling relationships, her parents’ divorce, and her friends at school. I loved that the main character, Tori used her creative writing to manage her feelings and escape the real world when she needed that time.

I’m excited to see this graphic novel in full color. My advanced reader copy only has the first handful of pages colored in. And with the real world and Tori’s fantasy world, I think the color change is going to pretty cool! The glimpse I got had Tori’s fantasy world in much bolder colors than her real world. And I think that might help readers differentiate the two. Without the color, it was a little jarring to switch back and forth because I didn’t always necessarily know it was happening. I think the color change will help give the readers a visual clue.

If anything, I think the story could have been a little longer to fully develop some of the secondary characters like Tori’s siblings and parents. Then again, if we’re looking at this from the perspective of an 8th-grade girl, then we’re very much seeing these characters how she does. Overall, I think kids will definitely relate to the characters’ experiences and embrace Tori’s story. I already know of a handful of kids at the library that will be grabbing this title as soon as it hits the shelves!

Verdict:

For fans of the graphic novels Real Friends and Smile, this debut graphic novel is sure to resonate with middle schoolers figuring out their place within their family, friend group, and at school.

If you’re interested in purchasing Just Pretend by Tori Sharp, please use my affiliate links for Bookshop.org or Amazon.com. When you purchase from either of these links, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

Need to Know:

Title: Just Pretend
Author: Tori Sharp
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Page Number: 320 pgs.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.