March 1, 2018
Grades 3-6 Following a similar structure as Invisible Emmie (2016), Libenson's sophomore illustrated novel tells parallel stories of two middle-school girls struggling to find a way to fit in. Brianna knows she's smart, but she's starting to chafe against her nickname, the Brain. When her mom, the new middle-school drama teacher, asks her to perform a scene for the talent show, she agrees despite her serious case of stage fright. Meanwhile, Izzy has been practicing for the talent show for weeks?to the detriment of her other school work?but when her mom finds out she flunked an important test, she grounds her on the night of the performance. Sneaking out obviously isn't a great idea, but Izzy's determined to get her time in the spotlight. Libenson nicely touches on classic middle-grade tropes, such as shifting friendships, crushes, and developing confidence, while the combination of comics, which make up Bri's story, and sections of text with spot illustrations are particularly well suited to the themes. A poignant twist ending adds a heartening note to an already charming story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2018
This follow-up to graphic novel Invisible Emmie again alternates perspectives, with (Emmie's best friend) Brianna's story rendered via large cartoon-panel drawings, and artsy-dreamer classmate Izzy's in smaller, border-free vignettes. Izzy's grounded but sneaks off to perform in the talent show. Brianna, meanwhile, reluctantly steps in for someone at the show and connects with her drama-teacher mother. A twist reveals an emotionally rewarding surprise. Libenson captures middle-school dramas with candor, fast pacing, and relatable characters.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

May 1, 2018
This follow-up to graphic novel Invisible Emmie (rev. 7/17) again alternates between two perspectives, this time those of Emmie's best friend Brianna (a.k.a. The Brain ) and artsy dreamer Izzy. Brianna's story is rendered via large cartoon-panel drawings, and Izzy's story is shown in smaller, border-free vignettes (final art not seen). Brianna is adjusting to the embarrassing fact that her mother now teaches drama at her middle school. Izzy is eager to perform in the school's talent show, but she's grounded after getting a zero in math; she defies her mother by sneaking off to perform in the show. Brianna, meanwhile, reluctantly agrees to step in for someone at the show; she overcomes her fear of performing (but not without angst) and connects with her mother in a new way. An unexpected twist at the book's close, taking place at a family brunch, reveals a surprise about the book's timeline, an emotionally rewarding discovery that wraps up the story lines with ease. Libenson captures middle-school dramas?family, ?friendships, crushes, stereotypes, grades, self-discovery?with candor, fast pacing, and authentic, relatable characters. Positively satisfying. julie Danielson

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

"Funny details of Brianna and Izzy's lives ring true as the author explores relatable topics such as middle school friendships, self-discovery, and family dynamics. Libenson stresses the importance of being true to oneself, and readers will root for the characters to succeed." — School Library Journal

"Libenson captures middle-school dramas—family, friendships, crushes, stereotypes, grades, self-discovery—with candor, fast pacing, and authentic, relatable characters. Positively satisfying." — The Horn Book

"Libenson nicely touches on classic middle-grade tropes, such as shifting friendships, crushes, and developing confidence. A poignant twist ending adds a heartening note to an already charming story." — Booklist

"The story is light but resonant for middle graders, with constant comedic asides in the illustrations." — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "This is middle grade fiction at its best. A fantastic debut novel with plenty of laughs and tons of heart. INVISIBLE EMMIE is unforgettable!" — Lincoln Peirce, author of Big Nate

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "Clever, funny work by a great cartoonist. Reading INVISIBLE EMMIE sums up middle school: You laugh, you cry, you get beaned in the head with a volleyball." — Stephan Pastis, author of Timmy Failure

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "This funny and heartfelt tale will ring true for anyone who's ever felt invisible." — Victoria Jamieson, Newbery Honor author-illustrator of ROLLER GIRL

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "In her first children's book, cartoonist Libenson offers strikingly different visions of seventh grade through two very dissimilar narrators. A well-executed twist will have readers flipping back to see what they missed while cheering the strides made by Libenson's no-longer-invisible heroine." — Publishers Weekly

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "With all-too-familiar middle-school drama and an empowering lesson about speaking up and bravely facing down embarrassment, this should find an easy audience among fans of Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries books." — Booklist

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "Many readers will recognize themselves in Emmie and her friends, who are at once self-conscious and eager to be seen for who they are. A highly relatable middle grade drama." — School Library Journal

Praise for INVISIBLE EMMIE: "Libenson's clever tale will entertain readers in the throes of middle school as well as younger students both wary of and intrigued by their near future." — The Horn Book