Cub is a delightful graphic novel. Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love it. However, it is a bit different because it takes place in the 70's. In spite of that, many of Cub's issues match today's and modern audiences will relate to Cindy's ambition and friend troubles. The art is also fantastic and bright.

This was really easy to read and I thought that this was a unique way to do a biography which is also really fitting for children as well.
I did think the chapters were really small though which made me take longer with the book than expected and wasn't a huge fan of the graphic style.
However, I did like the story and finding about more about Cindy and really gave a story of not giving up and really reaching for your goals.

Another favorite I read last year although it published this year. I loved this story growing up female, family, making friends, and finding your voice. Especially the juxtaposition of what was happening locally/globally and the father treated the main character versus her brothers.

A beautiful memoir about what it's like to be a kid in the 1970's, becoming a cub reporter, and still maintaining the life of a normal 12-year-old -- friendships, school, bullies, and finding out who you are. A great coming of age story, and will definitely recommend!

Cub is so similar to what we're going through today environmentally. As I was reading I remember going, 'So is this historical fiction or contemporary?'

RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Algonquin Young Readers

Cub is a graphic novel memoir for children, and so well done. I did not realize it was a memoir till after I finished the book. I read this one my kindle (paper white, so it was black and white), and it was still very readable. I enjoyed the illustrations and the story. When I read the first few pages, I thought it was going to be another "mean girl" story. Cynthia, called Cindy as a child, is twelve years old in 1970s. While navigating bullies, friends and boys, she also wants to be a teacher like her favourite English teacher. Her teacher suggests that she has a talent in writing and should consider doing that. She finds her an internship that opens her eyes to writing, and also world issues. Cindy starts to gain confidence, and sees that her father supports her as much as her younger brothers. I recommend this graphic novel for not only children, but also adults. It is even more interesting that it is a true story, and gives an insight into the past.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Thank you NetGalley for this early copy! I absolutely love graphic novels and ones that tell a story as powerful as this one are a must read. I loved it and it’s message!

4.5 stars

cub is a fun middle grade graphic novel with some amazing lessons. in the book, the main character, cindy, a seventh-grader who aspires to become a reporter someday, gets an internship at a local newspaper, and starts discovering more about herself along the way.

cindy is such a relatable character, and i'm sure both young children and adults alike would find her story an interesting and inspiring one. in cub, cindy deals with bullies, her best friend becoming distant, and criticism on the newspaper articles she writes. but throughout the course of the novel, she meets new friends, stays strong, tries her hand at photography, and slowly gets better at writing. the character growth was so well written, and i loved reading about cindy's experiences at and outside of school.

i also really liked cindy's relationship with her english teacher, mrs schultz. mrs schultz has always been a bit of an outcast like cindy, seen from how she chooses to stay in her classroom rather than hang out with the rest of the teachers on their smoke breaks. she guides cindy and introduces her to a journalist at the local newspaper so that she can get a taste of her dream career. i feel that middle grade books often paint teachers as boring old farts just so they can make small kids (ie. their intended audience) crack up, but that isn't the case in cub and it's so refreshing and heartwarming to see such a great teacher-student relationship in a book for younger readers.

to sum up, cub is a fun read with the cutest illustrations, amazing friendships and important messages. would 10/10 recommend!

Twelve-year-old Cindy has just dipped a toe into seventh-grade drama—with its complicated friendships, bullies, and cute boys—when she earns an internship as a cub reporter at a local newspaper in the early 1970s. A young female reporter takes Cindy under her wing, and Cindy soon learns not only how to write a lede, but also how to respectfully question authority, how to assert herself in a world run by men, and—as the Watergate scandal unfolds—how brave reporting and writing can topple a corrupt world leader.

Based on the author’s own childhood, Cub explores 12-year-old Cindy’s childhood as she battles 7th grade in the 70s. Suddenly her best friend wants to hang out with the uber popular (but mean) girls. Cindy’s mother loves to curl her hair, but Cindy wants to let her hair down as straight hair becomes trendy. She becomes close to a boy at school and goes to a dance with him. When she admits to her English teacher she would love to become a teacher someday, Cindy’s asked if she ever thought of being a writer. From there, Cindy is introduced to a young reporter for the town paper and tags along to council meetings, parades, school board showdowns. While this was an easy and quick read – I personally would have loved for a reporter to take me under her wing when I was Cindy’s age! – I don’t see this appealing to its target audience, at least not all the Watergate and town finance talk.

Cub, a graphic novel memoir, is a refreshing look at what it was like to grow up as a female in the school year of 1972 as we get to watch a young middle-grader navigate through friendships, boys, job/future opportunities, bullies, and more.

Thoughts:
There is so much to love about this graphic novel. Admittingly, I went into it rather skeptically. I’m not a big fan of the 70s decade, although it did give us Star Wars, and I question my ability to properly evaluate graphic novels. But only a page or two in and I was hooked by the drawings, humor, and main character.

Middle school life is tough. Cub starts out showing us what Cindy’s life is like at both home and school, but mostly school or otherwise known as the “Wild Kingdom,” introducing us to the bullies (and ways to avoid them), her best friend Katie, and then also her favorite teacher, Mrs. Schulz who teaches English. It is this teacher who gives Cindy the idea that she could one day become a writer and hooks her up with a local female newspaper reporter.

Soon, the big day arrives for her first assignment with the Leslie, the female newspaper writer, and off they go to The Board of Education’s Finance Subcommittee meeting. (Boy, that sounds like fun.) Cindy takes notes even though she has no idea what any of it means and feels a little down. But Leslie is great and gives her encouragement by providing a story about how Bob Woodward of the Washington Post started out.

As year progresses, Leslie and Cindy continue to go on more and more varying assignments and you can see Cindy’s enjoyment and confidence continue to grow as well. But at the same time, Cub also shows what happens in between the assignments as Cindy works through changing friendships and even boys! She makes mistakes, learns new things about herself and others and continues to evolve.

I was impressed by how Cub covers so many topics so very well, including:

- Difference between what stories female reporters were assigned to versus what male reporters were assigned to.
- 1970 current events including the Vietnam war, ERA Amendment, Nixon Watergate and presidential election.
- Difference in how fathers discussed future jobs with their sons as compared to their daughters.
- Cindy’s growing interest and encouragement in a variety of subjects that gave her growing confidence.
- How friendships grew and changed in the middle grade years.

If I ever get a chance to go back and relive a period of my life, it won’t be middle school and I would wager that this is true for most of us. It is that period of your life when you begin to start growing up emotionally, mentally, physically, and intellectually and it is tough. Cub encompasses many of these middle school moments so well in this graphic novel bringing everything to a satisfying conclusion.

Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to Algonquin Young Readers for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐4 Stars

A laugh-out-loud funny and empowering graphic memoir about growing up and finding your voice.

I like how the reader gets to see Cindy's progression from novice to trainee as she learns how to write like a journalist and find her purpose in the world. She develops as a person and learns to question the systematic oppression of the female voice in the media- teaching young readers how to make their voice heard. This graphic memoir gives easy tips on how to overcome the common mistakes an aspiring journalist may make and quietly discusses feminism and the patriarchy.

The bright vibrant art style reminds me of the early 2000s and Groovy Chick which unfortunately dates this novel from the onset (perhaps this is worse as its actually set in the 1970s) meaning I don't think this would necessarily appeal to a younger audience from an artistic perspective as they may expect a different calibre of art. This is unfortunate because it nails the issues that it tackles.

Themes of voicelessness run deep through this novel. It is a graphic memoir and therefore it isn't representative of the female experience as a whole. We focus in on the story of a twelve-year-old girl in an upper-middle-class white neighbourhood, whose talent was spotted by her teacher. This does not reflect the experience of women from the lower socioeconomic background, women of colour or the queer community. However, I felt that Cindy as a protagonist was able to offer an optimistic outlook for women in her industry. All the characters were well rounded and Cynthia L Copeland's way of characterising girls and depicting their growth into young women (and all of the drama that comes with it) was realistic and heartfelt. We saw her childhood in this book.

I enjoyed the subtle anxiety representation and how Cindy reacted to her bullies. Although some of the lines and metaphors were hyperbolic for some cheap laughs I think this is perfectly suited for its middle-grade audience.

The book offers a reflective perspective on history. It is a good (but subjective) way for young people to learn about historical events that occurred in the early '70s. It covers Nixon’s reelection and the women's rights movements with the passion of an activist.

I would have liked a time skip to Cindy today to see if she followed her dreams and became a journalist. It would be good for us to see the effects of diversity in the industry and know not everything has been addressed. There is still room to grow -as Cindy's beliefs change through the story.

Overall I think this is an important read for young people who need some encouragement to follow their dreams.

BUY this book now for only £9.99

I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley in alliance with Algonquin Young Readers after they contacted me to be part of their media campaign. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.

Cub is the story of a "cub" reporter in the 1970's.
Our MC Cindy begins to shadow a female journalist and is taught how to write articles for her local newspaper.
Cub is a really good Coming-Of-Age story that shows Cindy trying to navigate life at school, life at home, life at work/job-shadowing, and also trying to navigate the highs and lows of friendships and dating. Cub shows Cindy come into her own and the hard but necessary journey along the way.

I love that the story is based in the 1970s and that it's more of a "modern" historical fiction. I also loved that the actual things that were taking place in the news at the time the story takes place, are also talked about in the book.

Big changes await Cindy in her 12th year, from discovering that she is a good writer and going on assignments with a female reporter to cute boys to learning about friendships. Cynthia L. Copeland’s graphic memoir, Cub, struck a chord with me.

The graphics and writing are humorous, depicting Cindy’s life and indirectly the world around her with its hippies, a war ending, a President in disgrace, women who aren’t being taken seriously, the environment, and Earth Day. While Cindy navigates friendships and mean girls and cute boys, she has her eyes opened to the larger world.

I happily read Cub in one sitting. While I don’t read many graphic novels, ones like this could easily convince me to read more. Many emotions swept through me as I was lost in Cindy’s story, but mostly I felt happiness and optimism despite the fact that many of the problems that existed in 1972 don’t seem to have been solved in a satisfactory way, if at all. I did love that kids played outside and weren’t beguiled by technology nor being forced to have a social calendar that rivals the Queen’s.

Copeland has an easy, friendly way of writing. Young Cindy made me remember what it was like to be 12 years old and negotiating the landmines of 7th grade social drama.

I think Cub would be an empowering read for any 12 year old because it’s a story about finding yourself. Cindy had the wonderful, multi-faceted Mrs. Schulz to guide her, and then young reporter, Leslie Jacobs, and I hope that young people today have similar mentors in their lives.

You don’t have to be 12 to enjoy this marvelous book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this gentle memoir about Cindy, who uses her internship as a reporter and her drive to succeed as a journalist and photographer, to navigate through the rocky world of middle school. Mean girls try to wreak havoc on Cindy's self-esteem, and even claim her best friend as part of their clique, but Cindy doesn't wallow. Instead, she makes new friends and has exciting adventures as a cub reporter. I especially liked the dynamics within Cindy's family - her patriarchal father, who spends most of the graphic novel praising and encouraging her brothers, and then eventually realizes the potential in his daughter.

I really enjoyed this book!

It is set in the 1970s, but there were many parallels with today’s world. There were many news headlines that are similar to the ones today, like the Watergate scandal, women’s rights, and environmental concerns. This could make the story more relatable for kids today, even though it is set decades ago.

There were also universal parts of growing up in this story. Cindy had her first boyfriend, and she also had to deal with bullying and losing friends. At the same time, she made new friends, who she didn’t expect to like.

This was a great graphic novel!

Thank you Algonquin Young Readers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Just before Christmas I was contacted by Kristen who works for Algonquin Young Readers inviting me to join a blog tour for a new Middle Grade Graphic Memoir Novel called Cub by Cynthia Copeland I jumped at the chance. Cub is about Cynthia's time in 7th grade and the years covered in the book were 1972 and 1973 when Cynthia got the chance to learn how to become a journalist while working as a cub reporter. As I was born in 1970 and live in the UK I found this book fascinating as it also covered such historical events as Watergate, Fighting for Equal Rights. The book also shows how simple things were in the 70s with the fashion, the Black and White TV, the outdoor games and indoor fun to be had and it kind of brought back memories. What has not changed is the bullying and I liked the way that Cynthia compares the bullies to predators and the other kids the prey. I highly recommend this book and I will have to award it 5 stars as I think this could be read by kids and adults alike.

I’m guessing this graphic novel will be a big hit with middle graders! It’s perfect for fans of Raina Raina Telgemeier’s books because it’s very similar to her books in style (and some of the themes). I especially loved that Copeland included empowering messages about young girls without hitting us over the head with them. She shows the ways that she was treated unequally without having a graphic novel that constantly decries those injustices. For instance, there was the fact that her father had high expectations of her brothers but not really of her—but then he was very supportive when she took initiative and started accomplishing things on her own. The reporter that Cindy worked with was very blatantly the only woman in the news office and she wasn’t getting great assignments (at least at first)—but the book showed her taking action about that (and getting what she wanted). Cindy has a boyfriend who’s sort of insensitive to her, but we see that in the subtle way he cuts her off when she talks or how he complains when she takes time for things that are important to her—we didn’t need for her to give big speeches about how wrong he was. The situation was all given to the reader in a very subtle way, but in a way where I think kids will still come away with all the right messages (and won’t feel like they’re being preached to).

This is a very honest story, where we see some of Cindy’s failures too—many kids will be able to relate to the way Cindy caves to pressure to say something she doesn’t mean about the boy she likes or the way she fails to befriend the slightly strange girl in class until someone else does. Fractured friendships (and changing ones) are also featured—I loved seeing Cindy find her friend group in the midst of loneliness.

The graphic novel format is perfect for this story because it gives us such a fun sense of the time period (70s clothes and hair are featured prominently in fun ways) and makes the autobiographical nature of the story more accessible to middle schoolers. I also love that the author sneaks some writing lessons in (showing us examples of early articles marked up by her mentor). Some kids will skim right past those, but I suspect others will be curious as to what makes a good lede and how you shouldn’t include inconsequential details in an article.

Cub is an incredibly inspiring autobiography masquerading as a simple story of surviving middle school. Middle graders will enjoy its themes without feeling like they’re being hit over the head with moral lessons. I HIGHLY recommend this book to middle grade readers, teachers and librarians.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

In all honesty, I don't know much about the '70s, except for what you hear on the news and some of the history I learned in high school. Cub takes us back and we see everything through Cindy's eyes. This may be her memoir, but I loved the history part of this story. I thought it was amazing how the author incorporated that in this graphic memoir. I definitely learned some new facts while reading.


Our main character, Cindy loves writing and her 7th grade teacher suggests she tag along with a female journalist during the school year. Of course, this is a great adventure for Cindy. I loved how much this journalist was a role model to Cindy in such a positive way. My favorite part was the fact that she learned a lot from Cindy as well. We also get a glimpse at the articles Cindy writes as time goes on and this was such a fun touch.


Cub isn't only about journalism, writing and thinking about future careers. Cindy is a 12 year old and she's starting to grow up and things are changing. Her best friend starts talking to someone Cindy sees as a bully and she hates that things are starting to change. That is until a new girl moves to their town and she sees the world through her eyes. I think Cindy learns that things change and eve she sees things differently than in the past. Her first crush and boyfriend also come in to play and it really takes on everything 12 years olds start to experience.


Not only does Cub have an amazing storyline, but the graphics are a lot of fun and fit this memoir perfectly. I really enjoyed Cub and think it's good for the middle grade age group, along with adults like me who love learning more as well. I think most of us can remember what it was like being that age as well.

4/5

I loved the mix of a memoir (non-fic) with graphic novel. It was amazing, and didn't felt like a non-fiction read because they tend to jargon about how the person felt and etc etc about the person and I loose interest in them very soon. This one was fun, and amazing read.

It is based on positive perspective of not caring about the outer looks and be happy in your own skin. Though CUB started with giving a aura of how the school/college works on The Famous(Predators/Mean Gang) & The Not So Famous(Prey/Nerd Gang) but as the story went ahead it was more than that.

I loved the color spread, and it gave me summer vibes in winter days here (though I love winter but seeing beautiful trees and colors spread across pages felt good).
I also enjoyed how Cindy described each character with specific's like she gave it for teacher Mrs. Schulz, who becomes the reason for Cindy to push into writing and visiting places like journalist.
I loved the bond she shared with Leslie and how Leslie gave Cindy the right opportunities at right time to encourage her. Though I started to hate Katie, felt like an opportunist and a fake friend (sorry but not sorry).

Overall I enjoyed this short,sweet and lovely memoir by the Author encouraging children and not to give up on dreams.

Links will be updated asap the review are posted on other sites.

This graphic novel is a memoir following Cynthia L. Copeland as she discovers her true passion for writing and being a reporter during the 1970s as she is twelve years old. She is given the opportunity to go on the field with another reporter thanks to her English teacher and becomes a cub reporter.

I have very rarely been disappointed by Middle Grade books and this one is no exception. It is excellent in the way it shows how to deal with bullies and embracing your passion. I loved the way it was written and it is truly empowering for women and young girls. The role model has a very positive role and is not afraid to show how much she loves what she is doing. I also really enjoyed the drawing style of this graphic novel.

The overall message of the story hit me right home and I do believe adults will enjoy this graphic novel as much as a younger audience.