Excellent adaptation of a superb Kwame Alexander, sports-forward novel. Highly recommended for graphic novel collections of those in grades 4-8 and while that is quite a spread in ages and maturity, Alexander’s realistic characters are dealing with issues common to those students and he keeps his works free of profanity and sexual content and any violence is necessary to the plot and not overly descriptive.

Twelve-year-old Nick is a whirl of energy, pumped by his love of football, but dragged down by living in a “prison of words” – his dad is a linguistics professor, and Nick does not share his love of language and books. Father-son conflict aside, Nick’s troubles escalate when he has to deal with bullies, a split in his family, and injury, but Mr Mac, a rapper turned-cool-school-librarian, helps Nick navigate the storm and find support from books. Fizzing with energy, empathy, emotion and a dash of romance, Booked is an authentic, inspirational delight.

I've read Booked in its non-graphic novel form and really enjoyed it. I don't know that it benefitted from this format. Maybe by being in the GN section, some reluctant readers may find it? That's a benefit right there.

It's full of great characters and people you'd like to know. It's kids being kids at just the cusp of coming of age. Nick is relatable while facing a lot of things at 12 years old: bullies, family problems, and trying to impress a special girl.

I'm giving this 4 stars because I like the story and the illustrations, and I hope it will get more kids reading, but I don't think the graphic novel format did anything for the story.

My thanks to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a such huge Kwame fan…. And this graphic novel adaptation of his soccer-themed novel is really wonderful. The new art is bold and dynamic, the story of a 12 year old boy and his struggles with school, girls, his parents divorce and some annoying bullies, is the perfect story for young readers. The focus on sports can draw a reluctant boy reader in, and the focus on the power of words, vocabulary and books, is done in such a fun and funny way, to inspire. A book I can’t wait to recommend in my day job!

Having the graphic novel adaptation of this wonderful story further expands the scope and accessibility of Jason Reynolds’ capacity to reach young readers. It’s one of our go to literary support tools for how to build reading skills, fluency and nurture a love of reading for students.

Thank you to netgallley for the book. I am withholding my review until Harper Collins meets with their union and gives them a fair contract.

I loved the verse novel version of Booked, and I am happy to have a graphic novel version to help this book reach a wider audience, but I'm also not convinced that we really needed a graphic novel adaptation. In my opinion, the graphic format didn't add anything to what was already a good book.

Kwame can do no wrong, and the graphic novel of this takes this to the next level. Every student I recommend this book to eagerly picks it up and enjoys every second of being immersed in the story, poems, vocab and illustrations.

I really enjoyed the novel-in-poetry The Crossover that introduced me to Alexander, and one of my friends was on the committee that awarded it the Newbery. This book is right in line with that one- and I really enjoyed it in graphic novel format. These books do not shy away from real challenges and issues, but they are dealt with in a deft manner that never talks down to a young reader while also respecting their innocence and the times that innocence needs to be challenged. I absolutely loved this, and the second I finished I handed it to my 10 year old, who is enjoying it about as much. Five stars for being funny, thoughtful, insightful, and mostly for being full of soccer but not about soccer at all. That makes for a happy mom and teacher, and happy readers of all ages.

Loved the graphic novel version of this book and will open it up to other students
He can do no wrong just wish there were lots more

While not as poignant as The Crossover, Booked provides a point of connection for many readers who enjoy soccer or want to understand parts of their familial relationships. The coloring is not the most appealing, and I'm not sure about how readers will feel about some of the speedy storytelling , but a fine book to add to a classroom library regardless.

A great format with this story as a grqphic novel with football mad Nick who has to overcome problems such as bullying and his family break up. Perfect for 10 plus children who are intereated in football

A fun graphic novel of an already beloved book.the visualizations really add a new element to the reading

Kwame Alexander does it again! Booked has been so popular with my classes and are always highly sought after in our Lit Circle studies. I am happy to now have a graphic novel version to offer students. Thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the e-Arc version of this text in exchange for an honest review.

So excite to add this to the collection. Adds another level of storytelling to an already great book. It will be a multiple copy buy as I know it will not be on the shelves once the school year starts!

I received an electronic ARC from Clarion Books through NetGalley.
Alexander's books work well as graphic novels also. In this story, readers meet Nick and enter his middle school year. Typical school concerns - girls, homework, sports, fitting in, bullies (sadly) - make up his life. Drama at home as his parents have told him they are separating. His mom leaves for a job and he feels abandoned. Dad is strict and expects him to study beyond his schoolwork and develop an advanced vocabulary so he can succeed in life. The book is told entirely from Nick's perspective so readers need to see beyond his needs to the wider picture. The illustrations work well to keep the reader engaged and enhance the text provided. This is one that will fly off the shelf and provide opportunities for dialogue on middle school and family life.

Kwame Alexander has been a true gift for my reluctant readers, and the vivid graphic novel retellings just help me get his books into even more students' hands!

This adaptation is as enjoyable to read as the original book. Booked is a favourite among the intermediate boys in my school and this graphic novel is sure to be equally popular. The updated format has eye catching graphics and is true to the original plot line. I will definitely be buying two copies for our library and hope this is just the first of Kwame Alexander’s books to go graphic.

Quick Summary: Score!

My Review: Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile did a masterful job with Booked. I absolutely loved it! The artistry, the story, the impact was everything and more. What made this book so engaging was the realness and the authenticity. I appreciated the attention to detail, the different challenges each young character faced, and the very evident growth of the main character. This was brilliantly crafted. I am happy to say that it has earned a spot on my favorites shelf.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA

I'm incredibly grateful to the author, to the illustrator, to the publisher, and to NetGalley for granting me the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

* A Goodreads post was submitted.

One of Kwame Alexander's beloved stories, written in a graphic novel format.

As if writing books in verse isn't interesting enough, the pictures and varied text size/shape make the points of this story pop. The reader can feel the words so much more when they are emphasized by bold letters or a large font. With a relatable story line, any young reader will enjoy the graphic novel version of Booked.