Sorry Scout, you are definitely a band kid. But you are also an artist, fan girl, & friend! I really enjoyed the digital arc from NetGalley of Scout is Not a Band Kid. Even without fully finished coloring of the artwork, it was visually appealing, had recognizable characters, and great detail. I loved the video game style of many of the panels, especially the character introductions with player stats, names, and pronouns. Adorable graphic novel that kids will rush to get their hands on.

This was such a relatable middle grade graphic novel. Working in a Middle School, I found Scout's struggle to fit in with her friends while hiding who she really is to be such an honest view of this age. The relationship building between Scout and Merrin was a joy to read. The art style Scout is Not A Band Kid will absolutely resonate with the teens who pick this up. So many kids will see themselves in these pages! I can't wait to recommend this one for our school library!

Scout is Not a Band Kid while being entertaining, doesn't feel like it has much of anything happening with it. Scout really likes this one comic creator/designer who is old and probably going to die soon, so she decides to fake playing trombone because she knows the band will be going to the conference that this creator will be at. Only problem is that Scout does not know how to play trombone. Through lots of miscommunication, lies, and false friendship, Scout is able to make her dream come true, except it's not her original dream. Since this was an ARC, there were missing dialogue and unfinished artwork, which isn't a problem, I'm just wondering what I missed. I just didn't like any of the characters; Scout lies to all of her friends about everything, Merrin is so stressed because she wants to get into a prestigious school and so treats those around her as less than, Lennox and Kim are just terrible people who put those around them down constantly and can only like the newest thing, Chris Vic and PB are nice enough but they encourage Scout's skipping band and not caring about the class, and Lou is alright as they encourage Scout but we don't get enough of them due to them living in another province. It was entertaining, but the friendship in the end wasn't worth the story. I'm sure that middle schoolers will enjoy it, especially if they're band geeks.

I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley from Random House Graphic for an honest review.

Scout has a plan to join band when she learns that the band at her school will be travelling to Almontefest, where, coincidentally, her favorite author will be doing a signing. The only problem is that Scout does not know how to play any instruments. Luckily the hopeful band teacher takes Scout on after she lies about being more proficient than she actually is. Merrin, the Trombone Section leader, sees right through Scout's lies after her passion does not seem to be shared as she had hoped when she learned of a new member. Scout and Merrin have some major work to do, but will they be able to set aside their differences?
The artwork of this graphic novel was great and I am looking forward to the full color version I am assuming the final version will have. The characters are strong and readers will finish the story wanting more of Scout and Merrin and Lou and Pristine Wong.

As a band kid myself and a mom of band kids and a cosplayer, I was thrilled to see these two blended and respected in one story. Responsibility, honesty, and friendship are strong themes that are well explored in this quick-paced graphic novel. Terrific color palette and dialogue.

Scout is Not a Band Kid is about a middle schooler who will do anything to meet her favorite author. When Scout hears that the school band will be in the same area as the author, she joins the school band to get her opportunity. The thing is that Scout has never played an instrument before. This book fell a little flat for me. I think it mostly had to do with the main character. I couldn't connect to her and didn't like her choices or behavior. I didn't think she handled some of the situations she encountered very well until the end of the book. I hope other readers give it a chance to see if this book is right for them.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Not a horrible read but not as entertaining and enjoyable as I had hoped it would be. The story just felt really slow, will still buy it for my high school library.

This was a fun, fast-paced graphic novel about music, friends, cosplay, and more. A great realistic look at making new friends, learning new things, and being yourself. The story was well-written, interesting, and realistic. The art was unfinished but looked great. A fun middle grade novel perfect for fans of other realistic middle grade graphic novels.

Just okay in my opinion. Scout is an artist, cosplayer, and fan girl who wrangles her way into the middle school band not because she loves music but because the school band is slated to attend the same arts event as her favorite author. This puts her in direct conflict with the other trombone player, a serious musician who is planning on going on to a career in music.

YES! I love how this graphic novel encapsulates the feeling of band, learning instruments, and discovering who your true friends are, all in one book! It also talked about teens who like cosplay, anime, video games, and fandom culture! I very much enjoyed it. I miss band!!

Scout joins her school's band so that she can attend a festival to meet her favorite comic book author. The problem is Scout doesn't know how to play an instrument. She chooses the trombone because one of her favorite book characters plays it, but the other trombone player (Merrin) isn't happy when she finds out Scout doesn't know how to play. In order to not get kicked out of band (and miss the festival) Merrin starts to tutor Scout (because their teacher makes them). Along the way, Scout discovers why Merrin is so dedicated to music and gains a friend.