Member Reviews

I love Lucy Knisley’s memoirs and graphic novels. This was a sweet and moving comic, great for young readers who want a book about first crushes.

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Cute follow-up to Stepping Stones. Kind of ends abruptly/without much resolution, so not much of a story arc really. But will probably check out whatever follows.

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I thought that this was a simple graphic novel that's perfect for kids. The images are very cute and vibrant and the plot draws you in. I loved the representation in this and I can see everyone enjoying this.

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Fabulous follow up to Stepping Stones! I loved the author's first book, and enjoyed this one immensely. A great fall themed title for middle grade readers.

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A wonderful graphic novel about starting a new school and everyone else seems to care about dating. Clear and direct illustrations and a story that's direct without being preachy.

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Great graphic novel. It will be appealing for middle grade kids that just aren’t ready to think about dating but also for ones that are. As always, the illustrations and story are a good read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the DRC.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

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Thank you for approving me for this title! However, I unfortunately was unable to download/read this book prior to it being archived on Netgalley. I hope to read and review this book on my own soon, and hope to read other books from this author and publisher. I know for a fact that this book is popular amongst some of my K-5 Library kids. Thanks again!

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Another great graphic novel from Lucy Knisley. I was annoyed less in this one weirdly enough. The brattiness of Andy in the first book annoyed me to no end but in this one, Jen and Andy have learned to be more sisterly to each other. But Jen is dismayed to find that EVERYONE around her has nothing but romance on their mind..but she doesn't and she wonders if something is wrong with her. No one believes that a boy and a girl can just be friends and those beliefs lead to some pretty epic complications in her life. I was really enjoying this book and felt like it ended way too fast. I wanted to follow along more with her friendship with Ollie! And this book included the school's librarian who gave her a great reader's advisory which made me so proud.

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“Spooky is fun”! Apple Crush was a wicked cute graphic novel following some young girls as they prepare for a Halloween Hayride! Apple Crush is a sequel but was able to stand alone (I had not read Stepping Stones). The characters were enjoyable and I’m looking forward to reading more in the series!

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Love Lucy Knisley and I will read anything she writes! This book is no exception. Cute middle grade book, perfect for innocent readers and an enjoyable book overall.

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Another great graphic novel by Lucy Knisley. I am so excited she has been writing more middle school books.

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This was a great 2nd book to the Peapod Farm graphic novel series. I loved Stepping Stones and was happy to see a second. The family changes and farm life are still important parts that carry over from the first book, but it also introduces the changes in friendships and families that occur as children get older and crushes start. It's a great relatable and fun graphic novel for upper elementary to early middle school readers that also hits on some new themes that this age might run into in their real lives. Thank you to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

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LOVED this even more than Stepping Stones! I read it in the summer and it had me salivating for the fall! The pictures were so wonderfully done and the author did a fantastic job capturing the feelings and emotions of pre-teens. I will definitely be fighting for this to get approved in my elementary school library so I can buy it ASAP!

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Apple Crush, by Lucy Knisley, is the second book in the Peapod Farm series, and Jen continues to try and be comfortable in her new surroundings. It’s Fall, time for school, and time to work at Halloween ride at the neighboring farm. But things continue to change. Andy, her stepsister, has become more interested in boys, especially The visiting boy next door. Add to that a new school and a ready-made bully, and Jen feels as if she has lost her bearings. A helpful librarian provides support for Jen, and she’s able to start to settle in.

Jen’s growth and comfort are important aspects of Apple Crush. Jen’s experiences mirror those who have to get used to a new family, new surroundings, and new friends. This would be an excellent book for middle school or advanced grade school readers who may find themselves in a similar situation.

Highly recommended: 4.5 stars.

Note: I was getting “this guy is a creep” reactions to Walter. Has anyone else noticed this?

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In this endearing follow-up to Stepping Stones, Jen and Andy work on a haunted hayride together. When Andy catches feelings for another kid working on the hayride, a wedge is driven between the stepsisters' budding friendship. Jen wonders why everyone around her seems obsessed with crushing on each other, when she still feels like the same Jen she's always been. Jen must navigate feeling too young for kids her age and too old to hang with younger kids. As always, Jen copes through her art, authenticity, and love of stories.

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This is a nice second book to Stepping Stones. Good plot showcasing navigating friendships. Recommend for grades 3 to 7.

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Considering this was only a 20 page sample, it's difficult to rate this title. Based on the sample, it looks cute and fun and funny and the illustrations are of a high quality.

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The file I downloaded was only 36 pages. I know this book is going to be great because everything by Lucy Knisley is great. That's why I was so bummed when this wasn't a full manuscript.

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I love this book series! The characters are so fun and it's entertaining to watch their journeys.
I loved the fall aspect and the setting of the pumpkin patch.
There are so many topics in the book that would be relevant to my students, such as starting a new school. dealing with a blended family, and crushes.
My students have loved Stepping Stones and I can't wait to get this for my elementary libraries.

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