I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is an excellent graphic novel for middle-grade kids who enjoy a light and fun read.

Thank you to Random House Graphic for providing me with an e-ARC of Apple Crush & to PRH Audio for a complimentary audiobook!

I have never listened to a graphic novel via audiobook & it was definitely a fun experience! There's a full cast & sound effects that make the story come to life. However, I'm glad I had a copy of the eBook to see the absolutely adorable art style of this one!

This one is the perfect read for middle graders who are going to be transitioning into a life where their friends are starting to ~romantically~ be interested in others & love is everywhere. This book discusses the concept of a "boy and girl can't just be friends!!" & how it really is totally okay to be, well, just friends!

This book also takes place during my favorite season, Fall! & I think this would make an excellent book to add to your not-so-scary Halloween TBR!

Per the usual, Lucy Knisley, is able to create a great continuation to the previous story with both her art and her words. In this case it is a continuation of her story, Stepping Stones. As a any person who moves in middle school, moving to a different town is hard, let alone being a part of a blended family. Middle Grade readers will devour this story about friendship and farm-life.

3.5 rounded up

This is book two in a series, but can be read as a standalone. Centered around Halloween, Jen and her “sometimes sister” Andy work at a local farm to get it ready for a pumpkin sale and scary hayride event.

Jen’s story expands when she visits her dad in the city and develops more peace with her parents’ divorce. Other topics involve seeing romance in others around her and bullying. Middle schoolers will relate to the awkwardness of first romances and stepping into unfamiliar places, like a new school. Jen finds solace in the school library and bonds with the librarian over magical books and art.
This book has diverse characters and the lush illustrations fill up each panel.

Thanks to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for the e-galley. I read the published book for this review. My ratings and reviews are my own.

This is a wonderfully done graphic novel. I and many others are already fans of Lucy Knisley's work, but this cemented that. It was wonderful to see blended families get some time in the fiction spotlight as it is so common and I love having another book to hand kiddos who can relate to it!

My thoughts are posted on GoodReads and on The StoryGraph here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4718544399

A sequel to Knisley's Stepping Stones, Apple Crush follows with more growing pains for Jen who starts a new job and a new school with her step-sister. As always, engaging art style with a tried-and-true take on middle school, crushes, and growing up. Recommended for collections serving youth.

While Netgalley only gave the first 36 pages, it seems like Apple Crush is just as adorable as Stepping Stones and will sure to be a hit with my middle school readers. Fans of the first book, Allergic and other lighthearted graphic novels will run to grab this one.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was such a fun sample. I'm sad that I have to wait another month to read the rest of the story. My students will enjoy the great fall tale. I look forward to reading the entire book.

Ah, I wish this wasn't just a sample. I love Lucy Knisley's work and this promises to be just as delightful as the rest of her books.

I was provided an excerpt through Netgalley and from Random House. From what I read, the quality of art and writing is still at a high level. I can tell the story will be just as interesting and entertaining as the first. I really feel like this series is such a great one for middle schoolers. It deals with real issues of having a blended family, moving, and starting at a new school. So many children will be able to relate to this series. I plan to make sure my school library purchases a copy.

This was a really cute sample, and I always love Lucy Knisley's work! It reads a lot like a younger version of Rainbow Rowell's Pumpkinheads, and will appeal to middle grade readers. I do wish we got a full ARC though, as I did not know this was a sample when I requested it.

I received a sample chapter as an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
This sequel picks up shortly after the first book. Jenn is nervous about starting at a new school. Andy and Jenn start work at the neighbor's pumpkin patch and readers see some changes in their relationship beginning. Detailed artwork supports the story.

This is sweet graphic novel. It's well written and beautifully drawn. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was a great sample of a lovely graphic novel! I liked the main characters a lot, and I'm enjoying where the plot is going. This is only a sample so I can't wait to get my hands on the full book!

This was just a sample but it was super cute. Jen is adorable and I would love to read the full thing when it comes out.

It was cute, a good beginning to the story. The book is only a preview, just the first chapter, so you aren't really able to get a lot out of it.

Lucy Knisley is a literary treasure and her Apple Crush is sure to be yet another favorite among tween readers.

When I knew this was releasing I wanted to immediately read it, I loved Stepping Stones.

Sadly, this was just a 36 pages sample and I was excited to get to read it.

Still, I enjoyed this sample, I can’t wait for it to be released and continue the story.

I missed the artwork and characters.

Apple Crush is another beautifully illustrated book an author/artist whose work I always recommend. I love the youth orientation of the book — great possibilities for attracting young readers.