Cute middle grade focused graphic novel about Marcus McCalister, unwilling soccer star, and Izzy Briggs, a would-be designer with a distinct popularity problem. Both Marcus and Izzy struggle with overbearing parents who don't understand them - Izzy's mother expects academic perfection while Marcus' parents assuming Marcus loves soccer as much as his older brother does. Both also struggle with Ted, Marcus' former best friend and classroom bully whose obsession with outshining his older brother (who is one half of a high school soccer super duo along with Marcus' elder brother). Along the way both Marcus and Izzy learn about who they are and what they care about, as well as how to be better friends to one another.

This was really cute! I enjoyed the art style and the colors! The characters were great, and I liked the plot and how the characters grew through the story. It was very fun!!

What I liked:

Marcus’s need to fit in conflicting with his desire to stop playing soccer felt very realistic and sympathetic, as did his changing relationship with Ted. Overall, the school dynamics felt familiar, if a tad too much so at times, and the scenes in gym class were some of the most relatable I’ve encountered often in middle-grade books. I also (spoiler alert!) loved the final scene when Marcus and Ted’s brothers arrive—Ted getting remonstrated by his idols held much poetic justice.

What I struggled with:

I had a hard time connecting with the actual art style of this book—it’s very blocky and straightforward, without much nuance either in the depictions of characters/settings or in the way the panels are organized. I feel the need to preface my other thoughts with that because I think that, since the art is literally the medium through which the story is conveyed, I do believe it colored other opinions I have on the book as a whole. Perhaps because of that, many of the characters felt less well-rounded than they perhaps should have, and I struggled to connect with Izzy in particular.

This is perhaps a bit more opinion-based, but I also chafed slightly at the depiction of Izzy leading the dance being such a huge twist. In the context of the story, Izzy is the obvious choice for the position. Although I understand the backlash that Marcus faced, he takes what feels like a much larger step outside of traditional gender norms with his outfit at the talent show itself without much thought, which made this not ring altogether true. Additionally, since gender norms/stereotypes feel otherwise upheld in Izzy and Marcus’s friendship, this plotline felt like something of a letdown.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

This was such a cute and thought provoking graphic novel. We get a touch on toxic masculinity and as well being yourself. Marcus and Izzy’s back and forth have me whiplash but I can understand how they are feeling. They are in middle school and that is peak time for you to be unsure of yourself and of your friends. I’m glad Marcus was able to figure things out in the end. Izzy was adorable and I’m not sure why everyone didn’t want to be her friend. Even though they had some hiccups in their friendship, I have a feeling that they will take it with them to high school. Ted was the literal worst and he mirrored all the bullies I knew in middle school as well. Why do they all seem the same?

The ending at the talent show was so sweet I was grinning from ear to ear. I’d love to read more graphic novels by this creator!

E ARC provided by Netgalley

School projects can make for strange companions, and in this graphic novel Marcus, a reluctant soccer player, and Izzy, an aspiring fashion designer, are thrown together in a dance project for physical education class. Starting 8th grade is hard for Marcus, who is not as interested in soccer as his older brother is, especially since his former best friend and teammate, Ted, is a jerk. Ted, who also has an older brother, demands that Marcus show up for soccer practice so that the two can beat their brothers' team record, but Marcus wants to distance himself both from the sport and from Ted. Izzy, who often rocks a quirky quasi-Goth style, is on the recieving end of lots of negative comments from classmates, and is also under a lot of pressure from her mother to get good grades. Marcus and Izzy have to do a swing dance for class, which leads Ted to make fun of them, especially when they also end up sitting together in advanced language arts class... for the whole year! Marcus does go to team tryouts but is increasingly bothered by Ted's actions, even though he isn't brave enough to stand up to him. Izzy, meanwhile, finds a welcoming place in the theater group, where Ramona is excited to have her on board for talent show planning and costumes. Marcus and Izzy practice, and do a decent job, although Marcus has trouble leading. When the two do their dance for a grade, Marcus is distracted by Ted's comments, and it ends in disaster. Mr. Walsh, their gym teacher (and retired dancer!) says that their poor grade is enough that they might have to retake the class... unless they do a swing dance for the talent show. Izzy is NOT going to have her grades affected so that her mother has an excuse to pull her out of theater, so the two work on their dance. They actually enjoy being together, and may even have a little crush on each other, if we believe the many flushed cheeks in the pictures. They even hang out, eating popsicles on the driveway, and talk about the pressures they face at school. Of course, Ted isn't happy with Marcus' relationship, especially when he gets put on the silver team instead of the gold one, ruining their chances of beating their brothers. He even spies on the two and posts negative pictures of them on social media. Marcus finds out, and tells Ted that it's not like he's REALLY friends with Izzy--imagine the sorts of things tweens would say to try to save face. Of course, Izzy overhears and asks Mr. Walsh if she can dance solo in the show. Since Izzy's mother had to get the principal involved when Ted bullied Izzy in 7th grade, this is allowed, and Marcus ends up cleaning gym equipment. When Ted is mean about how Marcus plays during a big game, Marcus has had enough, and goes to Izzy's house with a box of soccer treat popsicles to apologize and ask to be able to dance with her. Izzy agrees, as long as Marcus will wear whatever costume she suggests. Marcus ends up in a silly shirt and pants, which rip as they are getting on the stage. Throwing caution to the wind, he dons a skirt, and the two do a great dance. They win second place, Izzy's mom apologizes for trying to deny Izzy the opportunity to do theater, and both Marcus and Ted have heart-to-hearts with their brothers.
Strengths: This is middle school bullying. It's calling people "clown show" when they're at their locker and teachers can't hear. It's Ted giving Marcus a hard time about not playing soccer and hanging out with Izzy. It's a thousand tiny paper cuts of social pressure and judgement. The sibling rivalry is also very true; I have to admit to motivating cross country runners to best their older sibling's time by reminding them that they would have bragging rights at Thanksgiving forever! Marcus' desire to drop out of soccer but he inability to do so is quite common, and it was good to see that Izzy did find a place where she was happy. The constant embarassment and discomfort pretty much defines middle school for many people. It's good to see a happy ending and emotional growth, because that gives readers struggling with their own issues hope that there may be a happy ending for them as well.
Weaknesses: This is not how grades work. Had Mr. Walsh failed the two, Izzy's mom would have thrown a fit with the principal and gotten Mr. Walsh in trouble. It's much more likely that Mr. Walsh would have taken pity on them and let them redo the dance at lunch, and one project is rarely enough to torpedo grades in any classes in today's academic climate. Pretty sure that if Marcus and Izzy showed up for class every day and tried, they would have gotten at least a B. The skirt seemed over the top to me, but since I have a lot of boys who wear eyeliner and nail polish, I don't think today's tweens will think it's as scandalous as Ted seems to.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, and this will be a popular title with fans of books with plenty of friend drama. Looking forward to seeing more titles from this author.

While it sometimes felt a little too repetitive with the back and forth between he two main characters wanting to work with one another vs. not wanting to, I loved the resolution. The art was adorable

This was fun. It’s about an eighth-grade soccer star and the loaner girl that everyone teases. They take on an extra credit class to pass gym and they learn to swing dance. Turns out they both end up liking it and become friends. This graphic novel is exactly what one would expect from the publisher. It’s fun. It’s lovely. It’s memorable. It’s a book kids are going to love and want to read repeatedly.

Definitely a great companion read for those who are great fans of Raina Telgemeier! Always looking for more contemporary novels to recommend to families since they are so popular. The characters were so complicated throughout the novel, adding a great messy element that complements reality. This plot was super unique and something I have never seen before. I hope this is the start of a series!

"Swing" is a fun graphic novel that is great for middle school students going through all the ups and downs of friends, bullying, and trying to be yourself. The art in the book moves the story forward - I could feel emotions just from the artwork. As classmates Izzy and Marcus work on a class project, things spin out of control as Marcus' soccer friends feel ignored and take matters into their own hands. The story does a great job of portraying bullying by phone/text/social media coupled with in person bullying. A great recommendation for kids who are trying to find themselves.

This middle-grade graphic novel follows the journey of two 8th graders, Marcus and Izzy, who are navigating the trials of middle school. Marcus is struggling with the pressure to follow in his older brother’s soccer stardom, despite his lack of interest in the sport, and his desire to fit in makes him vulnerable to peer pressure. On the other hand, Izzy is a bold and unique individual who loves theatre set design and strives to be herself, but finds it challenging to remain true to her identity amidst bullying and labeling.

Their paths cross when they are paired together in gym class for a session in dance, and they must learn to work as a team to present a swing dance for a final grade. Their initial attempt ends in failure, but the gym teacher gives them a second chance to redeem themselves by performing at the school talent show for extra credit. This process not only teaches them the intricate steps of swing dance, which are beautifully illustrated in the novel for readers to follow along, but also helps them build a meaningful friendship. This graphic novel captures the themes of bullying, sports, friendship, family expectations, and the struggle to fit in. It provides a heartfelt and relatable narrative that resonates with the challenges of being a middle schooler.

I enjoyed this book. It touches on themes of gender, bullying, finding yourself, and friendship. The two main characters discover what's best for them in their own lives--including activities and the people they spend time with. I love the message and the illustration style.

I loved this coming-of-age graphic novel! Marcus and Izzy are each desperately trying to live up to the expectations of their family and friends. Marcus lives in the shadow of his soccer star brother and with pressure of trying to be even better than him, when in reality he doesn't really even like soccer any more. Izzy wants to be a fashion designer, but her mother wants her in all advanced placement courses and making straight A's. They both have to figure out how to be themselves, when being anything else seems to be what others want from them instead.

Definitely be purchasing for the library.

#NetGalley #MGgraphicnovel

A very engaging and relatable look at middle school, with its bullying, social expectations, and perpetual awkwardness. The ending felt a little too good to be true, and I felt like the author didn't completely land the plane with her commentary on challenging gender norms: I didn't get the impression that Marcus didn't want Audrey to lead just because she was a girl, etc. But otherwise very solid. Reminiscent of High School Musical. 10 to 14.

Swing by Audrey Meeker and Sarah Davidson about Marcus and Izzy. Marcus wants to fit in so badly he is letting his childhood friend (that he does not really like) pressure him to play soccer to follow in his older brother’s footsteps. Izzy is a bold and unique person who wants to stand out but being true to who you are is hard when you are labeled and bullied. Marcus and Izzy are paired up for gym glass and have to learn how to swing dance. When they fail in front of the class the gym teacher gives them the opportunity to earn extra credit by performing a swing dance at the school talent show. This graphic novel covers themes of bullying and development in adolescence very well. I really enjoyed the detailed demonstration of swing dance that showed the steps so readers could learn how to do the dance with the characters.

Thank you to @Netgalley @Audrey Meeker and @SarahDavidson for the ARC.

I loved this graphic novel! It brings together an unlikely pair of friends who have to overcome preconceived notions about one another in order to succeed in their assignment to dance together.

A wonderful story of friendship, acceptance, and finding who you are in the midst of others' expectations. Meeker portrays the challenges of growing up with looming societal and family pressures with an understanding that reminds kids that they aren't alone in all they are going through. Marcus and Izzy face challenges in their individual lives while working on a talent show performance together and learn to welcome change as a vehicle of self-growth.

A refreshing story that shows a young boy breaking through the fog of what's expected of him as a soccer play and the brother of a very successful high school player. There are no sweeping lessons about gender and conformity, but the way that Marcus is starting to try to figure out what he's interested in and what he values in the face of a toxic friend is a beautiful personal journey and seeing how Izzy and Marcus find their own way will be so helpful for middle grade readers in turbulent emotional times.

I received an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley. This middle grade graphic novel follows two 8th graders. Marcus doesn’t want to follow in the footsteps of his big brothers soccer stardom. Izzy just wants to do theatre set designs and be herself. They are paired together in gym for a session in dance. Now Marcus and Izzy have to learn how to work as a team to present Swing dance for a final grade. This was another good addition to the trials of middle school bullying, sports, friendship, family expectations and fitting in. It’s an easy recommendation with a good ending.

THIS WAS SO ADORABLE!!! I loved this story and the message it teaches was really important. It was really refreshing to read a story where the boy learned to be okay with a more feminine gender role.

Also really hated Ted, that kid needs to be punished for his bullying.