J vs. K is fun, silly and quick to read. Each author brings their own humor and talent to the story, and both are excellent authors for kids, so it's no surprise. I enjoyed the back and forth dialog, and the twist ending, although sometimes the back and forth dialog went on a tad too long. I enjoy a good aside to the audience in a kids book, I think they make kids feel part of the story, but in this instance, particularly where previous bits of the story are changed or discussed, things get a little confusing. Some of the authors' notes to the reader and to each other could have been eliminated and it would not have made the book any less funny.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the advanced copy of J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft.

This was a fun and clever read, made even more entertaining if you're familiar with the real-life friendly rivalry between the authors. Fifth graders J and K are hilariously determined to outdo each other in The Contest, and their antics spiral into a full-blown (and often laugh-out-loud) competition. The banter and tension between the characters felt natural, and the story was peppered with great vocabulary moments—some defined, some left for curious readers to explore on their own, which I appreciated.

That said, the overall plot was on the simpler side—even for middle grade—which made the story feel a bit thin in places. Still, the humor, voice, and energy more than make up for it. This is a solid pick for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, character-driven story with a lot of personality.

4 stars

Like many prospective readers, I came to this book because of my ongoing appreciation for the co-authors. This incoming knowledge of both writers' works also led me to have specific expectations about what I'd find here. While those expectations were somewhat challenged, I am still finishing the read satisfied.

J and K are fifth graders who badly - and I mean badly - want to win The Contest. Both kids realize that they have serious competition in each other, and this evolves (devolves!) into a pretty extreme and often amusing rivalry.

The basic plot of this - even for a middle grade novel - is almost too simplistic, and I did struggle with that at times. What I absolutely loved throughout is the constant interjecting from both authors, who also serve as characters in their own ways, sharing regular brief asides about their choices and each other. They really take the J vs. K bit to a whole other level, and it is a lot of fun to encounter that part.

This is labeled as a graphic novel in some spaces, and that is not quite right in my estimation. There are vital illustrations, but these illustrations do not accompany or replace the written text throughout. This is more accurately a middle grade novel with fun illustrations on the side.

An original and fun conversation between two characters and authors, this book brings something fresh. to the middle grade circuit, and it's all the more exciting that it's coming from two proven and respected writers.

J vs. K – two fifth grade boys start a battle for who is the best story teller at Dean Ashley Public School. J has always been considered to the best artist in 5th grade. When J starts school his way with words attracts a lot of attention. They both want to win the annual creative storytelling contest.
A fun illustrated novel that also showcases vocabulary building and story craft but the best part is showing the different stories that the boys write and draw.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this DRC.
#JvsK #NetGalley

Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

“Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, this hilarious illustrated story about a rivalry between two talented fifth graders celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.

J and K are the most talented and creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.

It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top”.

This book was really charming and fun, and I loved the rivalry between J. and K. The illustrations by Jerry Craft are charming, and I loved the debates between Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander. I really enjoyed all of the references to other authors and books sprinkled throughout this book as well. The story was also charming and funny. I really liked this book, and would recommend it to kids ages 8-12.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two talented men in one book. So fun. This is a well written, entertaining and informative book. They have found a great way to teach others to get along and be respectful

Full of humor, an enjoyable read. I did find myself wishing for more illustrations and less text at times to engage my Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans but overall a fun story that will connect with middle grades readers!

What a fun book! The conversations between the two authors throughout were very humorous and engaging. They can also be used to teach kids about the writing process. It would’ve been nice if the arc had the final comic the boys make since that forms the climax of the story.

What a great team Kwame Al;exander and Jerry Craft make! From beginning to end, the authors good-naturedly roast each other, as they tell an imagined view of themselves as competitive classmates. Along with the scheming and one-upmanship, they teach the reader some important tips about good writing and drawing, as well as how to be a good friend.

The end opens the door for a possible sequel, and I hope to read more collaborations between the authors! I highly recommend this for classrooms as a lead-in to a writing or art unit. Schools and libraries will want to have this on their shelves!

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this notebook novel, we meet J Ennis, who loves to draw, and whose stories have taken Dean Ashley Public School by storm. He's not a fan of reading, but enjoys making books like his J-Man superhero comics. When a storytelling contest is announced, he is worried that the new kid, K Wright, will steal his thunder. He's already stolen J's singular initial name, and J doesn't care for his white framed glasses, bald head, use of long words, or dad fashion sense. Even more distressing is the praise that fellow students heap on his for his poems. The two talk to each other, but try to give each other bad advice about writing stories, like using the "6th person" viewpoint. The whole school is buzzing about the contest, and Mr. A, one of the cafeteria workers, even comes up with a literary themed menu including Rolls of Thunder, Spuds, not Spuddies, and Hot Dog Man. J and K eventually figure out that they have more in common than they thought, and team up on a graphic novel entitled Croak and Dagger (which is sadly not included in the E ARC). They place second, losing to a fourth grade, Geoffrey Kenny, but have a newfound friendship as well as a renewd interest in story telling.

This reminded me a bit of Barnett and Scieszka's Battle Bunny, with all of the inside jokes and breaking of the fourth wall with notes from the authors, or Reynold's Stuntboy. There are plenty of nods to other middle grade writers as well as Craft and Alexander's work. Language arts teachers will love all of the discussions of literary devices, and Craft's fans will enjoy the illustrations. Dad jokes and puns abound. There's even Mrs. Yang (after author Kelly?) the librarian, who catches up on her reading during lunch because students fail to come to the library.

Has its moments, but will probably attract more elementary readers, especially since the boys are both in fifth grade.

I have been so excited to read this book - two powerhouse creators coming together! And it did not disappoint. The format and style draws readers in, with the witty writing and comic illustrations. But the story and its message is where the real power of the book lies - realistic and relatable to kids of all ages. I cannot wait to get this book in the library and start recommending it to kids!

Whether or not you are already familiar with the friendly rivalry between authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, this MG tale will have you HOWLING. J and K are fifth graders entering a storytelling contest, sabatoging each other along the way. Readers of previous works of Alexander and Craft will discover the hidden the Easter eggs with glee. Their signature humor (ranging from 5th grade boy to dad jokes and back again), will keep both kids and adults cackling at the hijinks and author's notes, interjected throughout. I give this book five DAPS - IYKYK.

This one made me laugh out loud multiple times, and the competitiveness and insecurity between J and K is extremely relatable. I think kids will really like this one. Minus one star because, while I get that this is sort of a craft book, it's a little overly pedantic.

This book gave me the same feeling and vibes as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or Captain Underpants series. Not just because it’s highly illustrated (though that is part of it), but because you get the same “regular kids just getting through the school day“ vibe to it.

J & K are rivals, even though they don’t actually know each other. They are in different fifth grade classes at DAPS (Dean Ashley public school), but Jay is known as the best artist in the fifth grade, and K is the best writer. When they both decide to enter the schools annual storytelling competition, they each try to sabotage the other with sneaky strategies to give each other the worst writing and drawing advice ever.

But as the boys get to know each other, they realize they actually have a lot in common, and they make a really good team! I love this. Especially now, when the world is so divided in so many “us versus them” ways. we need more reminders that things work out better all around when we take the time to get to know each other and find common ground.🥰

In this book, I especially love the meta framework as the rival authors, Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, trade bars at one another through a series of author notes that interrupt the text. The playful “animosity“ highlights the point that we can find common ground and work together to create great things, even with our sworn Frenemies.