The Big Break
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
A full-color graphic novel about growing up, growing apart, and monster hunting, perfect for fans of Real Friends and All's Faire in Middle School.
Andrew and Russ are best friends obsessed with finding the legendary Jersey Devil that supposedly lives in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, right in their own backyards. They're even making a movie about their desperate search for any sign of the mythical creature. But when Russ starts spending less time on their movie, and more time with artsy, first-chair violinist Tara, Andrew feels the cracks in their friendship begin to form.
Suddenly, all of Andrew's favorite things are too babyish for Russ, and Andrew is left trying to figure out where he belongs without his best friend by his side. Then a rash of Jersey Devil sightings excite their small town, and the boys are thrown back together on a fevered hunt. Can Andrew and Russ put aside their differences for one last chance to find the monster of their dreams, or will the break in their friendship be too big to mend?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Inspired by cryptozoology, two best friends plot a horror movie about the legendary Jersey Devil. "OK, wait not the Jersey Devil like the best hockey team," they clarify, as the NHL mascot known as the NJ Devil strikes a pose. "He's kind of like our very own Bigfoot." Middle schoolers Andrew and Russ hope to win a video contest, but their scheme is tested by Russ's romance with Tara, a cool kid who shows up to help with the script. "She's a bigger dork than you!" Russ boasts, praising Tara's knowledge of monster art. At the library, within earshot of their social circle, Andrew and Russ argue loudly and storm apart. "You broke up with Russ," a girl sadly confirms to a moping Andrew. In his signature art style, Tatulli (Short & Skinny) focuses on the strained relationship Russ is changing, and Andrew isn't ready but additional subplots further enliven this deftly braided graphic novel. Readers learn the reasons for Andrew's jealousy and regret, and meet a nuanced cast, an adventurous librarian, and dueling fantasy characters from Andrew's notebook sketches, all capped off with a quirky, strangely sweet resolution. Tatulli's likable characters deserve a sequel, with or without mythical creatures. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8 12.
