Last Day Pool Party
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected Apr 7, 2026
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- $8.99
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- Pre-Order
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
From the bestselling author of the Okay Witch series comes a contemporary graphic novel about the only thing standing between the kids of Orange Grove Junior High and summer break—one party, and a whole lot of drama.
Six very different kids’ stories collide at an unforgettable last day pool party in this hilarious and relatable story about friendship, popularity and the messiness of growing up.
When her name gets skipped at the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, Rose decides she is done being invisible. She’s determined to finally stand out and make her unfulfilled middle school dreams come true at the upcoming pool party. But she’s not the only one who wants to make a splash...BFFs Liv and Juhi are on the verge of a friend break-up when Juhi reveals her family is moving, and Liv uses the party as a chance to scout for a new bestie. Queen bee Maya was forced by her mom to come to unpopular Dustin’s party to be “nice”. And meanwhile, her not-so-social cousin Paul is just trying to avoid all the pool party pandemonium.
By the time the sun sets, unexpected twists and ridiculous mishaps will make this the weirdest, wildest last day of school ever. Get ready, because this party is about to go off the deep end.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this witty and acutely observed graphic novel that recalls The Breakfast Club, Steinkellner (Nell of Gumbling) skillfully captures the whirlwind of emotions that a group of teens confront amid their social transition from middle school to high school. During eighth grade graduation roll call, Orange Grove's principal skips Rose Sangalang-Sweet's name, cementing for Rose her belief that she's "basically invisible." Determined to start summer off on the right foot, she attends classmate Dustin's infamous last-day-of-school pool party. Rose isn't the only kid arriving to the party with a plan. Having just learned that her bestie, Juhi, is moving to London, artistic Liv holds "best friend auditions" with other attendees, while popular dancer Maya—at her mother's insistence—attempts to apologize to former friend Dustin for a past betrayal. Illustrations rendered in a warm, sun-soaked color palette evoke a relaxed summertime glow as they chronicle the protagonists' efforts to cultivate confidence, reinforce friendships, and learn to navigate new, sometimes overwhelming feelings and experiences. Clean paneling and brisk pacing keep the story light while interactions between the expressive characters, portrayed with various body types and skin tones, feel authentic, genuine, and heartfelt. The result is a gentle and charming story of belonging and finding the courage to start anew. Ages 8–12.
