Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen rocker navigates the music biz in heartfelt finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As ALL MY FRIENDS opens, Bina and her bandmates are rehearsing for their next gig. Their hard work pays off when one of their songs is used on Bina's favorite TV show. When the band is offered a record deal, their parents step in and refuse to let them sign a contract, a decision Bina finds totally unfair. Can Bina find a way to spotlight her talent without getting grounded for life?
Is It Any Good?
Mastery of an art form doesn't happen overnight, and this rockin' graphic novel showcases one teen's love of the guitar. All My Friends, written and illustrated by Hope Larson, brings together all the storylines from the previous two volumes and resolves them with humor and heart. The relationships between parents and kids ring true, as do the manuevers of L.A.'s musical in-crowd. Bina is an immensely likeable main character -- determined but a little dramatic at times. The supporting cast is full of relateable teens eager for the next big thing. Longtime readers will be satisfied by the ending, and there's no reason why further volumes couldn't be in the offing. Recommended for anyone who's wanted to play in a band or simply enjoys music.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how All My Friends portrays an amateur musician as she finds a measure of success in Los Angeles. Why might parents be wary of professional record companies that want to sign teen musicians?
Bina starts lying to her parents about the band. Is that a good strategy?
Why can the prospect of dating a longtime friend feel awkward?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Hope Larson
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : January 25, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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