Best Friends for Never: Katie the Catsitter, Book 2
Friendship troubles in funny, touching tween superhero tale.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Best Friends for Never continues the story begun in Katie the Catsitter, a graphic novel about a tween who wants to be a superhero sidekick. There's very little violence. Villains damage property and heroes thwart them by kicking a weapon out of their hand, tying them up, and taping over their mouths. Some cartoonish violence played for comedy like cute cats pulling out a variety of weapons to defend their loved ones. There are some mild romantic dynamics, like having a boyfriend. An adult friend of Katie's admits to having trouble getting over the trauma of being in jail. Navigating changing friendships is a strong theme. Brief potty humor includes using "butt" and "poop."
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What's the Story?
BEST FRIENDS FOR NEVER finds Katie and her best friend Beth at the very awkward start of a new school year. Beth's been away at summer camp, and has come back with new friends, new interests, and even a boyfriend! Katie also made new friends over the summer and spent her time working on her skateboarding skills and taking care of her neighbor Madeline's many, many cats. Now, hanging out with Beth just doesn't feel the same, and Katie's not sure they can ever get back to where their friendship was before. Meanwhile, Madeline's superhero alter ego, Mousetress, is being blamed for destructive acts of vandalism throughout the city. Katie knows Madeline's innocent, but Madeline seems uninterested in clearing her name. Or doing much of anything besides baking these days. How can Katie prove that someone else is behind the latest evil doings?
Is It Any Good?
This second in a colorful graphic novel series continues the fun, humor, and warmth established in the first book. Reluctant readers will relate to Katie navigating a changing friendship as well as her eagerness to learn, be, and do more. Superheroes and villains who inhabit Best Friends for Never add a good dose of wit and humor, while the well-developed characters are easy to relate to and very grounded in the here and now. And readers who enjoyed the crime-fighting cat antics and beyond-belief skill sets will be glad to see that they're back and as adorably hilarious as ever.
Heartfelt issues like changing friendships, developing at different rates, and recovery from trauma are handled sensitively, without being heavy handed. The engaging, dynamic artwork and colorful palette help draw the reader into the story. The ending is satisfying, but leaves the door open for further adventures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in Best Friends for Never. What are Katie's character strengths and weaknesses? Which characters do you like or admire, and why?
Why are graphic novels so popular? What do we love about them?
Did you read the first book in the series? If you did, which book do you like better, and why? If you didn't, would you like to read it now?
Book Details
- Author: Colleen AF Venable
- Illustrator: Stephanie Yue
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Superheroes, Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Friendship, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: February 15, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 224
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 9, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Katie the Catsitter: Book 1
Funny, colorful graphic novel about tween superhero-to-be.
-
The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Fun, updated graphic novel version has deep layers.
-
Roller Girl
With girl power galore, graphic novel is great for tweens.
For kids who love graphic novels and friendship stories
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