Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast-paced, emotional tale of middle school friend drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
It's the last day of seventh grade and Jaime should be excited that summer's about to start. Instead, she's trying to figure out why her friends have been teasing her and excluding her over the past few months. She knows that she should talk to her BFF Maya, but even Maya has been pretty distant lately. Meanwhile, Maya's been annoyed that Jaime doesn't like the same things as the rest of the girls in their popular group. But that doesn't mean it'll be easy to tell Jaime that she's been voted out. Will their friendship survive or will it be JUST JAIME this summer?
Is It Any Good?
Terri Libenson has created a fast-paced, emotional graphic novel that perfectly captures the ups and downs of middle school friendships. As in her previous books, Libenson brilliantly uses alternating chapters with different formats -- prose with sketches for Jaime, and comic-style panels for Maya -- to tell the story, which takes place over the course of one eventful day. As Jaime and Maya deal with the drama of "popular" cliques, peer pressure, and jealousy, tweens will see how "mean girl" behavior and gossiping hurts others. Just Jaime might have a predictable ending, but it provides important lessons about communication, self-control, and apologizing for your mistakes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the graphic novel format. How is it effective in telling the story of Just Jaime?
Do you ever feel different or left out? When? Do you think others in your class or school feel that way? What can you do to help them feel included? How have new friends come into your life? How have you helped build new friendships?
How do the kids demonstrate communication and self-control? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Terri Libenson
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : May 7, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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