Truly Tyler: Emmie & Friends, Book 5
Fast-paced graphic novel tackles bullying and peer pressure.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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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 Truly Tyler, the fifth graphic novel in Terri Libenson's Emmie & Friends series, follows Tyler and Emmie as they work together on a project for their art class. This fast-paced tale tackles middle school drama, including bullying and peer pressure, while highlighting the power of friendship and communication. Characters talk about their crushes and use mild insults such as "loser," "freak," "nerd," "idiot," "stupid," "weirdo," and "jerk."
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What's the Story?
In TRULY TYLER, Tyler teams up with Emmie to create a comic book for their art class project. Unfortunately, Tyler's friends and his basketball teammates have been teasing him for spending more time drawing with Emmie instead of practicing for the big game. Tyler wants to be artistic and athletic, but will everyone's comments and peer pressure affect his friendship with Emmie?
Is It Any Good?
Terri Libenson has once again created a fast-paced and entertaining graphic novel that tackles middle school drama. Libenson is known for using alternating chapters with different formats -- prose with sketches and comic-style panels -- to tell the story. But she also tells a story within the story by interspersing pages of Tyler and Emmie's project throughout the book. Libenson has also included a boy's perspective for the first time, which shows that boys also deal with bullying, peer pressure, and friendship issues in middle school. Many readers will likely relate to Tyler's struggle to balance two different interests and Emmie's concern about her looks and popularity. And while Truly Truly has a predictable ending, it has important lessons for tweens about friendship, communication, and staying true to yourself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the graphic novel format. How is it effective in telling the story of Truly Tyler?
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 characters demonstrate communication? Why is this an important character strength?
Book Details
- Author: Terri Libenson
- Illustrator: Terri Libenson
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Friendship, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray
- Publication date: May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 27, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
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Invisible Emmie: Emmie & Friends, Book 1
Texting drama helps an insecure and popular girl connect.
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Positively Izzy: Emmie & Friends, Book 2
Teen girls connect in emotional graphic novel.
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Just Jaime: Emmie & Friends, Book 3
Fast-paced, emotional tale of middle school friend drama.
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Becoming Brianna: Emmie & Friends, Book 4
Girl preps for her bat mitzvah in charming graphic novel.
For kids who love graphic novels and middle school stories
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