Reviewed by Marie Robinson for TeensReadToo.com

Ellie McDougal is the new kid in school. She had to leave her happy life behind when her family moved to a new town, and she is sure that her new home cannot possibly measure up. Little by little she begins to adjust, first by settling in at home with her new room, and then by spending time at the local library, where she finds books comforting and familiar.

She is especially nervous about fitting in at school. The other kids tease her, and no one can get her name right. But spunky Ellie does not stay down for long. Her classmates need an advocate to stand up to the principal, and it turns out that Ellie is just the kid for the job. In fact, she meets a number of challenges throughout this story and handles each one head-on, coming up with passionate yet reasoned solutions, and enacting positive change.

Author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw has created something special with this character and with this format. Part novel, part journal, part comic book, Barshaw's unique style of sketch-journaling is a treat. The illustrations tell the story as much as the words, creating a lively, interactive narrative. You won't just read about Ellie's first day at school; you'll go to school with her and see everything through her eyes.

What's best about Ellie is her sense of humor. Occasionally she will pause in her narrative to share a joke, or to let us in on dinner at the McDougal house and all of the warm-hearted shenanigans her family participates in together.

Ellie may struggle with the common problem of starting over, but what sets her apart from other heroines is how she handles her problems. When she isn't happy with her new bedroom situation, she doesn't just complain to her parents or mope about it in her journal; instead she proposes a solution that will make every member of her family happy. Best of all, her parents allow her to take responsibility for herself, in ways that are loving and supportive, but also non-intrusive, so that Ellie can learn from her own experiences.

The book includes bonus features, such as an interview with Barshaw that she conducted in her signature sketch-journal style. There are even instructions on how to make a sketch-journal of your own, and there are tips on how to sketch, and how to draw comics. ( )

Ellie McDoodle is the new kid in a new school who is having a hard time fitting in until her school cafeteria protest brings her admiration from her peers. In sketch journal form, Ellie tells the story of her hardship of missing old friends, working to make new friends and fitting into her new school (the torture chamber, as she calls it). She does, however, befriend the community librarian who introduces her to Glenda, another soon -to-be sixth grader at the same school. If they could just get her name right, maybe things wouldn’t be so hard for her. Black and white sketches and “hand-written” text balance the story as well as add to the humor. Within the text are directions on how to play games like “ghost in the graveyard” and how to write “words” upside on the calculator. Once Ellie gets her protest going with the slogan ‘no Q’ for no long lunch lines, her acceptance kicks into high gear. The book ends with an interesting interview with the author, instructions on how to keep a sketch book and how to sketch pictures. A good fit for middle school. A "wimpy kid" for girls. ( )

Ellie is moving into a new house and leaving all her friends behind. She has to be the new girl at school and he has to share a room with Risa her older sister. What if she doesn’t make any friends? She starts hanging out at the library and meets Miss Claire who makes her feel at home. Ellie starts school and after some struggles she makes new friends and takes on the long lunch lines in a non-violent political activist way. No queues! Continues in the same tradition as the first book, also has instructions on how to fold a cootie catcher (pg. 109).