Book cover of Blue Stars, Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem

Blue Stars, Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem

ISBN

9781536237368

Publisher & Publication Year

Candlewick, 2024

Publisher's Book Page

Author

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation) and Kekla Magoon

Author's Website 

Illustrator

Molly Murakami

Synopsis

Summary

When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs, while introvert Maya misses her parents and just wants some space to herself. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes. Riley is savvy with people; Maya is a whiz with gadgets. In no time, this dazzling duo is off to save the day!

Notable Achievements

Junior Library Guild Selection 2024

Reviews

Publishers Weekly: "Bustling slice-of-life plot beats by Magoon and Smith, paired with animated art by debut illustrator Murakami, culminates in a realistically rendered and impeccably paced graphic novel series opener that accessibly highlights the importance of youth involvement in local politics."

Kirkus Reviews: "This middle-grade graphic novel, the first in a series, has everything: nuanced and empowered protagonists, a funny, gripping story, age-appropriate treatment of social issues, and expressive comic illustrations begging to be lingered over. Readers will come away inspired to raise their own voices and take action to create positive, peaceful change in their communities."

Educator Guide

Link to Guide

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