Book Review of Lights, Camera, Middle School! (Babymouse Tales from the Locker, Book 1)

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer. 2017. LIGHTS, CAMERA, MIDDLE SCHOOL! Ill. by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. ISBN 9780399554391.

 

PLOT SUMMARY

Babymouse attends middle school. She joins the film club. The sponsor appoints Babymouse director of the movie that they will produce, and she is also given the assignment to write the script. After Babymouse writes the script, they start work on producing the movie. Eventually, the film is completed and screened in front of the entire middle school. The audience reaction was not at all what Babymouse expected.        

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is the first book in the Babymouse book series, Babymouse Tales from the Locker, by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm. The illustrations and text in this book work well together, one supporting the other. This graphic novel is not just a good way to introduce reading to struggling students; it is also a fun read for competent and proficient readers who just want something entertaining to read. The visual elements of the story are attractive to both beginning and advanced readers. The illustrations provide additional contextual meaning to the storyline. This is a great tool for working with ELL students.     

 

AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The Holms, the brother/sister team behind the graphic novel series "Squish" and "Babymouse," continue Babymouse's adventures, taking her into middle school. She doesn't want to fit in anymore—she wants to stand out! Babymouse finds the perfect opportunity in film club, where she is chosen to write and direct a movie inspired by her favorite epic dramas. Ultimately, Babymouse learns that working as a team is more important than being a star.”

KIRKUS review: “This first in a series seamlessly blends many beloved elements from the graphic novels, including large comic panels with recognizable black-and-white illustrations, with their lively prose, making for a natural evolution for its maturing audience. Budding filmmakers will be delighted to find a glossary of film terms to help them understand the narrative’s jargon. A smooth transition into a fresh format that should both resonate with existing fans and entice new ones.”

CONNECTIONS

* This is a great book for all kids going through the trials and tribulations of middle school. Also, this book would be a good supplement to a unit on film studies, or even when students/class is learning how to make a film or video.  

* Other books like this one:

Holm, Jennifer. MISS COMMUNICATION. ISBN 9780399554414.

Holm, Jennifer. SCHOOL-TRIPPED. ISBN  9780399554445.

Holm, Jennifer. CURTAIN CALL. ISBN 9780593119365.

Holm, Jennifer. WHISKER WIZARD. ISBN 9780593119396.


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