All My Friends

November 5, 2021

Gr 5-8-In this third book in Larson's "Eagle Rock" trilogy, middle schooler Bina's music dreams finally start to come true when her band Fancy Pink books their first live show. Though technical issues mar their performance, a chance encounter with headliner Anne Surly's merchandise seller leads to unexpected but exciting opportunities for Bina and bandmates Kesi and Lora-Fancy Pink's music is featured on a new teen detective television show, and later the group is offered a record contract. When the girls' parents decline the contract on their behalf, Bina and her friends vow to find a way to record an album themselves. This steadily paced narrative intertwines Bina's musical and romantic journeys. Fancy Pink's efforts, Bina's in particular, to get funding for their album highlights a commendable level of persistence. The girls' ambition, coupled with big teenage emotions, will resonate most strongly with middle school readers who also feel caught between their dreams and their parents' wishes. Bina's romance subplots feel age-appropriate and well incorporated into the book. The striking pink, white, and black color scheme brings a rock and roll vibe to the narrative, though the strong shades of pink may take some getting used to. The boldly lined art features expressive characters on simply drawn backgrounds. Bina is biracial (her mother is dark-skinned and dark-haired, while her father appears to be white), Kesi is Black, and Lora is white. VERDICT An enjoyable, emotional read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Larson's tale will strike a chord among teen readers who enjoy music-themed graphic novels.-Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2021
A teen musician is at a crossroads, both musically and romantically. In this third series installment, 14-year-old Bina's band, Fancy Pink, gets a break: After a disastrous show opening for hit band Anne Surly, they hit upon a stroke of luck when one of their songs is picked up by a streaming show. Now the band has an offer of a record deal on the table, but Bina's parents say no. Determined to make an album, Bina and her band mates decide to finance it themselves, but this involves lying to their parents. Bina's band issues aren't her only worry. A few fizzled dates with Anne Surly singer Cooper cause her to realize that maybe she finally reciprocates the feelings of her on-again, off-again BFF, Austin. Will Bina be able to get her record made and tell Austin how she feels? Larson's comic charms with its two-tone pink panels and sweetly wrought tale. Although she occasionally stumbles, Bina's journey of self-discovery is captivating, as she takes time to think and work things through and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Bina and Austin's friendship has had its ups and downs, and those who have followed this series will relish seeing resolution in the will-they, won't-they leading up to this volume. Bina is biracial, with a dark-skinned mom and White-presenting dad; the supporting cast is racially diverse (conveyed largely through illustrations), with queer members. Like a catchy song, this hits all the right notes. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

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