Wires Crossed

Written by Beth Fantaskey, Illustrated by ONeill Jones

Twelve-year-old Mia bemoans that in a single summer she got glasses, braces, and a haircut that she is convinced makes her look like Einstein (and it kind of does). Her former bestie has been taken in by the school’s mean girl clique and Mia starts the school year feeling adrift. Fortunately, her science camp buddy moves to town and things start looking up. The two team up to recruit classmates to compete in a robotics competition.

This story includes really authentic ups and downs of middle school friendships and I like that it avoided the need to find a romantic happily ever after for the characters who were navigating a crush drama. I especially loved the mad scientist grandma.

The title of the book comes from the simple fact that we don’t always know what others are thinking or going through. We make assumptions about behaviors and often second guess ourselves. Wires get crossed when we don’t talk things through with the people around us, as Mia and Tariq learn in the story. This book is a slice of life realistic graphic novel for fans of books by Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller.

Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in June 2024
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-7

Wires Crossed
Written by Beth Fantaskey, Illustrated by ONeill Jones
Clarion Books/Harper Alley, imprints of HarperCollinsPublishers
239 pages
Release Date: April 30, 2024
ISBN: 9780358396215
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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