The Do-Over
by Rodrigo Vargas; illus. by Coni Yovaniniz
Intermediate, Middle School    Clarion/HarperCollins    224 pp.
5/23    9780358394044    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780358394051    $15.99
e-book ed.  9780358394334    $10.99

In this upbeat graphic novel, Maru is trying to adjust to her family’s recent move from California to Ohio. Her papá, a barbershop owner, and the rest of her Peruvian American family are caring and supportive, but she struggles to communicate openly with others (thought bubbles often reveal her true thoughts and feelings), and she’s mourning her mother’s death. After meeting outgoing middle school classmates Everly and Zoe, Maru seizes the opportunity to make new friends. Spurred by Zoe’s invention of a natural hair dye and bolstered by Everly’s creative hairstyling skills, the entrepreneurial trio transforms an old RV (with the help of Maru’s abuela and tío) into a salon. Just as each of their strengths contributes to their success, their respective faults lead to conflict, threatening their friendship and business, but an empathic resolution deepens the characterization of these relatable tweens. Bilingual Maru communicates in Spanish and English with friends and family throughout. Bold, rounded outlines are enlivened by recurring tints of pink, purple, and teal, to represent the individuality of each girl. Sure to win over fans of the PAWS (Gabby Gets It Together, rev. 3/22) and Peapod Farm (Stepping Stones, rev. 5/20) graphic-novel series.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.