I loved this coming-of-age graphic novel! Marcus and Izzy are each desperately trying to live up to the expectations of their family and friends. Marcus lives in the shadow of his soccer star brother and with pressure of trying to be even better than him, when in reality he doesn't really even like soccer any more. Izzy wants to be a fashion designer, but her mother wants her in all advanced placement courses and making straight A's. They both have to figure out how to be themselves, when being anything else seems to be what others want from them instead.

Definitely be purchasing for the library.

#NetGalley #MGgraphicnovel

A very engaging and relatable look at middle school, with its bullying, social expectations, and perpetual awkwardness. The ending felt a little too good to be true, and I felt like the author didn't completely land the plane with her commentary on challenging gender norms: I didn't get the impression that Marcus didn't want Audrey to lead just because she was a girl, etc. But otherwise very solid. Reminiscent of High School Musical. 10 to 14.

Swing by Audrey Meeker and Sarah Davidson about Marcus and Izzy. Marcus wants to fit in so badly he is letting his childhood friend (that he does not really like) pressure him to play soccer to follow in his older brother’s footsteps. Izzy is a bold and unique person who wants to stand out but being true to who you are is hard when you are labeled and bullied. Marcus and Izzy are paired up for gym glass and have to learn how to swing dance. When they fail in front of the class the gym teacher gives them the opportunity to earn extra credit by performing a swing dance at the school talent show. This graphic novel covers themes of bullying and development in adolescence very well. I really enjoyed the detailed demonstration of swing dance that showed the steps so readers could learn how to do the dance with the characters.

Thank you to @Netgalley @Audrey Meeker and @SarahDavidson for the ARC.

I loved this graphic novel! It brings together an unlikely pair of friends who have to overcome preconceived notions about one another in order to succeed in their assignment to dance together.

A wonderful story of friendship, acceptance, and finding who you are in the midst of others' expectations. Meeker portrays the challenges of growing up with looming societal and family pressures with an understanding that reminds kids that they aren't alone in all they are going through. Marcus and Izzy face challenges in their individual lives while working on a talent show performance together and learn to welcome change as a vehicle of self-growth.

A refreshing story that shows a young boy breaking through the fog of what's expected of him as a soccer play and the brother of a very successful high school player. There are no sweeping lessons about gender and conformity, but the way that Marcus is starting to try to figure out what he's interested in and what he values in the face of a toxic friend is a beautiful personal journey and seeing how Izzy and Marcus find their own way will be so helpful for middle grade readers in turbulent emotional times.

I received an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley. This middle grade graphic novel follows two 8th graders. Marcus doesn’t want to follow in the footsteps of his big brothers soccer stardom. Izzy just wants to do theatre set designs and be herself. They are paired together in gym for a session in dance. Now Marcus and Izzy have to learn how to work as a team to present Swing dance for a final grade. This was another good addition to the trials of middle school bullying, sports, friendship, family expectations and fitting in. It’s an easy recommendation with a good ending.

THIS WAS SO ADORABLE!!! I loved this story and the message it teaches was really important. It was really refreshing to read a story where the boy learned to be okay with a more feminine gender role.

Also really hated Ted, that kid needs to be punished for his bullying.