When I first saw the cover, I thought it was an astronaut and wanted to know why this for a title. But then I read the book. This was a wonderful book. Not only did I learn about the sport of fencing (which I knew nothing about), but how hard it can be for kids growing up when parents are not together. The main character not only had a difficult time at home, but also with a friendship, she had lots to deal with. The ending was happy, gaining an activity that is different and fun and new friends. Plus things to improve at home.
I also liked how the author explained fencing. What you need to wear and use and how to score. The author also gave background of herself.
I really enjoyed this book all around. I read it in one sitting, it was difficult to put down.
Living in a rural area, I wish our students had an opportunity to try fencing.

"On Guard!" is a graphic novel that is about 2/3rds emotional turmoil as Grace tries to navigate her parent's acrimonious divorce, and 1/3rd sports book as she develops an interest in fencing. I would say the way Grace's mom can be emotionally abusive is a little darker than the cover implies. Kids who are looking for a feel good book about a girl trying to find herself in a new situation may be disappointed as it is really a B-plot to the way Grace and her mother cannot find common ground, and how Grace's self-esteem is greatly harmed by her mother's controlling behavior and comments. As it stands, I would recommend this book, but more for readers who finished "Hey Kiddo" or "Weirdo" than the sports-loving graphic novel readers who enjoyed the other fencing themed graphic novel "Duel!" by Jessixa Bagley or "The Tryout" by Christina Soontornvat.

As a middle school librarian, I'm always looking for great middle grade graphic novels, and On Guard checked all the boxes!
Believable characters
Real world situations
Age appropriate actions
Friendship
Humor
Empathy
Readers will love Marshall Middle School and its characters.
Cassidy Wasserman wins this match!

I really liked this graphic novel!
I loved all the positive lessons and takeaways about divorce, friends, and self-control! I think this would be a great read for kids who suffered through a divorce. It felt like a hug to my younger self :)

As far as story goes, little sprinkles of fencing facts and lessons mixed with the main storyline made this a lovely read! It was smooth reading and easy to understand. And the art style? This is the first I've seen of Cassidy Wasserman's artwork and it was truly a delight! I love how she breathed life into the flat color style! The character designs are simple, yet charming. And they make a great contrast to the detailed, watercolored background. Oh, and did I mention the entire graphic novel is in full color~
All-in-all, I enjoyed reading this book and I've already recommended it to a few friends!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me early access! <3

On Guard is a beautifully complicated graphic novel. It focuses on the main characters difficult relationship with her mom. It also focuses on how hard it is to find your tribe in middle school. They art work is fantastic. It is a great novel to add to any classroom library.

This was a very great book! Awesome story for anyone who has gone through their parents divorcing or fallen out of a friendship! Would definitely reccommend!

I honestly thought this was going to be lame. I didn't think I'd know what what was going on, and I just originally felt like I wasn't going to care about it either way. BUT OMG it was so cute. I really felt like it was a cutesy moment, and lots of people could feel like it was something they understood and felt like they went thru at one point or another. everyone in middle school has had a weird friend situation, and had to go into a new group and all that weirdness.... the only part i wasn't in love with---was the dynamic with her mom and her.... i wish they would have gotten into that a little more and better---but this is for kids, and the realistic feeling is that it's probs more like how it was handled. either way...... it was a good book :)

Really great graphic novel about the relationships between mothers and daughters and about how you go about making new friends after your best friend dropped you at the end of last school year. The illustrations are really good and the story is really great. I love the relationship between grace and her dad and how it showed a realistic depiction of divorce and not having the mother being the stereotype of primary caretaker. Also all the fencing facts were great to read about since I didn’t know anything really about the sport and I loved that grace realized that maybe her and her best friend ava just grew apart and that is okay. All in all a really great read.
Thanks to Random House Graphic and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Graphic for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Grace has a lot going on for a 7th grader. Her best friend ditched her for "cooler" friends (so much for eating in the cafeteria or joining band together), her parents just got a divorce (moving houses all the time is NOT fun), and her mom never pays her any real attention to the point Grace doesn't even want to talk to her anymore. Her loneliness leads her to finding her school's fencing team, something that seems cool and fun and maybe will be a great way to make new friends?

Cassidy Wasserman does a great job of showcasing real middle school feelings. Readers experiencing similar situations will immediately relate. I also appreciated the divorce dynamic differing from the more often portrayed stereotype of the mother being the primary caretaker. Grace's relationship with her father is especially sweet.

This story of fencing and family is one that I’ll have you in your feels. It’s a story out there for girls that don’t have the Gilmore Girls type of relationship with their mom. Its also about learning that not all friendships last forever but the best you can do is be you and try new things. This book was real and heartfelt and there will be girls out there that need this book, and it will be there lifeline while they are trying to figure out middle school.

I really loved the art style of this book. The art is what drew me in to begin with, but the story did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story from the very first page.

I really enjoyed all the themes explored in On Guard. Transitioning to middle school is already challenging but Grace is also dealing with new family and friendship dynamics. Wasserman handles Grace’s parents’ divorce and custody agreement in a way that is accessible to the audience but also, realistic and affirming of Grace’s feelings. What isn’t often shown in middle grade graphic novels is a complicated relationship with a parent. I think Wasserman balances that quite well without villainizing any of the parties involved. I appreciated that this storyline ends with a hopeful tone of what could be rather than neatly tied up because their relationship is complicated and definitely won’t resolve itself overnight.

Grace, who is starting 7th grade, is reeling from the combined effects of her parents' divorce and being dropped by her long time best friend, Ava. Her mother is very combative, and makes negative comments about her hair, clothing, etc., while her father is very supportive. While trying to avoid the cafeteria, she happens upon a fencing group, and finds comfort in the sport. I enjoyed the difficult relationship with the mother, but found the author's comments that so many middle grade portrayals of the mother-daughter bond are warm and fuzzy confusing. I think something like The Gilmore Girls is the exception rather than the rule. It will be interesting to see where they series goes, but I wish there were books featuring middle school VOLLEYBALL (which tons of students play) instead of two graphic novels about fencing. (See also Bagley's Duel.)

I really enjoyed this fencing graphic novel. Young readers will certainly relate to its theme of searching for a place to belong. The family dynamic was handled very well and with care. Definitely recommend.

Love, love, look very! Hands down one of the best middle grade graphic novels I have read in awhile. This is such a fun story with so many wonderful messages. The story shows friendships changing/ending as kids age, trying new activities and meet new people and have new experiences, making new friends, divorce, difficult relationships with parents, and prioritizing mental health. So much good stuff! As an anxious person who was a child of divorce and has a complicated relationship with a manipulative mother, I related so much with Gracie. Seeing her find an outlet in fencing and know that she has a support system and can only control her own actions was not only lovely, but felt a bit healing. I cannot wait to have my kid read this one, it’s going to be so helpful so kids while also being entertaining.

On Guard! by Cassidy Wasserman is a phenomenal middle grade graphic novel that tackles some very difficult situations in a beautiful and meaningful way. Grace is a 7th grader who is going through a tremendous amount all at once: her best friend has moved on to another friend group, she needs to figure out how to meet new people and make new friends, and she's navigating the messy divorce of her parents. Some scenes are hard to read, as they're realistic and sad, especially seeing how Grace's mom treats her, but as readers continue they will gain a sense of hope as they see Grace supported by her amazing dad and her new friends. In the end, Grace sees just how much support she has. A truly great read!

Loved the art style! Definitely will be a good match for readers who are interested in Raina Telgemeier since it's a similar style. While the story could get quite serious at times, it depicts the chaos of middle school very well from parental relationships to friendships and shows the complicatedness that it encompasses.

Love love love! Wonderful characters and character development, a super relatable story for tweens and young teens, and FENCING! (the best sport!) The art is super dynamic and Grace is just the most wonderful main character. The cast of characters is diverse throughout as well. I think this is a great graphic novel, especially for those Raina Telgemeier fans out there.

On Guard follows Grace as she finds her way after a messy friendship break-up. Prior to the events of the novel, Grace's best friend decides to end their friendship, throwing Grace's world into a tailspin, especially because they're in all the same classes. This is not helped by the recent divorce of her parents and her strained relationship with her mom. (Bad moms were all over traditional middle grade novels in 2024--maybe 2025 is graphic novels' year of bad moms.) Grace decides to join her school's fencing team and makes new connections.

On Guard seems to be the first in an upcoming series (The Marshall Middle School series). The title indicates that later books will follow other students at Grace's school.

On Guard does a good job of handling tough topics (the mom's behavior) and giving enough of a fencing explanation for students unfamiliar with the sport to follow along. It is one I will be purchasing for my library.

A wonderful middle school story of family and friend relationships and the complications that arise with both. Finding yourself and learning what you can and can’t control is a big theme of this graphic novel.