“All’s Faire in Middle School” is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson. It was published in 2017 and is targeted towards middle-grade readers, typically ages 9 to 12. The book follows the story of a young girl named Imogene (Impy) Vega, who navigates the challenges of attending middle school while also being part of a Renaissance Faire family.
Plot summary:
Impy Vega has grown up in an unusual environment, surrounded by the colorful and lively world of the Renaissance Faire. Her family members all work at the Faire, and she has been homeschooled until now. However, as she approaches middle school age, she decides it’s time to try something different and convinces her parents to let her attend public school.
Starting middle school is a significant change for Impy, and she faces a new set of challenges. As she tries to fit in with her peers, she grapples with issues like friendship, social dynamics, identity, and self-confidence. The world of middle school is very different from the Faire, and she has to adapt to a more conventional lifestyle.
Impy’s experiences are not always smooth sailing. She makes mistakes and has to learn from them, particularly as she tries to balance her life between the Faire and school. The book delves into themes of authenticity, friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world.
Illustrations:
As a graphic novel, “All’s Faire in Middle School” is enriched by Victoria Jamieson’s captivating illustrations. The artwork complements the story and helps bring the characters and their emotions to life, making it an engaging read for both kids and adults.
Overall, “All’s Faire in Middle School” is a heartwarming and relatable tale about growing up, facing challenges, and discovering who you are. It touches on the struggles many young readers may encounter when transitioning to middle school and explores the significance of staying true to oneself amid new environments and peer pressures. The book has been well-received for its compelling story, charming illustrations, and its ability to resonate with young readers navigating the complexities of adolescence.
Our All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamison Book Review
If you have a middle school aged child, who like graphic novels and Renaissance fairs, All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamison is a book to be excited about this summer.
We received the book in exchange for a review.
The story follows Imogene, who has grown up in the Renaissance Fair community. She’s been home-schooled her entire life and decides to start 6th grade at the local middle school.
My children, who are in middle school, felt the book did a great job covering life starting middle school, making friends and the struggles they feel both at school and at home.
I like that the book discusses how nobody is all good or all bad. That we need to think before we act because forgiveness isn’t easy to get or give.
Middle School is a tough age. Some kiddos feel embarrassed by their family, and this book recognizes this.
All’s Faire in Middle School Synopsis:
Eleven-year-old Imogene (Impy) has grown up with two parents working at the Renaissance Faire, and she’s eager to begin her own training as a squire.
First, though, she’ll need to prove her bravery.
Luckily Impy has just the quest in mind–she’ll go to public school after a life of being homeschooled! But it’s not easy to act like a noble knight-in-training in middle school.
Impy falls in with a group of girls who seem really nice (until they don’t) and starts to be embarrassed by her thrift shop apparel, her family’s unusual lifestyle, and their small, messy apartment.
Impy has always thought of herself as a heroic knight, but when she does something really mean in order to fit in, she begins to wonder whether she might be more of a dragon after all.