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Wires Crossed: A Graphic Novel
A smart and funny slice-of-life graphic novel for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller about navigating the ups and downs of middle school—from first crushes to crushing the school's science competition. Is this what middle school is all about? Being stuck in the middle? Twelve-year-old Mia feels like everything and everyone is changing—and she is caught in the middle. Stuck between old friends and new friends...between feeling like a kid and growing up... Just as her longtime bff Addy is gravitating towards the popular crowd and starting to care more about school dances than treehouse playdates, Mia finds out that her favorite science camp friend, Tariq, is moving to town and will be going to school with her. She's super excited and can't wait to show him around and help him make friends. But when Tariq arrives in town, he seems like he's grown up a lot, too. No more braces or glasses. A new hair cut. And who knew he was also a soccer star, immediately making the team mid-season?? He's welcomed to Buttonwood Bay Middle School with open arms in a way that Mia can't even recognize, and now she's feeling more lost than ever. Then her science teacher announces the school's science olympics and she and Tariq are teaming up again to crush the competition—just like at camp. Only this time they're joined by a couple of unconventional teammates in Kinsey (more artist than scientist) and the loveable, if also sometimes kind of gross and goofy, Evan. Do Mia and Tariq still have enough of a spark to build a killer robot (figuratively speaking, of course) and take home the prize? Through much experimentation and a little trail and error, Mia navigates new friendships and old as she tries to find her place in middle school—and on the winner's podium.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2024
74 people are currently reading
3019 people want to read
About the author
Beth Fantaskey
19 books2,278 followers Hi! I'm Beth Fantaskey, author of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, Jessica Rules the Dark Side, Jekel Loves Hyde, Buzz Kill and my new middle grade novel, Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter. I live in rural Pennsylvania - the setting for most of my books - with my husband, three children, a slightly dysfunctional cat, a completely dysfunctional dog, an immortal goldfish and a hermit crab named Shelldon.
Beth's Facebook page:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 24, 2024
Ugh...I'm having trouble attempting to figure out how to best describe my feelings about this graphic novel. It took me an extensive time to read it and that's typically not the case when it comes to graphic novels. While Wires Crossed perfectly captures the awkward and weird moments that come with middle school, the pacing of the story felt off and the secondary characters felt as though they weren't fully developed. The artwork was great and I found myself fascinated with the care and detail Erin took with each panel, I just wanted more from the story.
May 1, 2024
A solid coming of age middle grade graphic novel about friendship, growing up, and building robots. 13-year-old Mia is ecstatic that her best friend from science camp, Tariq, is going to be moving into her middle school. Especially because her best friend and home seems to be getting too cool for Mia. But while Mia has been getting glasses, braces, a terrible haircut, and a reputation as a science geek -- Tariq has been glowing up. He arrives at school instantly cool and super hot. Despite his busy schedule with the soccer team, he agrees to complete with Mia in their school's Science Olympics. This relationship focused graphic novel will draw readers in and hold their interest. This is an ideal choice for fans of most middle grade graphic novels.
August 30, 2025
This slice-of-life middle grade graphic novel shows a girl just starting grade 7 go through friend changes, a possible crush, an embarrassing family, an upcoming school dance, and a group project making a robot. The art style was great and I enjoyed all the drama and uncertainty that comes with this age. Feeling like your friends are outgrowing you and having someone you've known forever change suddenly are universal themes and are handled well. Mia's family was pretty one-dimensional since the whole point of them seemed to be to embarrass her and be cringy, but I liked the STEM plot and the grandma starting it off for the women in her family. A great book for all kids going through changes and who need to remember there's always a place for them in the world.
May 5, 2024
The art kept flip flopping at some points and I found it hard to root for anyone in the book.
May 5, 2024
A really cute coming of age graphic novel with plenty of representation including girls in STEM.
July 16, 2024
Typical nerdy, average looking main character with poor communication skills. The graphic novel was bland and barely had any character development. Won’t be missing out if you decide to skip.
July 2, 2024
3.5 Stars.
It was “shallow” and kind of… meh? I don’t know, I found some parts interesting and others not. I get the whole STEM girls inclusiveness thing, but I think it was a little messy when it came to the whole dance thing. It should have been more about the science fair not entirely about the dance thing.
The robot was cool though.
It was “shallow” and kind of… meh? I don’t know, I found some parts interesting and others not. I get the whole STEM girls inclusiveness thing, but I think it was a little messy when it came to the whole dance thing. It should have been more about the science fair not entirely about the dance thing.
The robot was cool though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2024
Yay!! FINALLY a clean, relatable, funny graphic novel that doesn't have any crap in it! No Lgbtq stuff, no morally wrong themes, no swearing. I loved being able to read without having to worry or filter anything. I really liked the art style and that the book didn't go on forever. Great book Beth!
July 14, 2024
A MG coming of age graphic novel perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller.
🤖
Mia feels like her life isn’t the one she used to live where she would spend time at robotics camp and hanging out with her friend, Addy. Now all Addy wants to do is hang out with popular kids and talk about the school dance. When Mia’s camp friend, Tariq, moves to her town she thinks she’s found someone else who loves robotics and STEM as much as she does, but Tariq has had a glow up and Mia is worried about all the time he’s spending with his soccer friends. When Mia, Tariq, odd duck, Kinsey, and class clown, Evan, team up to be on a robotics team together, things get even more sticky and complicated.
🤖
This was such a great book by Beth Fantaskey and @oneilljones that hits on multiple topics such as women in STEM, bullying and clique drama, growing up and changing as a middle school student, thinking your family is super weird, friend and crush issues and more. I highly recommend this title for any upper elementary and middle school classroom or library.
CW: bullying
3.75 ⭐️
🤖
Mia feels like her life isn’t the one she used to live where she would spend time at robotics camp and hanging out with her friend, Addy. Now all Addy wants to do is hang out with popular kids and talk about the school dance. When Mia’s camp friend, Tariq, moves to her town she thinks she’s found someone else who loves robotics and STEM as much as she does, but Tariq has had a glow up and Mia is worried about all the time he’s spending with his soccer friends. When Mia, Tariq, odd duck, Kinsey, and class clown, Evan, team up to be on a robotics team together, things get even more sticky and complicated.
🤖
This was such a great book by Beth Fantaskey and @oneilljones that hits on multiple topics such as women in STEM, bullying and clique drama, growing up and changing as a middle school student, thinking your family is super weird, friend and crush issues and more. I highly recommend this title for any upper elementary and middle school classroom or library.
CW: bullying
3.75 ⭐️
November 16, 2024
Cute graphic novel about Mia who is dealing with a lot of big feelings.
April 5, 2024
“But we’re 13. It’s time to grow up…right?”
It’s only the second week of school, and already everything seems to be changing for 13-year-old Mia Milligan. Her best friend, Addy, is hanging out with popular girl Courtney and pressuring Mia about things like status and boys. Fortunately, Mia learns that her best friend from science camp, Tariq, is moving into town. She envisions everything being just like camp, but Tariq has…changed. Mia suddenly finds herself developing a crush on him and feeling hurt that he doesn’t want to spend more time with her. However, the duo team up with artist Kinsey and goofball Evan to build a robot for the Science Olympics. Nonetheless, not everything goes to plan between a broken camera and tangled emotions as Mia and Kinsey’s friendship grows at the expense of Mia’s relationship with Addy, and the new friends tip-toe around their feelings about Tariq.
Middle school is a challenging and confusing time when things start to change whether you are ready or not (and sometimes just because you think they should change). Beth Fantaskey does an incredible job of capturing how it feels to be stuck in this transition phase in her debut graphic novel, Wires Crossed. Although Mia’s story is not inherently unique—she is growing apart from childhood friends while making new friends, suddenly attracted to an old friend, and embarrassed by the quirks of her family—her journey provides needed relatability to readers. Wires Crossed not only explores how and when we “grow up” but also whether we have to. This is a question that left me contemplating throughout the novel and even after. While I am past the turmoil of middle school, this idea of moving to the next stage or becoming a “real” adult is currently weighing on my mind. Growing up doesn’t look the same or mean the same thing to anyone, and the pressure to do so can be damaging. We need more stories like Wires Crossed to remind us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma and that life can only be navigated one step at a time.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
It’s only the second week of school, and already everything seems to be changing for 13-year-old Mia Milligan. Her best friend, Addy, is hanging out with popular girl Courtney and pressuring Mia about things like status and boys. Fortunately, Mia learns that her best friend from science camp, Tariq, is moving into town. She envisions everything being just like camp, but Tariq has…changed. Mia suddenly finds herself developing a crush on him and feeling hurt that he doesn’t want to spend more time with her. However, the duo team up with artist Kinsey and goofball Evan to build a robot for the Science Olympics. Nonetheless, not everything goes to plan between a broken camera and tangled emotions as Mia and Kinsey’s friendship grows at the expense of Mia’s relationship with Addy, and the new friends tip-toe around their feelings about Tariq.
Middle school is a challenging and confusing time when things start to change whether you are ready or not (and sometimes just because you think they should change). Beth Fantaskey does an incredible job of capturing how it feels to be stuck in this transition phase in her debut graphic novel, Wires Crossed. Although Mia’s story is not inherently unique—she is growing apart from childhood friends while making new friends, suddenly attracted to an old friend, and embarrassed by the quirks of her family—her journey provides needed relatability to readers. Wires Crossed not only explores how and when we “grow up” but also whether we have to. This is a question that left me contemplating throughout the novel and even after. While I am past the turmoil of middle school, this idea of moving to the next stage or becoming a “real” adult is currently weighing on my mind. Growing up doesn’t look the same or mean the same thing to anyone, and the pressure to do so can be damaging. We need more stories like Wires Crossed to remind us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma and that life can only be navigated one step at a time.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
May 3, 2024
Pretty predictable plot points, but appreciated the STEM focus (especially the grandmother!).
July 3, 2024
Yet another reminder that you couldn’t pay me to go back to middle school…
August 26, 2025
Nerdy middle schooler Mia Mulligan is struggling with her changing friendship with Addy, who’s becoming more popular. So when her old science camp friend, Tariq, moves into town, Mia is excited—at first. But when he arrives, he’s cooler, more confident, and way hotter than she remembers. As they team up for the school’s Science Olympics, Mia feels more left out than ever, despite bonding with new friends: artistic Kinsey and goofy Evan. When a secret about Kinsey is revealed, Mia must ultimately find the courage to rebuild her confidence and communicate openly with her friends.
The book’s expressive, full-color illustrations and varied panel layouts are visually engaging, drawing readers in. Mia’s internal struggles—whether it’s navigating her feelings for someone, feeling left behind, or dealing with the pressure to embrace ""cooler"" interests—will resonate with the target age group. However, the resolution of Mia’s conflict with Addy feels underdeveloped. While this may reflect the reality of some friendships, it ultimately feels unsatisfying, particularly after the narrative encourages Mia to communicate openly with others like Tariq and Kinsey.
[Note: Mia reads as biracial; her father has brown skin and black hair, while her mother has white skin and blonde hair. The supporting cast of characters is racially diverse, including Tariq—whose name suggests Arabic heritage—and Kinsey, who reads as Black.]
Recommended as an optional purchase for 4th-7th graders.
S.P.
Children's Services Librarian
The book’s expressive, full-color illustrations and varied panel layouts are visually engaging, drawing readers in. Mia’s internal struggles—whether it’s navigating her feelings for someone, feeling left behind, or dealing with the pressure to embrace ""cooler"" interests—will resonate with the target age group. However, the resolution of Mia’s conflict with Addy feels underdeveloped. While this may reflect the reality of some friendships, it ultimately feels unsatisfying, particularly after the narrative encourages Mia to communicate openly with others like Tariq and Kinsey.
[Note: Mia reads as biracial; her father has brown skin and black hair, while her mother has white skin and blonde hair. The supporting cast of characters is racially diverse, including Tariq—whose name suggests Arabic heritage—and Kinsey, who reads as Black.]
Recommended as an optional purchase for 4th-7th graders.
S.P.
Children's Services Librarian
January 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
I am always looking for good books for my fans of Raina Telgemeir and the Baby Sitter's Club books. This definitely fits the bill.
Mia is 12 years old and dealing with the normal girl issues of friends acting differently, cliques, first crushes, and middle school in general. She is concerned with how other people view her and with being true to who she is. At the start of her latest school year, her long time BFF is looking to be in with the "popular" crowd (think Mean Girls) and Mia isn't ready to give up her ultra cool tree house. In the midst of all of this, she has just found out that her best friend from science camp is moving to her school and is excited to show him around. But when he arrives, he is instantly loved as a part of the soccer team and Mia feels left out. A science competition brings them back together along with some other interesting characters that help round everything out.
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.
I am always looking for good books for my fans of Raina Telgemeir and the Baby Sitter's Club books. This definitely fits the bill.
Mia is 12 years old and dealing with the normal girl issues of friends acting differently, cliques, first crushes, and middle school in general. She is concerned with how other people view her and with being true to who she is. At the start of her latest school year, her long time BFF is looking to be in with the "popular" crowd (think Mean Girls) and Mia isn't ready to give up her ultra cool tree house. In the midst of all of this, she has just found out that her best friend from science camp is moving to her school and is excited to show him around. But when he arrives, he is instantly loved as a part of the soccer team and Mia feels left out. A science competition brings them back together along with some other interesting characters that help round everything out.
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.
November 18, 2024
2.5 stars
The book was…okay…the timeline was very disjointed like …’some weeks passed’ okay?
Characters felt one dimensional the only character I really actually liked was Kinsey…and Mia wasn’t even that nice to her…also Addy was just??? Hanging out with a bully?
At least Mia didn’t feel like she HAD to change herself to be liked even tho she complained about her hair and wearing glasses and braces…but at least she didn’t have some silly makeover to become popular like Addy wanted her too…
I think it’s also important that kids realise they CAN STILL BE KIDS AT 13! You don’t HAVE to stop liking things cos they’re seeing as ‘cringe’ or ‘childish’ you can like unicorns and dragons at any age…
Evan’s locker problem? Random?
I really like the art style tho and Kinsey is adorbs and I love all her different hairstyles! It was nice to see a brown boy as one of the MCs and someone people had a crush on!
I think kids who like science and robotics and coding might enjoy this but it was too rushed and the friendship drama got resolved in one page…of course it is miscommunication!
Also…celebrating Thanksgiving aka Genocide Day 😒😒😒? No thanks! Like you really DON’T have to include that holiday in your story…it can be ANY other holiday and it would be fine!
The book was…okay…the timeline was very disjointed like …’some weeks passed’ okay?
Characters felt one dimensional the only character I really actually liked was Kinsey…and Mia wasn’t even that nice to her…also Addy was just??? Hanging out with a bully?
At least Mia didn’t feel like she HAD to change herself to be liked even tho she complained about her hair and wearing glasses and braces…but at least she didn’t have some silly makeover to become popular like Addy wanted her too…
I think it’s also important that kids realise they CAN STILL BE KIDS AT 13! You don’t HAVE to stop liking things cos they’re seeing as ‘cringe’ or ‘childish’ you can like unicorns and dragons at any age…
Evan’s locker problem? Random?
I really like the art style tho and Kinsey is adorbs and I love all her different hairstyles! It was nice to see a brown boy as one of the MCs and someone people had a crush on!
I think kids who like science and robotics and coding might enjoy this but it was too rushed and the friendship drama got resolved in one page…of course it is miscommunication!
Also…celebrating Thanksgiving aka Genocide Day 😒😒😒? No thanks! Like you really DON’T have to include that holiday in your story…it can be ANY other holiday and it would be fine!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
Over the course of the last few weeks of summer, Mia’s got braces, glasses and a bad/coupon haircut. Now her best-STEM-camp friend Tariq moves to town and seems to have matured beyond her (contact lenses). Will he think her kinda oddball family is weird? Her old friend Addy is hanging out with an old bully; does her new friend Kinsey *like* Tariq? Does Mia? Meanwhile they’re all working on a robot for a science competition, and trying to accommodate different skills and ideas/visions. (Evan wants fire.)
AND there’s a school dance: Go? Ask Tariq?
Scientist grandma, living in garage, reassures her that she doesn’t have to grow up. (at all?)
Communication clears everything up—always good advice. (Tariq didn’t want to be needy, he asked Kinsey since she seemed to be friendless. Kinsey didn’t tell Mia because she thought Mia liked Tariq. But she bought her a ticket.) Mia lost her confidence.
NB: pp 77+ Tariq lets Evan on the team, asks Kinsey, too. First day of school: He doesn’t know she’s a loaner, and is maybe less hesitant than Mia would have been (she looks hesitant.) So Mia kind of accidentally gets to know Kinsey. But she’s open to it.
Both T and M’s moms work in computers, science teacher a woman. Tariq presents Indian, Kinsey’s Black.
Lots of wordless sequences.
AND there’s a school dance: Go? Ask Tariq?
Scientist grandma, living in garage, reassures her that she doesn’t have to grow up. (at all?)
Communication clears everything up—always good advice. (Tariq didn’t want to be needy, he asked Kinsey since she seemed to be friendless. Kinsey didn’t tell Mia because she thought Mia liked Tariq. But she bought her a ticket.) Mia lost her confidence.
NB: pp 77+ Tariq lets Evan on the team, asks Kinsey, too. First day of school: He doesn’t know she’s a loaner, and is maybe less hesitant than Mia would have been (she looks hesitant.) So Mia kind of accidentally gets to know Kinsey. But she’s open to it.
Both T and M’s moms work in computers, science teacher a woman. Tariq presents Indian, Kinsey’s Black.
Lots of wordless sequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of the awkward phase where every middle schooler seemingly appears interested in romance and/or relationships. At the same time, some are just focused on being a kid/feels left out of that.
Tariq, whose arrival is the story's catalyst, was a sweetie and a popular, feel-good guy. I thought the story was going in one direction, but it subverted it.
I adored the art style! Everyone looked cute and stylish. The little brother character was realistic and charming because I have seen those kids who hyper-fixate on something; in his case, ants!
Overall, I liked it and would read more if this became a series. There was a good balance with characters not being black or white. Addy didn’t go the typical route nor did the story.
Tariq, whose arrival is the story's catalyst, was a sweetie and a popular, feel-good guy. I thought the story was going in one direction, but it subverted it.
I adored the art style! Everyone looked cute and stylish. The little brother character was realistic and charming because I have seen those kids who hyper-fixate on something; in his case, ants!
Overall, I liked it and would read more if this became a series. There was a good balance with characters not being black or white. Addy didn’t go the typical route nor did the story.
August 21, 2024
Mia spends each summer at a STEM camp with Tariq and they have the best nerdy time together... except now Tariq will be going to her school because Tariq's family is moving to Mia's area and Tariq's mom will be her mom's boss. Mia is nervous because she's kind of embarrassed by her family (including her ant-loving younger brother) and her mom's obsession with clipping coupons and her grandmother's unorthodox love of science for which she does a lot of experiments in the garage.
When Tariq steps off the plane, he looks... hot. Totally different than the Tariq from summer camp and as the new school year begins, friendships are stressed while new friendships are created and everything with Tariq is a little off. But they do have the robot build in science class.
It focuses on all the right notes for middle school- budding relationships, friendships, being different while wanting to fit in, and all of the rest of it. Brings an older reader right back while reflecting the experiences for a middle schooler for them.
When Tariq steps off the plane, he looks... hot. Totally different than the Tariq from summer camp and as the new school year begins, friendships are stressed while new friendships are created and everything with Tariq is a little off. But they do have the robot build in science class.
It focuses on all the right notes for middle school- budding relationships, friendships, being different while wanting to fit in, and all of the rest of it. Brings an older reader right back while reflecting the experiences for a middle schooler for them.
January 19, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Mia has gotten her interest in science and engineering from her grandmother, who lives with the family, and loved being at a tech camp with Tariq. When his family moves to town and he has gotten more social and attractive, Mia worries that with her braces, glasses, and difficult hair, he won't want to hang out with her. When he spends time with the soccer team, and Mia's friend Addy who is hanging with a more popular crowd seems interested in him, Mia is not happy. She does make a new friend in Kinsey, who loves to draw. When the science class starts on a project, Tariq, Mia, Kinsey, and Evan all work on a robotic snake. There are some miscommunications as the children use their creativity and imagination on the project, but in the end, Mia is able to reconnect with Tariq and clear up misunderstandings. The science and the tween drama in this, along with Fantaskey's writing, make this one I will buy.
Mia has gotten her interest in science and engineering from her grandmother, who lives with the family, and loved being at a tech camp with Tariq. When his family moves to town and he has gotten more social and attractive, Mia worries that with her braces, glasses, and difficult hair, he won't want to hang out with her. When he spends time with the soccer team, and Mia's friend Addy who is hanging with a more popular crowd seems interested in him, Mia is not happy. She does make a new friend in Kinsey, who loves to draw. When the science class starts on a project, Tariq, Mia, Kinsey, and Evan all work on a robotic snake. There are some miscommunications as the children use their creativity and imagination on the project, but in the end, Mia is able to reconnect with Tariq and clear up misunderstandings. The science and the tween drama in this, along with Fantaskey's writing, make this one I will buy.
May 4, 2025
What if your summer camp friend was there all year round, but wasn’t the same? While Mia still remains a science geek, he is the new stud in school. Such funny and colorful illustrations!
Can Mia and Tariq work together to build a robot for a competition?
As Mia spends more time with Tariq, she wonders how much he really changed. He did take apart his toy car collection for the robot. After all, it’s not like he plays with them anymore. Was 13 the age to NOT be a kid anymore? Was it the age to grow up instead?
It would seem the upcoming school dance was making a bigger mess of everything for Mia. Now, she needed to bring a date?
Can true friendship and a cool robot overcome the confusing obstacles?
I liked this graphic novel. I especially liked the cute dog expressions in the scenes.
A cool graphic novel about friendship and the fun of being a kid!
Can Mia and Tariq work together to build a robot for a competition?
As Mia spends more time with Tariq, she wonders how much he really changed. He did take apart his toy car collection for the robot. After all, it’s not like he plays with them anymore. Was 13 the age to NOT be a kid anymore? Was it the age to grow up instead?
It would seem the upcoming school dance was making a bigger mess of everything for Mia. Now, she needed to bring a date?
Can true friendship and a cool robot overcome the confusing obstacles?
I liked this graphic novel. I especially liked the cute dog expressions in the scenes.
A cool graphic novel about friendship and the fun of being a kid!
June 13, 2025
For the last few summers, 12yo Mia went to a robotics camp. She has made a friend their, Tariq, and the two are amazing scientists together. Then, when Mia learns that Tariq is moving from San Diego to where she lives (their moms will work at the same place) she is so excited to see him year round and go to school with him. But when he arrives, he looks different - school year Tariq is cooler and cuter, and since camp Mia has changed too. Their chemistry at camp might be gone forever
A fun graphic novel - the crowd who likes the Click series will also enjoy Wires Crossed. I felt like the dialogue was forced and awkward as Fantaskey was setting up the story and introducing characters, but once the story got rolling, that was no longer an issue. I loved the illustrations, The drama was perfect without anyone being mean. Mia and her friends are a mix of races and cultures.
A fun graphic novel - the crowd who likes the Click series will also enjoy Wires Crossed. I felt like the dialogue was forced and awkward as Fantaskey was setting up the story and introducing characters, but once the story got rolling, that was no longer an issue. I loved the illustrations, The drama was perfect without anyone being mean. Mia and her friends are a mix of races and cultures.
January 31, 2024
This was a fun middle grade graphic novel about changes. It’s about how people you know and love change but are still themselves in ways that counts. For our main character Mia, her best summer camp friend is now going to get to be her all the time friend because they’re moving into the same school. But things are not how Mia planning. One friendship is cracking, school is changing, and it now matters if things are cool or crazy. This is a fantastic book about growing up. About remembering to communicate and remembering that friends are what you make of them. This was well done and great for people who like books like Dork Diary.
July 5, 2024
One of my new favourites!
I really enjoyed this graphic novel- especially the illustrations! I’ve noticed the more graphic novels I read, the pickier I get with the illustrations, especially of the characters & their emotions! I really liked the diverse characters in this one, and found the cartoony/emotive style of be perfect.
I liked the STEM themes throughout, the family dynamics, and the friendship ups and downs. I liked how this story covers how people can change as they grow (ex their interests, their appearance, their likes/dislikes), but that friendship can still last through those changes 😊
I really enjoyed this graphic novel- especially the illustrations! I’ve noticed the more graphic novels I read, the pickier I get with the illustrations, especially of the characters & their emotions! I really liked the diverse characters in this one, and found the cartoony/emotive style of be perfect.
I liked the STEM themes throughout, the family dynamics, and the friendship ups and downs. I liked how this story covers how people can change as they grow (ex their interests, their appearance, their likes/dislikes), but that friendship can still last through those changes 😊
July 30, 2024
Like most middle schoolers, Mia is dealing with a lot. Her long-time BFF is hanging out with the popular girls now. Her (male) friend from science camp, who is transferring to her school, has transformed from shy and geeky to cute and popular. Said camp friend just asked out her new BFF, which upsets Mia because she thinks she "likes" likes him. Their group entry in the science competition catches fire. Plus she thinks her family is weird and embarrassing.
What Mia doesn't realize is that most kids feel this way, which is why most kids will be able to relate to this colorful graphic novel.
What Mia doesn't realize is that most kids feel this way, which is why most kids will be able to relate to this colorful graphic novel.
August 18, 2024
The story here was enjoyable, there’s a bit of STEM for those interested in that (though it doesn’t go all that into detail of robot building), for me the standout aspects of this one were Mia’s friendship with Kinsey as well as the moments where Mia’s feeling pressure to grow up (to go to a dance with a boy, to abandon her beloved treehouse, etc.), it’s such relatable subject matter for kids and even now for me as an adult, those imaginary lines drawn in the sand where you’re “supposed” to do this and that at a certain age as if life is one size fits all. I liked that this book is saying it’s okay to live at your own pace.
December 22, 2025
After summer camp, Mia got braces, glasses, and a terrible haircut. Her best friend joining the popular crowd doesn't make starting the new school year easier. When she finds out her best friend from summer camp is moving to her school, she's super excited, but she's super self-conscious of herself and lack of transformation and her weird family when she sees what Tariq looks like. It's got friend drama, crushes, a school dance, and a group project. A quick read that captures all of the awkwardness of middle school. It wrapped up too quick for me, but kids won't care. Very relatable. For fans of Telgemeier and Miller. Also a less science-y version of Lo & Behold.
January 26, 2024
I would like thank edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I liked the premise of this graphic novel, Mia is excited to have her friend Tariq who she met at summer camp come to her school but he is suddenly cool? What happened to the robot loving boy she used to know? Everyone wants to be his friend, and when a school dance comes up, does she want to go with him as a date, does someone else like him. The title is very fitting, how wires often get crossed when we assume or don't say anything.
June 1, 2024
Mia already feels like an outsider with her new braces, glasses, and poor haircut. As her best friend starts distancing herself, Mia struggles to figure out where she fits it. When her best friend from science camp tells Mia he's moving to town, she's hopeful she will find her place again. But Tariq quickly has other friends and Mia still feels "other." Can a robotics competition bring everyone together again?
A solid middle grade graphic novel that incorporates friendship, first dances (with friends or with a date?), and robotics.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
A solid middle grade graphic novel that incorporates friendship, first dances (with friends or with a date?), and robotics.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
July 15, 2024
When Mia's best friend starts hanging out with new friends and exploring different interests, and her science camp friend enrolls in her school suddenly looking more stud than nerd, she realizes she has a lot to navigate in middle school. There is nothing wrong with this book; it just treads on the same middle school changing relationships with friends, crushes, and the ensuing drama. The illustrations are appealing, and kids looking for reaffirmation that these experiences are real will enjoy this book.
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