What do you think?
Rate this book
Chloe #6
Green Thumb
Middle schooler Chloe and her friends, Mark and Fatou, are selected for a school initiative to plant a new community garden. Chloe is excited to let her creativity blossom and show off her green thumb and natural talents all for a worthy cause. But, when the initiative announces a film crew to document the garden’s creation, will scene-stealing (and thorn in her side) Anissa uproot all of Chloe’s progress as she tries to steal the spotlight?
112 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 21, 2022
5/21/2022 Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
6/22/2022 Combining two volumes of the original series, translated from the French, this volume follows middle-schooler Chloe Blin as she navigates two very of-the-moment issues: environmental friendliness and cyber-bullying.
The first half of this book sees Chloe and her friend Mark roped into helping start an eco-friendly vegetable garden at school by their far more enthusiastic best friend Fatouma. While Fatouma is totally gung ho about everything to do with setting up the garden, Chloe is more half-hearted, especially when she realizes exactly how much work it entails. It doesn't help that her nemesis Anissa has also been recruited for the project, and seems alternately more intent on making catty comments about everyone else or positioning herself the star of the show. But as Chloe slowly gets more into gardening, she also gets super bossy in the way only self-righteous middle schoolers can be. When an attempt to shame Anissa backfires, her school principal cancels the project and declares the garden off-limits. Can Chloe and her friends figure out a way to get him to change his mind?
The second story involves Chloe turning cyber-detective to figure out who's harassing her classmate Miriam. When a video of Miriam slipping down the steps goes viral, she quickly becomes the target of mean jokes in real life and awful comments on social media. Kind-hearted Chloe leaps to Miriam's defense but soon finds herself in the crosshairs of the main troll, who goes by the name LOL. Efforts to solve the issue on her own cause her to become secretive and start doing poorly in school. Will Chloe be able to overcome her own paranoia in order to unite a group of unlikely allies for the purpose of taking down this vicious internet bully?
Running through both storylines is the development of her romance with the sweet and exceedingly patient Tim. I suppose a greater familiarity with the books that preceded Green Thumb in the series would enlighten me as to why she's so reluctant to go public with their relationship. It would definitely explain why her mother calls her Misty every so often, tho I imagine that has to do with this book's original French title, Mistinguette (the relevance of which is still unknown to me.)
Greg Tessier does a good job depicting modern French childhood, tho I do feel that some stuff gets lost in translation between the French milieu and the expectations and lived experience of this American reader. While I found much of Chloe's family life delightful -- in large part due to Amandine's entirely charming illustrations -- I was a little taken aback by how Chloe got away with steamrolling so many of her very understanding friends and acquaintances without being given a deserving comeuppance, particularly in the first half. The book means well, tho, and the little interludes between chapters, going in more detail on both environmentally friendly practices and Internet terminology (which latter does seem to differ from the usual American usages) are helpful for young readers with a deeper interest in the subjects. Not the worst graphic novel to hand to your kids, tho also perhaps not the best place to start in the series.
Chloe #6: Green Thumb by Greg Tessier & Amandine was published yesterday June 21 2022 by Charmz and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
6/22/2022 Combining two volumes of the original series, translated from the French, this volume follows middle-schooler Chloe Blin as she navigates two very of-the-moment issues: environmental friendliness and cyber-bullying.
The first half of this book sees Chloe and her friend Mark roped into helping start an eco-friendly vegetable garden at school by their far more enthusiastic best friend Fatouma. While Fatouma is totally gung ho about everything to do with setting up the garden, Chloe is more half-hearted, especially when she realizes exactly how much work it entails. It doesn't help that her nemesis Anissa has also been recruited for the project, and seems alternately more intent on making catty comments about everyone else or positioning herself the star of the show. But as Chloe slowly gets more into gardening, she also gets super bossy in the way only self-righteous middle schoolers can be. When an attempt to shame Anissa backfires, her school principal cancels the project and declares the garden off-limits. Can Chloe and her friends figure out a way to get him to change his mind?
The second story involves Chloe turning cyber-detective to figure out who's harassing her classmate Miriam. When a video of Miriam slipping down the steps goes viral, she quickly becomes the target of mean jokes in real life and awful comments on social media. Kind-hearted Chloe leaps to Miriam's defense but soon finds herself in the crosshairs of the main troll, who goes by the name LOL. Efforts to solve the issue on her own cause her to become secretive and start doing poorly in school. Will Chloe be able to overcome her own paranoia in order to unite a group of unlikely allies for the purpose of taking down this vicious internet bully?
Running through both storylines is the development of her romance with the sweet and exceedingly patient Tim. I suppose a greater familiarity with the books that preceded Green Thumb in the series would enlighten me as to why she's so reluctant to go public with their relationship. It would definitely explain why her mother calls her Misty every so often, tho I imagine that has to do with this book's original French title, Mistinguette (the relevance of which is still unknown to me.)
Greg Tessier does a good job depicting modern French childhood, tho I do feel that some stuff gets lost in translation between the French milieu and the expectations and lived experience of this American reader. While I found much of Chloe's family life delightful -- in large part due to Amandine's entirely charming illustrations -- I was a little taken aback by how Chloe got away with steamrolling so many of her very understanding friends and acquaintances without being given a deserving comeuppance, particularly in the first half. The book means well, tho, and the little interludes between chapters, going in more detail on both environmentally friendly practices and Internet terminology (which latter does seem to differ from the usual American usages) are helpful for young readers with a deeper interest in the subjects. Not the worst graphic novel to hand to your kids, tho also perhaps not the best place to start in the series.
Chloe #6: Green Thumb by Greg Tessier & Amandine was published yesterday June 21 2022 by Charmz and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
September 23, 2022
This is my first book from the series, but I feel that it can be read as a standalone. Unfortunately, it was very boring and lacking in more than one way.
I couldn't resist requesting to read this graphic novel based on the wonderful cover, but sadly the artwork inside was nothing like it. Not sure if it's because my copy was a digital arc but the illustrations appeared washed out and low-res, which made for a less pleasant read.
The story suddenly pivoted from environmentalism to cyberbullying, which was quite jarring. I was just getting invested in Chloe's eco-warrior efforts but the storyline seemed to just end abruptly. I also have no idea why Chloe's mum keeps calling her both Chloe and Misty.
Some important themes like social media usage and coping with bullies are highlighted here, but not in a way that engaged me. Younger audiences might like this book better since it's more educational than enjoyable, but personally I didn't care for it.
Thank you to Papercutz and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
I couldn't resist requesting to read this graphic novel based on the wonderful cover, but sadly the artwork inside was nothing like it. Not sure if it's because my copy was a digital arc but the illustrations appeared washed out and low-res, which made for a less pleasant read.
The story suddenly pivoted from environmentalism to cyberbullying, which was quite jarring. I was just getting invested in Chloe's eco-warrior efforts but the storyline seemed to just end abruptly. I also have no idea why Chloe's mum keeps calling her both Chloe and Misty.
Some important themes like social media usage and coping with bullies are highlighted here, but not in a way that engaged me. Younger audiences might like this book better since it's more educational than enjoyable, but personally I didn't care for it.
Thank you to Papercutz and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
February 17, 2022
Two stories about growing up and being the best you, you can be. In story one, Chloe and her friend tackle the school project of creating a garden at their school. While it branches off into some great ideas, there are a few flies in the poop and they are not helping, or are they? And in the second, Chloe tries to deal with Cyber-bullying on her own. Only, it quickly spirals out of control and more trouble than answers happen. Simple, fast paced text, and bubbly art, this coming-of-age series can be read solo but would be best to start with book one to flesh out who some of the characters are and why Chloe's mom calls her Misty.
August 8, 2022
This is a good read for young readers There are two separate stories contained within this volume. In the first, Chloe and her friends learn the benefits of gardening and being ecologically sound. The graphics are good, and so is the story line. It is educational and realistic in that there is a group of 'mean girls' who insert themselves into everything. I like that directions are included for creating an insect hotel as well as compost, and there is some great information provided regarding recycling. In the second section, social media and its effects on kids and adults is covered. Great read with good lessons. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
August 19, 2022
Adult reader here.
I’ve read all of the Chloe as well the Misty & Cartoon (when Chloe was little & first adopted Cartoon, much to the chagrin of her father) graphic novels as well as The Sisters series.
Chloe: The Green Thumb continues to follow Chloe & her friends in their adventures in middle school & outside of school. The graphic novel consists of two graphic novellas: one about the school community garden and the other about bullying and cyber-bullying.
The stories are somewhat different than the previous books. They are two complete stories rather than 2-4 pages of “slice of life” stories. It isn’t necessary to read the other graphic novels, but they are fun in their own right.
In many instances, the tone is much more serious compared to the previous books. The scenes w/Cartoon & Chloe’s little brother add comic relief. Other than that, the stories show the obsessive & hyper-focused aspect of Chloe’s personality. It shows Chloe’s passion as well as compassion towards her peers, friends & her perspective of society & the environment. On the other hand, Chloe’s obsessiveness does contribute to her difficulties, especially when dealing w/a classmate who has bullied Chloe & her friends throughout the series.
The more serious tone of the stories befits the subject matters in the book. Environmentalism, climate disruption & ecology pervade the minds of tweens & teens. Having Chloe (a beloved character for 10 yrs) & classmates deal w/environmental issues, methods of improving their immediate surroundings & climate disruption (plus dealing w/online hoaxes) is the next step as Chloe develops as a young teenager.
The other story about bullying is the primary focus of the book. While the book’s subtitle is The Green Thumb, there is no mention about cyber bullying until you read the book. In a way, I found that the abrupt ending The Green Thumb confused me at first as I thought both stories would’ve been intertwined.
As for the cyber-bullying story: Chloe finds out that what initially seemed harmless video clip, ends up evolving into cyber-bullying of a classmate. Chloe becomes obsessed, withdrawn & moody and isolates herself from everyone. This is atypical of Chloe: normally, Chloe is a bubbly, enthusiastic & positive young teen. The graphic novel does a good depiction of how she withdraws & becomes isolated. In some ways, I would’ve like more depth of her journey. However, the story is 50 pages long, so there’s limited space to go more in-depth. Even so, ‘Internet Sleuth’ is the stronger of two stories which makes sense as much of the series focuses on Chloe’s relationships w/classmates & her family.
All in all, I recommend this entry in the Chloe series. Just keep in mind: Cartoon has less cameos, humour isn’t the main drive & rather than the slice-of-life format, the focus is on two series subjects.
It would be helpful for the author or publisher to include resources & links for how students can be involved w/improving their environment as well as supportive services for cyber-bullying & trolling as well as crisis hotlines & ways to speak out for yourself, how to be an advocate & roles of students & their adults reporting, providing support & how not to contribute to bullying (sharing videos or links).
I would pair this entry w/a more in-depth & longer graphic novel (I’ll provide a list later on) as well as short, kid-friendly, magazine articles & website links. (Internet searches should be moderated by a teacher!)
I’ve read all of the Chloe as well the Misty & Cartoon (when Chloe was little & first adopted Cartoon, much to the chagrin of her father) graphic novels as well as The Sisters series.
Chloe: The Green Thumb continues to follow Chloe & her friends in their adventures in middle school & outside of school. The graphic novel consists of two graphic novellas: one about the school community garden and the other about bullying and cyber-bullying.
The stories are somewhat different than the previous books. They are two complete stories rather than 2-4 pages of “slice of life” stories. It isn’t necessary to read the other graphic novels, but they are fun in their own right.
In many instances, the tone is much more serious compared to the previous books. The scenes w/Cartoon & Chloe’s little brother add comic relief. Other than that, the stories show the obsessive & hyper-focused aspect of Chloe’s personality. It shows Chloe’s passion as well as compassion towards her peers, friends & her perspective of society & the environment. On the other hand, Chloe’s obsessiveness does contribute to her difficulties, especially when dealing w/a classmate who has bullied Chloe & her friends throughout the series.
The more serious tone of the stories befits the subject matters in the book. Environmentalism, climate disruption & ecology pervade the minds of tweens & teens. Having Chloe (a beloved character for 10 yrs) & classmates deal w/environmental issues, methods of improving their immediate surroundings & climate disruption (plus dealing w/online hoaxes) is the next step as Chloe develops as a young teenager.
The other story about bullying is the primary focus of the book. While the book’s subtitle is The Green Thumb, there is no mention about cyber bullying until you read the book. In a way, I found that the abrupt ending The Green Thumb confused me at first as I thought both stories would’ve been intertwined.
As for the cyber-bullying story: Chloe finds out that what initially seemed harmless video clip, ends up evolving into cyber-bullying of a classmate. Chloe becomes obsessed, withdrawn & moody and isolates herself from everyone. This is atypical of Chloe: normally, Chloe is a bubbly, enthusiastic & positive young teen. The graphic novel does a good depiction of how she withdraws & becomes isolated. In some ways, I would’ve like more depth of her journey. However, the story is 50 pages long, so there’s limited space to go more in-depth. Even so, ‘Internet Sleuth’ is the stronger of two stories which makes sense as much of the series focuses on Chloe’s relationships w/classmates & her family.
All in all, I recommend this entry in the Chloe series. Just keep in mind: Cartoon has less cameos, humour isn’t the main drive & rather than the slice-of-life format, the focus is on two series subjects.
It would be helpful for the author or publisher to include resources & links for how students can be involved w/improving their environment as well as supportive services for cyber-bullying & trolling as well as crisis hotlines & ways to speak out for yourself, how to be an advocate & roles of students & their adults reporting, providing support & how not to contribute to bullying (sharing videos or links).
I would pair this entry w/a more in-depth & longer graphic novel (I’ll provide a list later on) as well as short, kid-friendly, magazine articles & website links. (Internet searches should be moderated by a teacher!)
February 11, 2023
An interesting comic about a girl who suddenly has to help with the environment at her school. It started bad for her, since she didn't really care about planting, but then become such a fun experience. This can help younger generations appreciate nature and food in general. The comic also contains other stories.
March 20, 2022
Arc copy...hmmm suggestion for tweens + teens.
February 20, 2023
The second half of the comic is better than the first half.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews