By Magoon Kekla Smith Cynthia Leitich Murakami Molly
Can a band of kids save a school?
Cynthia Leitich Smith and Kekla Magoon’s “Blue Stars” series delivers a vibrant graphic novel adventure tailored for middle-grade readers. “The Vice Principal Problem” centers on a group of students at Roosevelt Middle School who band together to challenge their strict new vice principal, Dr. Silverthorn, whose authoritarian policies threaten their creativity and freedom. Led by Maya, an aspiring artist, and James, a tech-savvy gamer, the diverse “Blue Stars” team uses their unique talents of coding and storytelling to uncover the truth behind Dr. Silverthorn’s agenda. The fast-paced plot balances humor with themes of activism, blending classroom antics with stealth missions that keep readers hooked.
This book is a gateway to independent reading due to its visual storytelling and accessible language. The illustrations aren’t just decorative, they clarify plot points, such as a montage of students decoding clues through exaggerated facial expressions and action sequences, which help visual learners track the story’s momentum. Short, snappy dialogue bubbles and minimal narration reduce text density, while vocabulary stays grounded in everyday speech. While idioms like “fly under the radar” appear, their meanings become clear through context and accompanying visuals, (characters literally ducking under a radar graphic). The protagonists’ collaborative problem-solving, such as designing protest posters or debugging a security system, mirrors classroom group projects, making it easy to connect the story to lessons on teamwork or digital literacy. “Blue Stars”, with its relatable school-setting conflicts and an empowering message about student voice, make it a smart pick for libraries aiming to engage readers.
