Cynthia Leitich Smith and Kekla Magoon’s Blue Stars, Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem delivers a vibrant graphic novel adventure tailored for middle-grade readers (ages 8–12). The story 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—from coding to 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. Its graphic novel format bursts with dynamic panels and expressive characters, creating an immersive experience that mirrors the chaotic energy of middle school life. This book shines as a gateway for reluctant readers and English learners 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 (e.g., “glitch,” “hack,” “scheme”). While idioms like “fly under the radar” appear, their meanings become clear through context and accompanying visuals, like 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. Though it hasn’t snagged major awards yet, its relatable school-setting conflicts and empowering message about student voice make it a smart pick for libraries aiming to engage readers who thrive on visually driven, high-energy narratives.