Truly Tyler by Terri Libenson
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 0062894579
Pages: 384
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

The fifth book in the “Emmie & Friends” graphic novel series, this one features the first from a boy’s point of view. There is some mention of past events from another of the books in the series, but the reader should have no trouble catching up. Tyler is on the basketball team and is part of the cooler kids in Lakefront Middle School.  The book deals with the pressure of a kid who feels the weight of popularity and social pressure. One of Tyler’s outlets is art but it’s not something he lets himself delve into too often. When an art class project provides an opportunity to partner with Emmie to create an original graphic novel, Tyler takes it and he is reminded how much he enjoys creating and how much immersing himself in art feeds him. The illustrations are the usual bright, clear panels, but for this book Libenson also incorporates separate drawing styles for each artist as they create their story. Fans of the other books in this title will enjoy this one as will fans of realistic, contemporary comics in general.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth