[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Lois Lane is ready for the best summer ever. She is working on her video channel and hopes to make a #FriendshipChallenge video with her BFF Kristen that goes viral. But Kristen wants to focus on the local bike race and getting ready to go away to camp for the first time.
When a rival bike shop springs up near their neighborhood store, the owner is convinced the new rival wants to rig the race. She shows the girls a threatening note, and then her fireworks for the big race are stolen. Lois is certain she and Kristen can solve the mystery. In fact, Lois is already sure she knows who did it – Izzy, the new girl in town.
Review
Lois is a LOT to take in this book. I was exhausted by her as I read. She’s an intense person, earnest. She has big ideas and big plans. And she easily gets tunnel vision. She isn’t trying to be a bad friend, but she tunes out anything Kristen says and anything that doesn’t fit her ideas of what is going on or what is important.
Lois is so over the top I don’t think readers will have any trouble seeing the friendship red flags in the story. The bigger question is will readers like Lois enough to stick with her through the book in the hope that she will learn and grow? Thankfully that does happen. Lois starts to see how she is behaving, and then she decides to make some changes.
I liked Henrietta/”Henri,” an older, mentoring, voice-of-reason sort of character. Not only does she try to speak into Lois’ friend issues, but she also shows Lois how journalism is like detective work. She also explains the importance of journalistic integrity – letting the facts drive the story rather than squishing the facts to try to make them fit into the story you decided to tell. Which is exactly what Lois is doing with Izzy.
Readers who enjoy graphic novel friendship stories might give this one a try. If you are looking for more Lois Lane stories, I HIGHLY recommend the Lois Lane series for teens by Gwenda Bond. I loved it!
Rating: ♥♥♥