Book Review: Besties: Prank War (The World of Click #3)
There’s something delightfully mischievous about the title Besties: Prank War, and that alone was enough to catch my eye. When I saw that Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino were behind this third installment in The World of Click series, I couldn’t resist diving in. I approached it as a newcomer—a brave adventurer entering a world I knew little about—and I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible this graphic novel was, even without reading the previous books.
From the very first page, Besties: Prank War unfolds a vibrant tapestry of friendship, mischief, and the innocent escapades that define middle school life. The dynamic duo of Kayla Miller and Jeffery Canino does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of spirited youth, showcasing how the bond of friendship can inspire both countless laughs and a fair share of chaotic moments. The plot revolves around a prank war that escalates amongst friends, leading to a riotous series of events that kept me giggling throughout.
One of the standout features of this graphic novel is the breathtaking artwork by Sarah Turner. The colors are lively and engaging, immersing readers in the characters’ whimsical world. I found the diversity in race, gender presentation, and body type among the characters particularly refreshing; it brought a sense of reality that felt very relatable. However, there was a small hiccup for me: the quirky font choice threw my brain for a loop at times, especially with those lowercase As that looked suspiciously like Ds at first glance. But once I settled into the reading flow, the charming illustrations enhanced the overall experience.
As someone who thrives on humor, I really appreciated the clever jokes sprinkled throughout the narrative. There was one standout joke that had me chuckling, especially when it landed a third time—a prime example of the comedic “rule of three” that can be so effective! Besties: Prank War nails this relatable, approachable humor that I think would resonate wonderfully with its intended audience.
Yet, as much as I enjoyed the hilarity, I felt the prank war itself might have overstayed its welcome. By the end, the familiar pranks began to feel a tad repetitive, which detracted from the urgency of the storyline. Moreover, the adults surrounding the kids seemed curiously uninvolved during this escalating chaos. A little parental intervention could have added depth to the narrative and resolved conflicts more organically, rather than leaving the young characters to fend for themselves.
Despite these minor critiques, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Besties: Prank War. It’s a perfect read for middle-grade students or anyone young at heart, exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and the innocent yet complex world of pranks. In these pages, readers can find reflections of their own experiences and perhaps some comfort in knowing that friendship can weather even the most chaotic storms.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, charming graphic novel that brilliantly illustrates the trials and tribulations of youth, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Besties: Prank War. You might just find your next favorite read—and a few giggles along the way! Plus, if you’re interested in supporting an independent bookstore, consider checking out The Book Drop, where I had the pleasure of receiving this delightful story. Use the code RUSEREVIEWS for a lovely discount, and join me in celebrating the enriching world of books!
Happy reading, and don’t forget to share your own prank stories!
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