DOODLEBUG

Those who might be tempted to dismiss this heavily illustrated saga of middle-school angst and family upheaval as a Wimpy Kid knock-off will miss an engaging, original heroine, a satisfying story and lots of great pictures. Seventh grader Doreen Bussey, aka Dodo, decides to take the nickname Doodlebug when she starts at a new school. It’s a perfect choice, as she tells the tale of her family’s move from Los Angeles and their experiences in San Francisco in words, scribbles, Venn diagrams, dialogue balloons and ornate lettering. Clever touches include using different shapes for each member of her family (allowing readers to recognize who is speaking despite the simplicity of the drawings) and several illustrated aphorisms. Some details, like the fact that the family is interracial, are shown but not stated, rewarding careful examination of the artwork. And the fact that Dodo has figured out for herself how to manage her attention problems offers not just a heartening view of a resourceful child but also a telling testament to the power of creativity. Charming and thoughtful. (Fiction. 9-12)