Operation: Cover-Up by Tate Godwin

 

OPERATION:

COVER-UP (Volume 1)

by Tate Godwin

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Humor  /  Graphic Novel

192 pages

ages 7 to 11

COMING...

JANUARY 21st!!!

A class clown and brainiac cook up the ultimate operation when they swap identities at their elementary school in this laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel, perfect for fans of Cat Ninja, Dog Man, and Big Nate. 

Nick’s a straight-A student. Sy’s a class clown.
 
But when they start at a new school, misunderstandings cause everyone to think Nick’s the class clown and Sy’s the brainiac. Eager to fit in, they make a Nick will teach Sy how to be a convincing brainiac, and Sy will help Nick pose as a jokester. But the two soon learn it’s not easy to fake your way through fifth grade, and the longer their charade goes on, the harder it is to come clean. When the two impostors meet a girl with a secret of her own, the three form an unlikely friendship that challenges everything they thought they knew about what it means to “be yourself.”

This debut graphic novel series by cartoonist Tate Godwin is teeming with fun, hijinks, and embracing who you are—and all the many facets of what makes up your identity. 

GOODREADS   /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Middle school insecurities circling being yourself versus being accepted hit humor and heart.

Sy and Nick, not aware of the other, are both entering the new school mid-year, and neither is excited about it. When each one goes into their classroom, they're ready to prove themselves...but something goes wrong. A misunderstanding leaves Sy, who is usually a class clown, suddenly known as a genius, and Nick, the genius, thought to be the class clown. Not wanting to loose their new popularity, both try  to meld into their new classifications, but it's not working. When everything appears it will fall apart, they meet each other and come up with a plan. Determined to teach the other their talents, they meet in secret after school. It might work until a girl overhears their problem.

The first part of this book introduces the readers to Sy and Nick as they lead their very separate lives, unaware of the other's problems or existence. Similarities add a twist of humor thanks to the quirky traits of their personalities and parents. Yet, the two also come across as very different. It's easy to connect with both characters and enjoy the forming friendship between silly bouts of humor and moments, which has a reader cringing as everything threatens to fall apart. The whole time, the message concerning being true to yourself comes across very clear (may border on too clear for some readers).

The characters fit the intended age group well, not only in personality and thoughts but also thanks to the illustrations. The text is short and easy to read, while Nick's personality as a brainiac adds tougher vocabulary words to strengthen reading skills. The illustrations are bright and cheerfully colored, while bringing across the tension of each scene nicely. There are many moments, which readers will recognize from their own situations and relate to. I was a little surprised at the harsher reaction of the classmates when they discovered the 'lies', since no one would really care too much and probably laugh off the situation in real life. But it makes a fun story and brings the thought across well.

I am looking forward to seeing what this duo does next.