Smith, Niki. Midsummer Sisters. Niki Smith, Illus. Scholastic /Graphix, 06/2026. 272pp. Graphic. Trade $14.99. 978-1-5461-2894-6. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Stepsisters Kenzie and Quinn spend a magical summer with their grandmother, while wondering if their sisterhood will stay the same if their fighting parents get a divorce. This middle grade graphic novel sparkles with the magic of summer as colorful panels depict the girls spending days along the water observing wild ponies. The bright color palette captures the essence of vacation, providing a beautiful backdrop to the more emotionally intense moments of the story. Kenzie and Quinn’s sisterly relationship is confronted with the impending reality of their parent’s divorce—and moving away from one another—which offers a unique, yet realistic, approach to the divorce subject. Beyond the parental conflict, the girls are fleshed out characters with their own internal struggles, including Quinn’s queer crush on a friend back home. Quinn is white; Kenzie’s race is ambiguous, and she has a distinctive facial birthmark. Realistic fiction graphic novel fans will enjoy the balance of beautiful summer scenes, unique character design, and emotional conflict.
Willow Faust—Alameda Free Library