The Big Break

Middle school friendship drama: boys have it too!

Andrew and Russ are best buds who love hanging out and working on their horror film about the Jersey Devil.  But their friendship turns sour after Russ begins a relationship with artsy girl Tara and Andrew feels left out, leading to a loud and dramatic bromance breakup in the middle of the library.  Despite the fireworks and hurt feelings, the book offers a final reconciliation and the overall tone is sweet.  Tatulli’s characters – even minor ones – are believable and appealing.

Oh, and the side plot about the Jersey Devil is very cool.  It leads Andrew, Russ, and their friends into an exciting and scary expedition into the New Jersey Pine Barrens that reads like kids’ version of The Blair Witch Project. 

Readers of Jerry Craft, Raina Telgemeier, and Terri Libenson may be happy to join these fledgling filmmakers and their crew.