Thought it would be gay (it was not). Cute though. Unusual characters that resist archetypes. ( )

This cute graphic novel addresses family, friends, finding yourself, etc. Characters and story will be relatable to a wider middle school audience than just bands kids. As an adult, I wish characters didn't lie so much (I don't think all middle schoolers are this shallow) and I wish at least one character character was "with it". ( )

This was a really good book. I had never heard of this author prior to reading this, but she’s pretty talented.
I loved the illustrations, the original plot line, and the characters. Especially Scout’s best friend. It was also interesting to see Scout and Merrin’s dynamic. At first, they hated each other, but over time, once they got to know each other, they actually started to get along. I honestly thought they were really cute (and I may have shipped them a little, but can you blame me? I think they would’ve been a really cute couple).
All in all, it was an interesting book and I enjoyed reading it. I just have one complaint about Scout’s character.
Scout was desperate to be in band so that she could meet her favorite author, and yet she still skipped band, didn’t bother to at least attempt to practice, and in general just did not give an effort? If she was so determined to sell the lie, why didn’t she put in more effort? I just felt like since the author was portraying someone who was desperate and could not afford to be kicked out of band, making Scout skip classes and not put in any amount of effort until Merrin forced her to was kind of dumb because it went against the whole point of ‘Scout NEEDS to be in band’. It just felt kind of… contradictory.
Also, it would’ve been nicer to know more about Scout’s ‘friends’. I mean, it isn’t necessary, but I would’ve liked to see more of who they were, or at least who they used to be, so that I could understand why Scout kept being friends with them. Not necessarily a need, but a want.
Other than that part of Scout’s character though, I really did like her. So if you see this book and think about adding it to your tbr, I think it’s a book worth reading. ( )

Middle grade, rather than childrens (I haven't sorted out the MG in my children's tag whoops), Scout Is Not a Band Kid is a delightful graphic novel wherein Scout determines the best way to see her favourite (using the Canadian spelling since this is set in Ontario) author at a festival is to join the middle school band. even though she's never played a lick of an instrument...

Very cute story, love how Scout and her friends are shown with RPG stats & pronouns when introduced and how she has internet friends in addition to the ones at school. It reminded me very much of my own middle school years, where in 8th grade we went to a music festival at Disneyland which was an every-couple-years trip, and getting into shenanigans with friends there.

Also loved Scout's perception that Pristine Wong could die at any moment because what's age to a 13 year old? ( )

At first Scout drove me crazy because she was so selfish! Everything was about her, but then you realize that her friends are really not very nice people. So, let me back up. Scout wants to meet a famous author. Scout needs a plan. She notices that the bank has a trip planned to the same place the author is going to be. Perfect! Join the band! How hard can it be?

Scout blatantly lies, saying she knows how to read music and has played the trombone before. What follows are the consequences for her and other band members to her lie. The only trombone player takes band VERY seriously. Scout doesn't care, jeopardizing Merrin's chances to get into a good art school. Both Merrin and Scout are VERY determined people. Merrin is determined to teach Scout and Scout is determined to meet her author without doing anything for the band. Ultimately, Merrin wins. She's a great teacher and Merrin actually finds playing trombone to be enjoyable. She's even good. They also discover that they have a lot in common. Scout has to re-adjust her outlook about her friends, band, and how she treats Merrin, which ultimately allows her a new path for her life.

This graphic novel is super cute. Scout grew on me, especially after she learns her lesson and grows up a wee bit to be nicer. ( )