Reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."

School Library Journal on New Kid in School

Part journal, part graphic novel, all fun (with echoes of "Harriet the Spy"), this is a clever account of a growing-up experience that is familiar to middle-grade readers.

Kirkus Reviews on Have Pen, Will Travel

Lots of voice, humor, and pre-teen attitude shine through the pages in Ellie's journal, not just through words and story, but through her art. The simple line drawings on every page add personality, and the hand-drawn text makes it feel authentic.After experiencing Ellie's way of expressing herself, kids may be inclined to create there own illustrated journals.

Grand Rapids Press

Ruth McNally Barshaw truly understands how to inspire children and adults of all ages...The students loved drawing along with her...The children were still buzzing with their own story ideas when returning to the classroom and couldn't wait to get their story down on paper. Midway Elementary will certainly remember our friend, Ruth McNally Barshaw!

2nd Grade Teacher, Midway Elementary, Holt Michigan

Part Diary, part novel, all fun.

Discovery Girls

Carries healthy messages...but readers won't notice as they gobble down this fast read, enjoying the jokes and riddles, familiar situations and interesting instructions for group games and paper-folding woven into the story.

Kirkus Reviews