Review of The Stereotypical Freaks, a YA contemporary graphic novel, by Howard Shapiro and new INT giveaway!

I'm really excited to introduce this next book, as it is a very unique novel. The Stereotypical Freaks is a graphical novel, and Howard Shapiro really makes it into a wonderful YA contemporary. I would say this exemplifies what a true YA book should be, no matter the style (although I really dug the graphics and thought it only enhanced the book).

Goodreads Book Description: Four disparate high school seniors come together to compete in their school's battle of the bands. Sharing a love for playing rock and roll, the members name the band "The Stereotypical Freaks" because they feel stereotyped by their classmates - smart kid, geek, star athlete and quiet weirdo… when in fact they know they are much more than those labels that have been placed on them.

When one member reveals life altering news, winning the competition takes on more of a meaning to each member. Scared and angry, upset and yet still with a lot of resolve they set out to win one for the good guys… will they?

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review: I was asked by the author to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Stereotypical Freaks by Howard Shapiro is not my typical read-- it is a graphical novel about a group of four unlikely friends who get together to form a band and to compete in their school's Battle of the Bands competition. When one of them reveals a devastating secret, each of other boys react in a different way. Will they be able to come together and finish what they started and maybe learn something important about themselves and each other?

I loved this book-- and I don't usually read graphical novels. I was drawn in from the first few pages, and didn't stop until I finished the whole thing. I also don't usually cry when reading books, but I was choked up halfway through and was very moved by the story. The teens are well fleshed out and are both believable and likeable. The graphics were meaningful, beautiful, and appropriate. I felt at times I wasn't even reading a book, I was instead watching a good movie.

Overall, I was incredibly impressed with this book; lovers of YA should definitely give it a try. They won't be disappointed.

Tune in for a terrific interview by the author next week! Until then, sign up to enter this terrific giveaway! 

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