📖 Overview
Amelia Rules! is a comic book series that chronicles the experiences of Amelia Louise McBride, a young girl who moves from Manhattan to a small town after her parents' divorce. The series follows her adventures with her new friends and her aunt Tanner Clark as she navigates the challenges of growing up in an unfamiliar place.
The books combine humor and heart through their distinctive comic format, earning multiple prestigious nominations including 13 Eisner Awards and five Harvey Awards. The series spans eight collected volumes, starting with "The Whole World's Crazy" and concluding with "Her Permanent Record," which became a New York Times bestseller.
From school life to friendships to family dynamics, Amelia Rules! addresses universal experiences of childhood and early adolescence through its engaging illustrated storytelling. The series connects with readers through its authentic portrayal of a young person finding their place in a changing world.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Amelia Rules! as an authentic portrayal of childhood experiences and emotions. Parents note that the series helps children process difficult topics like divorce and moving to a new town.
Readers highlight:
- Relatable main character who feels like a real kid
- Humor that works for both children and adults
- Distinctive art style with expressive characters
- Balance of fun adventures with serious themes
Common criticisms:
- Some find the early art style less polished
- A few readers felt certain storylines were too mature
- Occasional pacing issues noted in longer story arcs
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (150+ ratings)
"Perfect for kids dealing with big changes," writes one parent reviewer. A school librarian notes: "Students keep coming back to check these out - the characters feel like friends to them."
📚 Similar books
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
This graphic novel chronicles a middle school girl's journey through braces, friendship drama, and self-discovery.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson The story follows a 12-year-old girl who joins roller derby to find her place while navigating changing friendships and growing up.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale A memoir in graphic novel format depicts the complexities of elementary school friendship groups and finding one's identity.
El Deafo by Cece Bell This graphic memoir depicts a young rabbit's experience with hearing loss and her path to acceptance in school.
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm A graphic novel about a girl who spends a summer with her grandfather in Florida while dealing with family issues.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson The story follows a 12-year-old girl who joins roller derby to find her place while navigating changing friendships and growing up.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale A memoir in graphic novel format depicts the complexities of elementary school friendship groups and finding one's identity.
El Deafo by Cece Bell This graphic memoir depicts a young rabbit's experience with hearing loss and her path to acceptance in school.
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm A graphic novel about a girl who spends a summer with her grandfather in Florida while dealing with family issues.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 The series creator, Jimmy Gownley, wrote and drew his first comic book at just 15 years old and self-published it in high school.
🌟 "Amelia Rules!" ran from 2001 to 2012, spanning eight volumes and helping establish graphic novels as legitimate literature for young readers.
🌟 The character of Aunt Tanner was inspired by various female musicians from the 1990s alternative rock scene, including members of bands like The Breeders and Belly.
🌟 The series was one of the first kids' graphic novels to be distributed by major bookstore chains, helping pave the way for today's booming children's graphic novel market.
🌟 Jimmy Gownley based many of the locations in the series on his hometown of Girardville, Pennsylvania, though he initially set the story in the fictional town of Connerton.