Pizazz vs the new kid by Sophy Henn

Pizazz vs the new kid is the second instalment in the Pizazz series by UK author and illustrator Sophy Henn. It's a cheeky, witty story told in first person by the chief protagonist Pizazz. Pizazz is a schoolgirl who is trying to fit in to her new school but this is a little difficult for her because she happens to be a superhero. She comes from a family of superheroes and it is such a nuisance to her because they are routinely called out to perform superhero feats and it just gets in the way of leading a normal life. Pizazz comes up against the "popular" girl group at school and they set her up in competition with another new "kid" at school who also happens to be a superhero. In the process, Pizazz learns about what is important and how to negotiate the "Serenas" of the world.

The message is good. The scenarios are relatable. The narrative is accompanied by graphic style illustrations and at times breaks into pure graphic comic style. The book is densely illustrated; the typography very, very much a standout feature. This means that the reluctant reader may be encouraged to read this book. Any child who is into graphic novels like Diary of a wimpy kid and Dog man could be interested in the Pizazz series.

The language in this text is chatty and very much like it is straight out of the mouth of a sassy primary aged child. Sophy Henn has captured the vernacular and the energy. The sentence structure is frequently run on so this is not the book that will encourage correct writing of English. It is chat not literature but it has its place in encouragement of the struggling reader. The message also is useful. At the end, the class photo shows that the "good kids" actually do get chosen to take leadership roles in the school and the cool girls end up with roles such as "school princess, "cutest cupcake" and "Bonny Baby."  Probably the irony of that will escape the younger reader.

Pizazz vs the new kid is a fun romp and another light addition to a graphic novel or hybrid graphic/ prose collection. An easy read for young students in the primary years.

Themes: Super heroes, Fitting in, School life, Mean schoolgirls, Family.

Wendy Jeffrey