False Starts (A Nansi Graphic Novel #2)
Written by Carl Brundtland
Illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Published by Kids Can Press
It’s the summer before eighth grade, and best friends Nansi, Ayesha and Angela are spending as much of the summer together as they can, and celebrating the news that Ayesha got the lead role in the festival play. But when Nansi and Angela accidently post an embarrassing video of Ayesha to a group chat, it sets off a series of events that threaten Nansi and Ayesha’s friendship. And it looks like Nansi’s track-and-field archnemesis, Tania, is at the center of it all …
Packed with humor and hijinks, this second book in the Nansi graphic novel series by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Dávila hits all the right notes. The relatable characters, problems and situations – stage fright, sports rivalries, misunderstandings among friends (and adversaries) – make it a pitch-perfect middle-school read.
Nansi’s character is loosely based on Anansi, the West African folktale trickster, adapted to inhabit a modern, urban North American setting. The series features a multicultural cast of characters and incorporates elements of Jamaican culture into Nansi’s family life. Colorful and expressive art by Claudia Dávila captures the energy and emotional range of the lovable characters. This book offers excellent character education lessons on caring, courage and resilience.
Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:
Primary ISBN: 9781525310058
Publication Date: June 2026
Available As: Hardcover
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Jamaican/Jamaican American
Themes: Arts, Canadian Connection, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Format: Graphic Novel, Generation: 2nd, Identity: Multilingual, Multilingual: Jamaican Patois Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Sports
Setting: Canada
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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