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“[A] witty and acutely observed graphic novel that recalls The Breakfast Club….The result is a gentle and charming story of belonging and finding the courage to start anew.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Sunny and sweet yet relatable and intimate—in short, the perfect summer read.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“The narrative comes together fluidly and captures ample doses of middle school angst. Bright and simple yet engaging artwork, with especially expressive faces, brings everything to a satisfying conclusion.”

—School Library Journal

Last Day Pool Party

Written by Emma Steinkellner
Illustrated by Emma Steinkellner
Published by Labyrinth Road

Six very different kids’ stories collide at an unforgettable last day pool party in this hilarious and relatable story about friendship, popularity and the messiness of growing up.

When her name gets skipped at the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, Rose decides she is done being invisible. She’s determined to finally stand out and make her unfulfilled middle school dreams come true at the upcoming pool party. But she’s not the only one who wants to make a splash…BFFs Liv and Juhi are on the verge of a friend break-up when Juhi reveals her family is moving, and Liv uses the party as a chance to scout for a new bestie. Queen bee Maya was forced by her mom to come to unpopular Dustin’s party to be “nice”. And meanwhile, her not-so-social cousin Paul is just trying to avoid all the pool party pandemonium.

By the time the sun sets, unexpected twists and ridiculous mishaps will make this the weirdest, wildest last day of school ever. Get ready, because this party is about to go off the deep end.

Primary ISBN: 9798217031429
Publication Date: April 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older

Community Represented: , , ,

Themes: , , , , ,

Setting: United States (California)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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