Book Review: On Guard!

Title: On Guard
Subtitle: A Marshall Middle School Graphic Novel
Illustrator: Cassidey Wasserman
Publisher:  Random Houes Graphic
Date:  June 2025
Pages: 256
Ages/Grades: 8-12 or third through seventh
ISBN: 9780593649985
Category: Children’s, Comic books, Children’s, Youth
Buy it: https://amzn.to/4d5KOeQ
Review by: Trisha Smith

Review: 

This was a super cute graphic novel. The reading was easy going and entertaining and the illustrations brought the story to life in a nice visual manner. I was very impressed by the story itself. I am not the product of divorce, but my children are, and I was able to relate to the parents in the story as well as the main character. I saw my own experience with the struggle of co-parenting and the effect of strained relationships on the kids. I felt sorry for poor Grace and the struggle she felt being stuck in the middle of arguing parents. I believe many young readers will be able to relate and understand what it feels like. I appreciate author Cassidy Wassernman showing readers how they can channel the anxiety and emotions of life into a sport or activity. I had zero understanding of how the sport of fencing works, but she explained it nicely for readers so that they were able to learn alongside Grace as she learned in her club. It also allowed her to make new friends, which we all know can be quite challenging in middle school and high school. Overall, I found this to be a well written, nicely illustrated graphic novel that told a story that many a reader will be able to connect with and relate to. It is eye appealing and entertaining, as well as a quick and easy read.