What do you think?
Rate this book
Stand Up!: A Graphic Novel
Two hilarious best friends create their very own podcast in this feel-good middle grade graphic novel about making the spotlight your own, from the bestselling author of Just Pretend.
Lights, Curtains…Podcast!
Best friends Clay and Kyle can’t help but inject fun into everything. Whether they’re goofing off backstage during a performance or making rib-tickling jokes at an open mic, these two are always ready to make people laugh! Now Clay’s hoping to shift her improv skills to the stage in her middle school's production of Gals and Dolls, which means spending even more time with her crush, Dania. But Clay’s boisterous humor doesn’t sit well with the director, who has ZERO tolerance for fun.
Clay, however, refuses to be boring! She and Kyle are eager to bring their comedic talents into the spotlight, but school musicals are too serious, open mics are too long…
And that’s when it hits them—they should start a podcast! But with rehearsals to attend, new episodes to record, and time running out for Clay to ask a certain someone to the eighth-grade dance, will Clay and Kyle be able to do it all?
Lights, Curtains…Podcast!
Best friends Clay and Kyle can’t help but inject fun into everything. Whether they’re goofing off backstage during a performance or making rib-tickling jokes at an open mic, these two are always ready to make people laugh! Now Clay’s hoping to shift her improv skills to the stage in her middle school's production of Gals and Dolls, which means spending even more time with her crush, Dania. But Clay’s boisterous humor doesn’t sit well with the director, who has ZERO tolerance for fun.
Clay, however, refuses to be boring! She and Kyle are eager to bring their comedic talents into the spotlight, but school musicals are too serious, open mics are too long…
And that’s when it hits them—they should start a podcast! But with rehearsals to attend, new episodes to record, and time running out for Clay to ask a certain someone to the eighth-grade dance, will Clay and Kyle be able to do it all?
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2024
3.5 Stars
This one I appreciated more than I actually enjoyed. I loved the idea of a story of best friends finding their voices, but I didn't find myself connecting with the characters. I recognize that I'm not the target audience but I feel like my younger self would have also struggled with this one. This book is officially targeted for an audience between 8 to 12 years old, but I felt it would appeal more to older preteen readers. It is certainly not inappropriate but the story just seemed written for the complexity of friendships that emerge during those years.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This one I appreciated more than I actually enjoyed. I loved the idea of a story of best friends finding their voices, but I didn't find myself connecting with the characters. I recognize that I'm not the target audience but I feel like my younger self would have also struggled with this one. This book is officially targeted for an audience between 8 to 12 years old, but I felt it would appeal more to older preteen readers. It is certainly not inappropriate but the story just seemed written for the complexity of friendships that emerge during those years.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 6, 2024
This one managed to get on my nerves with the constant references to things that have been just slightly changed. A musical called "Dogs"? A game called "The Legend of Zeldo"? Why not either make up a completely different name, use the real name, or just skip the reference entirely? The dialogue between the characters didn't even feel realistic or believable. Only the artwork saves this, but the fake references bugged me too much and I couldn't finish it - maybe it's just the mood I am in and I will give it another shot later.
October 4, 2024
I received this book from TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange of an honest review.
+ While I have autism/ADHD I recognised more of me in Clay, I guess that is because we don’t really see a whole lot of Kyle. Yes, the two friends are together often, but yet Clay jumps out more than Kyle does. And I recognised a lot in Clay’s chaotic energy. Her not being able to sit still. Tune out when things get boring. The feelings of getting frustrated when it all just takes too long (which is actually a real thing for us ADHD-ers). She tries to make a lot of jokes. There were many other things, it was so relatable! And I love each bit of it.
+ Clay’s design was just so fun. The author really captured Clay and her chaotic energy!
+ I loved the podcast and what the made of it. And seeing it grow from just a blanket fort with a microphone to someone who does editing, to finding a logo, to getting a brand, to adding mails, and more. They were fully committed and it was so fun. Plus, I loved the idea of it and it was great to see how well they could improv their way through things.
+ And I was so proud when they got THAT offer and all that brought. Go go team Kyle x Clay! You deserve this! And I love how natural they were there, a lot of people would be like UM WOW, this is BIG and what do I do, but they grabbed that chance, whirl-wind through it, and had such fun. I hope that they will continue with their podcast, because I see a bright future for them both.
+ Dania x Clay forever, just without all the drama please. ? But they had such a good chemistry and throughout the book I just kept rooting and shipping, hoping that they would get together. I loved their little moments on stage and how Clay was always there to help out Dana. Like when she didn’t remember her words/scene and Clay just pretended to resurrect to help her out? CUTE!
+ On that note: THAT LAST PART ON STAGE OMG SOOOO CUTE! *dies*
+ A bakery named Honey Bunny’s, so CUTE!
+ I love love love that they live above a bakery of theirs called Honey Bunny’s, which not only features yummy pastries and all that, but also open mic evenings. Not entirely my kind of thing (stage fright and all that), but I do like seeing it around. And seeing all the creative things happening.
*cries* It was such a shame that the quality of the art in my ARC just plain sucked. It looks like such a lovely style, but it was blurry and at times hard to see things.
*angry* The teacher was horrendous and reminded me a lot of my many teachers. I didn’t learn of my ADHD until I was 13, but before and after that people would tell me to be serious (I was), to stop slacking (I wasn’t, my ADHD just was bored and that is apparently a whole thing that I didn’t learn about until I was an adult), to stop fidgeting or moving too much or to sit still or whatever else.
*meh* At times it felt a bit long. While in the end the story is all told, I still feel like it could have been 50-70 pages shorter and would still have worked out perfectly. But that may also be my ADHD speaking up, haha.
*questions* While I love love that our two characters live together with their moms, I was so confused as well, especially since there was also a friend/childhood friend as well named Lettie. It would have worked for me if there was a small introduction, now it felt like we just had to know that Clay and Kyle are not just friends, but also live together with their moms. And I want to know what is up with Lettie, does she live there? Is she more than a friend???
*confused* #notmefindingoutKyleisaboy240pagesin #oops I thought given everything Kyle was a girl. Hey, I am sorry, but the other character is called CLAY and is a girl. SOOO confusing.
All in all, despite some things, I still had fun reading this one, great characters, sweet romance, fun podcast, and I would recommend it~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
+ While I have autism/ADHD I recognised more of me in Clay, I guess that is because we don’t really see a whole lot of Kyle. Yes, the two friends are together often, but yet Clay jumps out more than Kyle does. And I recognised a lot in Clay’s chaotic energy. Her not being able to sit still. Tune out when things get boring. The feelings of getting frustrated when it all just takes too long (which is actually a real thing for us ADHD-ers). She tries to make a lot of jokes. There were many other things, it was so relatable! And I love each bit of it.
+ Clay’s design was just so fun. The author really captured Clay and her chaotic energy!
+ I loved the podcast and what the made of it. And seeing it grow from just a blanket fort with a microphone to someone who does editing, to finding a logo, to getting a brand, to adding mails, and more. They were fully committed and it was so fun. Plus, I loved the idea of it and it was great to see how well they could improv their way through things.
+ And I was so proud when they got THAT offer and all that brought. Go go team Kyle x Clay! You deserve this! And I love how natural they were there, a lot of people would be like UM WOW, this is BIG and what do I do, but they grabbed that chance, whirl-wind through it, and had such fun. I hope that they will continue with their podcast, because I see a bright future for them both.
+ Dania x Clay forever, just without all the drama please. ? But they had such a good chemistry and throughout the book I just kept rooting and shipping, hoping that they would get together. I loved their little moments on stage and how Clay was always there to help out Dana. Like when she didn’t remember her words/scene and Clay just pretended to resurrect to help her out? CUTE!
+ On that note: THAT LAST PART ON STAGE OMG SOOOO CUTE! *dies*
+ A bakery named Honey Bunny’s, so CUTE!
+ I love love love that they live above a bakery of theirs called Honey Bunny’s, which not only features yummy pastries and all that, but also open mic evenings. Not entirely my kind of thing (stage fright and all that), but I do like seeing it around. And seeing all the creative things happening.
*cries* It was such a shame that the quality of the art in my ARC just plain sucked. It looks like such a lovely style, but it was blurry and at times hard to see things.
*angry* The teacher was horrendous and reminded me a lot of my many teachers. I didn’t learn of my ADHD until I was 13, but before and after that people would tell me to be serious (I was), to stop slacking (I wasn’t, my ADHD just was bored and that is apparently a whole thing that I didn’t learn about until I was an adult), to stop fidgeting or moving too much or to sit still or whatever else.
*meh* At times it felt a bit long. While in the end the story is all told, I still feel like it could have been 50-70 pages shorter and would still have worked out perfectly. But that may also be my ADHD speaking up, haha.
*questions* While I love love that our two characters live together with their moms, I was so confused as well, especially since there was also a friend/childhood friend as well named Lettie. It would have worked for me if there was a small introduction, now it felt like we just had to know that Clay and Kyle are not just friends, but also live together with their moms. And I want to know what is up with Lettie, does she live there? Is she more than a friend???
*confused* #notmefindingoutKyleisaboy240pagesin #oops I thought given everything Kyle was a girl. Hey, I am sorry, but the other character is called CLAY and is a girl. SOOO confusing.
All in all, despite some things, I still had fun reading this one, great characters, sweet romance, fun podcast, and I would recommend it~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 18, 2024
Cute graphic novel about two friends involved the middle school spring musical who decided to start their own podcast. Characters rang true and reminded me of my school’s students. Considering how popular our school musicals are, I’m sure this book will resonate with my kiddos and fly off the shelf with most of our other MS friendship stories.
October 3, 2024
Some books must be read by the adults as well (all books should but...) as a tool to better understand the ones in their community or daily life. This is a good example.
This novel couldn't have arrived at a better time. I was just recently pointing out how things have changed in education (for the better) and how children used to be put to shame by a strict teacher who didn't recognize potential (seeing them as a flaw of deviant behavior) instead of helping the students to maximize their skills. Thank the author for giving us a great ending to this situation. I have always thrived on being a teacher who recognizes mistakes, apologizes, and rectifies situations for the benefit of the development and growth of my students.
On a personal level, I loved this novel and its characters because as a person on the spectrum, it was fun to see the different reactions to the situations (one character representing one example of many of the spectrum of Autism and the other ADHD. Note that they do not defy it. There are many levels for each. They identify as being in the spectrum of each).
Fun read, inspiring, and uplifting. I love the art style and the color palette so much. Great interaction with the adults and also the setting at school. Their friendship is awesome.
This novel couldn't have arrived at a better time. I was just recently pointing out how things have changed in education (for the better) and how children used to be put to shame by a strict teacher who didn't recognize potential (seeing them as a flaw of deviant behavior) instead of helping the students to maximize their skills. Thank the author for giving us a great ending to this situation. I have always thrived on being a teacher who recognizes mistakes, apologizes, and rectifies situations for the benefit of the development and growth of my students.
On a personal level, I loved this novel and its characters because as a person on the spectrum, it was fun to see the different reactions to the situations (one character representing one example of many of the spectrum of Autism and the other ADHD. Note that they do not defy it. There are many levels for each. They identify as being in the spectrum of each).
Fun read, inspiring, and uplifting. I love the art style and the color palette so much. Great interaction with the adults and also the setting at school. Their friendship is awesome.
October 1, 2024
Will Clay and Kyle succeed with their podcast, the school play, and the dance?
Clay and Kyle, two best friends, love to have fun with their wacky humor all the time. Clay decides to try her hand at stardom by auditioning for the school play "Gals and Dolls." However, the director has zero tolerance for fun, and Clay wants to enjoy herself. So, Clay and Kyle came up with the idea for a podcast where they can freely express their humor. Will their podcast be successful? Will Clay perform well in her role? And will she get the opportunity to ask her crush to the 8th-grade dance?
The book was incredibly entertaining with its quirky humor, and I frequently found myself bursting into laughter at Clay's amusing behavior. The storyline was gripping and left me questioning whether it was based on a true story. I appreciated the representation of autism through Kyle, as it resonated with me.
Clay's comedic timing never failed to bring a smile to my face, and Kyle's gamer persona added an extra layer of depth to the characters. Dania, Clay's love interest, was not only stunning but also possessed a remarkable singing talent.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates humor and would find joy in this captivating narrative.
Happy Reading and Publication Day, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @littlebrownink for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Clay and Kyle, two best friends, love to have fun with their wacky humor all the time. Clay decides to try her hand at stardom by auditioning for the school play "Gals and Dolls." However, the director has zero tolerance for fun, and Clay wants to enjoy herself. So, Clay and Kyle came up with the idea for a podcast where they can freely express their humor. Will their podcast be successful? Will Clay perform well in her role? And will she get the opportunity to ask her crush to the 8th-grade dance?
The book was incredibly entertaining with its quirky humor, and I frequently found myself bursting into laughter at Clay's amusing behavior. The storyline was gripping and left me questioning whether it was based on a true story. I appreciated the representation of autism through Kyle, as it resonated with me.
Clay's comedic timing never failed to bring a smile to my face, and Kyle's gamer persona added an extra layer of depth to the characters. Dania, Clay's love interest, was not only stunning but also possessed a remarkable singing talent.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates humor and would find joy in this captivating narrative.
Happy Reading and Publication Day, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @tbrbeyondtours & @littlebrownink for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2024
This is such a sweet and funny graphic novel about two thirteen-year-old best friends, one with autism (Kyle) and the other with ADHD (Clay), trying to live it up on their final middle school theater show. Clay and Kyle both live upstairs from the Honey Bunny, owned by one of the women they live with. There's a trio of adult women taking care of the kids, and I have to say, that seems like a great set up.
Anyway, usually Kyle and Clay are stage crew, but this year, Clay decides to try out for the play, and lands one of the leading roles. However, Clay and Kyle much prefer comedy over this depressing musical, and Clay keeps getting into trouble with the drama teacher for being too funny. Meanwhile, Clay has a crush on the lead, Dania.
Then Kyle and Clay land on a great idea: they'll start their own comedy podcast called Passing Notes, where they give terrible advice to questions from subscribers! It becomes a big hit around school.
This is really charming and fun. I wish I were friends with Clay and Kyle; they're so funny. It's a very idealistic portrayal of middle school, but you know what? I'm okay with that. I don't need to always read about all the ways middle school is horrible.
The author is also autistic and has ADHD.
Anyway, usually Kyle and Clay are stage crew, but this year, Clay decides to try out for the play, and lands one of the leading roles. However, Clay and Kyle much prefer comedy over this depressing musical, and Clay keeps getting into trouble with the drama teacher for being too funny. Meanwhile, Clay has a crush on the lead, Dania.
Then Kyle and Clay land on a great idea: they'll start their own comedy podcast called Passing Notes, where they give terrible advice to questions from subscribers! It becomes a big hit around school.
This is really charming and fun. I wish I were friends with Clay and Kyle; they're so funny. It's a very idealistic portrayal of middle school, but you know what? I'm okay with that. I don't need to always read about all the ways middle school is horrible.
The author is also autistic and has ADHD.
September 15, 2024
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
I was very excited to read this graphic novel as the two main characters have ADHD and Autism, respectively, much like my daughter (Autism) and I (ADHD). Unfortunately I was a bit let down by how these traits were dealt with by the characters. I was expecting the characters to have some limitations that they learned how to work with and around. As I was reading I felt as though the characters recognized a problem they were having was caused by one of the above listed disorders but then didn't nothing to try and find a solution to the problem they were having. I don't mean this as if they needed to find a 'cure' to their disorder more that I wish they would have found a way to work with their limitations or adapt the way they were doing something. In the end the 'problems' they had were just not a problem anymore, personally I felt this shortchanged the characters and the readers.
I was looking for a book about how you can see your limitations and find solutions that work for you and instead got a book about seeing limitations and not doing any of the work to figure out how to make it work.
I was very excited to read this graphic novel as the two main characters have ADHD and Autism, respectively, much like my daughter (Autism) and I (ADHD). Unfortunately I was a bit let down by how these traits were dealt with by the characters. I was expecting the characters to have some limitations that they learned how to work with and around. As I was reading I felt as though the characters recognized a problem they were having was caused by one of the above listed disorders but then didn't nothing to try and find a solution to the problem they were having. I don't mean this as if they needed to find a 'cure' to their disorder more that I wish they would have found a way to work with their limitations or adapt the way they were doing something. In the end the 'problems' they had were just not a problem anymore, personally I felt this shortchanged the characters and the readers.
I was looking for a book about how you can see your limitations and find solutions that work for you and instead got a book about seeing limitations and not doing any of the work to figure out how to make it work.
June 21, 2024
I really enjoyed how the author depicted neurodivergence in this graphic novel. Our two main characters, Clay and Kyle, respectively portray middle schoolers with ADHD and Autism and while they underscore the characterizations and influence the actions/reactions of our protagonists the actual story is just about them living their theatrical experiences. The plot focuses around the two participating in their last middle school play while also creating a virtual podcast that quickly takes off. Throughout this they also navigate their friendship including a new professional dynamic, crushes, and insecurities. I really enjoyed it overall, the dialogue felt fast-paced and wasn't afraid to be silly. I think middle and early high schoolers would definitely enjoy it. Plus there were multiple queer characters, including Clay herself.
September 12, 2024
Clay and Kyle are best friends who love to joke around. They both want to do more than just be part of the behind the scenes for their school's plays. Clay decides to try out for the cast of Gals and Dolls, but can't keep her cool when her crush, Dania, is the main character of the play!
Clay and Kyle also decide to start their own podcast about giving bad advice to their peers and teachers. They are such a comical act that they can popularity with the improv jokes they tell on their podcast.
Will Clay be able to tell Dania how she really feels? Will Clay and Kyle be able to continue with their podcast when Clay is in the school's play?
I thought this was a great graphic novel about finding yourself, being comfortable with yourself, and also growing as a person. Sometimes life can be scary, but it's nice to have the support from family and/or friends.
Clay and Kyle also decide to start their own podcast about giving bad advice to their peers and teachers. They are such a comical act that they can popularity with the improv jokes they tell on their podcast.
Will Clay be able to tell Dania how she really feels? Will Clay and Kyle be able to continue with their podcast when Clay is in the school's play?
I thought this was a great graphic novel about finding yourself, being comfortable with yourself, and also growing as a person. Sometimes life can be scary, but it's nice to have the support from family and/or friends.
April 14, 2024
Stand Up is hilarious and heartwarming. On its face,
it tells the story of two ambitious kids starting a podcast, but it's really a story of kids being different and being treasured for it. I've never read anything that represents the experience of ADHD and autism as deftly or as completely as Tori Sharp's Stand Up. I wish i could meet the protagonist, Clay, in real life--she is so full of love and she knows how to comfort her friends, even when the adults around her think she's just goofing off.
it tells the story of two ambitious kids starting a podcast, but it's really a story of kids being different and being treasured for it. I've never read anything that represents the experience of ADHD and autism as deftly or as completely as Tori Sharp's Stand Up. I wish i could meet the protagonist, Clay, in real life--she is so full of love and she knows how to comfort her friends, even when the adults around her think she's just goofing off.
June 20, 2024
This is a cute story good for teens and young adults, about a couple of theater kids who work on the backstage prop team. Then they wanna try out to be in the play as its there last play of there senor year. After the audition the theater teacher ask them if they where series or if it was a joke auction. After finding out that it was a series play and not a comedy one drops out but the other comes back and ends up landing a part. It is very fun to watch there journey and all of the people that support and love them.
October 7, 2024
This was a cute graphic novel. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations were colorful and fun. The book had so many cute details that I enjoyed. The whole cast of quirky characters. The little bakery, Honey Bunny. The blanket fort for the podcast Kyle and Clay started and the eighth grade dance at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed the growth that both Kyle and Clay went through as the book progressed. I think there is a great message for young readers about following your dreams! I definitely think a lot of middle grade readers will love this book!
I really enjoyed the growth that both Kyle and Clay went through as the book progressed. I think there is a great message for young readers about following your dreams! I definitely think a lot of middle grade readers will love this book!
September 29, 2024
When I saw the email for Stand up which was already on my pre-orders as I thoroughly enjoyed Tori's previous Graphic Novel Just Pretend.
Stand up was an absolute joy to read I adored Kyle and Clay who even though they were Autistic and ADHD respectively they lived their lives with gusto. But Tori did not stop there she introduced LGBTQ into the mix. As usual the artwork was stunning and that is all I am saying about this Graphic Novel.
But if you decide to pick it up you will have a fab time like I did.
For all the above reasons Stand Up receives 4 Stars
Stand up was an absolute joy to read I adored Kyle and Clay who even though they were Autistic and ADHD respectively they lived their lives with gusto. But Tori did not stop there she introduced LGBTQ into the mix. As usual the artwork was stunning and that is all I am saying about this Graphic Novel.
But if you decide to pick it up you will have a fab time like I did.
For all the above reasons Stand Up receives 4 Stars
September 30, 2024
*I received a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway*
This was a cute, funny portrayal of middle school life and some dreams of middle schoolers realized. Clay and Kyle starting a hit podcast, meeting their idols, and having fun with their friends is a dream many middle schoolers have and it was fun to see it played out in this novel.
The whole novel was a little idealistic in terms of what middle school is like and the characters' abilities to adapt to any tough situation that was thrown their way, but it was a nice escape from some of the reality that young teens face.
This graphic novel holds similar space to other middle grade graphic novels, meaning that it will be a great hit with upper elementary and middle schoolers.
This was a cute, funny portrayal of middle school life and some dreams of middle schoolers realized. Clay and Kyle starting a hit podcast, meeting their idols, and having fun with their friends is a dream many middle schoolers have and it was fun to see it played out in this novel.
The whole novel was a little idealistic in terms of what middle school is like and the characters' abilities to adapt to any tough situation that was thrown their way, but it was a nice escape from some of the reality that young teens face.
This graphic novel holds similar space to other middle grade graphic novels, meaning that it will be a great hit with upper elementary and middle schoolers.
June 19, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
September 3, 2024
This was adorable. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and see them become more confident in themselves.
November 6, 2024
Very cute.
November 13, 2024
If the book centers on podcasting don’t name it Stand Up; I was expecting something else.
November 19, 2024
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews