Scout Is Not a Band Kid

White Ontario eighth grader Scout Martins will do anything to meet the elderly creator of her favorite character—magical, trombone-wielding Posaune Warrior Princess. When Scout’s father says that local festival AlmonteFest, where the creator is slotted for what could be a last appearance, is too far to attend, Scout finds her own way: by lying about having previously played trombone, she joins a school band that is headed to the festival. Though Scout’s mercenary scheme initially prompts comedic panic, it’s soon juxtaposed against the focus of trombone first chair Merrin Lafreniere, who’s working to earn a spot at a competitive arts high school. After Merrin is tapped to mentor Scout, interfering with Merrin’s routine, the two find that they both enjoy Posaune Warrior Princess, and the duo’s initial clash becomes a heartfelt friendship. Employing rounded, fluid linework reminiscent of Heartstopper, and introducing the school’s variously diverse characters via character sheets, which detail pronouns and stats, debut creator Armstrong excels at portraying characters’ expressive reactions, for example Scout’s mortification at accidentally throwing her trombone’s sleeve during a concert. Back matter discusses characters’ development and design, and includes a number of four-panel shorts. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Agent: Seth Fishman, Gernert Co. (Apr.) ■