Anne of Green Bagels

This hybrid comic/chapter book from spouses Schade and Buller (Scarlett: A Star on the Run) revolves around Anne, an 11-year-old forced to move back to her grandparents’ cookie-cutter suburb when her eccentric father abandons the family to try out his “latest wacky invention.” Anne’s spirulina bagels attract the eye of classmate Brendan, who makes the title’s joke. He’s also the winner of last year’s school talent show, which piles more tension on Anne; she’s thinking of entering the show with her new friend Otto, who offers her social support and musical collaboration. Meanwhile, Anne uncovers evidence that her father has more to do with the comedy TV show they adored watching together (it’s a Simpsons clone) than she knew. Used in both spot illustrations and panels, the duotone artwork is strongest in dream sequences that show Anne wrestling with her father’s betrayal and her love for him. While the dialogue sometimes turns smarmy (“Show ’em you like it,” says Otto, suggesting that they name their musical duo the Green Bagels. “And you’re proud to be who you are”), it’s breezy entertainment with a suitably happy ending. Ages 7–10. (Aug.)