No such thing as perfect

With a bit of courage and some magical assistance, a young girl learns to reach out to others. Star basketball player Emma is popular at school, but at home she feels unappreciated, since her mother constantly and unfavorably compares her to Julia, her seemingly perfect older sister who attends high school in Manhattan. Emma's insecurities manifest in a defensive demeanor that affects her relationships with friends and family. The pressure is heightened when Emma gets a spot on the school's all-star basketball team. She's disappointed not to be chosen as a starter; she's also admonished for her lack of teamwork. Mounting pressures lead Emma to have more and more outbursts, but fortunately, she finds guidance from a guardian spirit in the form of Lexi, a cute talking French bulldog her family is dog sitting. Still, it takes things escalating to an unbearable point before Emma finally expresses her inner pain openly and connects more deeply with others. Parts of Emma's backstory can initially be confusing to decipher, but the almost painfully honest portrayal of her emotional struggles will resonate. Self-esteem, friendships, and second chances are explored through her growth, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Drawn in a manga style and displaying a deft use of color, this is a visually attractive and expressive story. Emma and her family have light-brown skin and brown hair; there's racial diversity among the supporting cast. An emotional story that gently advocates for emotional vulnerability. (drawing instructions, fashion ideas, dog-sitting advice) (Graphic fiction. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.