“Phew, made it!”

From Isabel Roxas’ The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens.

After meeting at the local youth center, loners Agnes, Roberta, and Ruby formed a club that allowed each of them to follow their separate interests together. Lovingly referring to themselves as Team Pom, the three girls quickly become friends while the rest of the world only labels them as outcasts. After placing last at a synchronized swimming competition, the girls are saddened, but refuse to give up and seek inspiration from the legendary Diving Divas promotional material. However, unbeknownst to Team Pom, a giant squid has taken refuge in the center’s pool while trying to avoid being captured by the mysterious Steve and his evil henchmen mice. After Agnes finds the squid—which she quickly names Cyd—hiding in the pool, she recruits Roberta and Ruby to help her keep Cyd hidden and safe. When Steve’s minions plan another synchronized swimming competition to lure Cyd out of hiding, Team Pom begins rehearsing a number, unaware of the danger that awaits them… and Cyd. When the day of the competition arrives, Team Pom and Cyd quickly find themselves outnumbered and unprepared for the evil that awaits them, but the girls use the skills that make them so different to risk it all to save Cyd.

A funny and rather sweet series opener, this graphic novel will have readers excitedly looking forward to the next installment. Roxas does well to create unique characters that are easy to connect with right from the beginning. The illustrations for this quick read help to build an interesting world, making Squid Happens an adventure unlike any other.