“I’ve been writing the chronicles of my life.”

From Kristen Gudsnuk’s Making Friends: Back to the Drawing Board.

While Danny’s life has been unbelievably different ever since she found a magic notebook that brings to life anything she draws, she’s still facing all the classic middle school troubles like bullies, crushes, staying close with friends, and learning to love yourself. Months ago, when she unintentionally created an evil wizard that destroyed the school gym, things were bad, but with the help of her journal-created best friend, Madison, and some real friends, Dany was able to survive the ordeal. Though even with magic and her friends, this year has been tough. Dany thought her biggest issue was going to be getting along with Madison’s popular friend Cara—which is why she created a clone of herself to live through all life’s awkward moments for her—but she was so wrong. When Cloney knocks over a jar hidden in the basement, a magical blue dog emerges and runs away. Realizing that her parents have been using the genie dog to make their lives better, Dany is shocked, but while trying to cover up that she and Cloney lost the dog, Danny’s mom finds out about her journal and takes it. Grounded except for when she’s searching for the magical dog, Dany tries to let Cloney take the reins in her life. However, when they find the dog and the evil person who has them, Dany and her friends may prepare for an epic battle to save their home.

This sequel will definitely require readers to be familiar with the first story, because this book does little to give background. While the main character is easy to relate to, the somewhat choppy pace keeps the story from being great. Missing the mark a little bit, Back to the Drawing Board does feature some fun fantasy that drives home an important lesson that young readers will enjoy.