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Last Day Pool Party
From the bestselling author of the Okay Witch series comes a contemporary graphic novel about the only thing standing between the kids of Orange Grove Junior High and summer break—one party, and a whole lot of drama.
Six very different kids’ stories collide at an unforgettable last day pool party in this hilarious and relatable story about friendship, popularity and the messiness of growing up.
When her name gets skipped at the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, Rose decides she is done being invisible. She’s determined to finally stand out and make her unfulfilled middle school dreams come true at the upcoming pool party. But she’s not the only one who wants to make a splash...BFFs Liv and Juhi are on the verge of a friend break-up when Juhi reveals her family is moving, and Liv uses the party as a chance to scout for a new bestie. Queen bee Maya was forced by her mom to come to unpopular Dustin’s party to be “nice”. And meanwhile, her not-so-social cousin Paul is just trying to avoid all the pool party pandemonium.
By the time the sun sets, unexpected twists and ridiculous mishaps will make this the weirdest, wildest last day of school ever. Get ready, because this party is about to go off the deep end.
Six very different kids’ stories collide at an unforgettable last day pool party in this hilarious and relatable story about friendship, popularity and the messiness of growing up.
When her name gets skipped at the eighth-grade graduation ceremony, Rose decides she is done being invisible. She’s determined to finally stand out and make her unfulfilled middle school dreams come true at the upcoming pool party. But she’s not the only one who wants to make a splash...BFFs Liv and Juhi are on the verge of a friend break-up when Juhi reveals her family is moving, and Liv uses the party as a chance to scout for a new bestie. Queen bee Maya was forced by her mom to come to unpopular Dustin’s party to be “nice”. And meanwhile, her not-so-social cousin Paul is just trying to avoid all the pool party pandemonium.
By the time the sun sets, unexpected twists and ridiculous mishaps will make this the weirdest, wildest last day of school ever. Get ready, because this party is about to go off the deep end.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Emma Steinkellner
8 books224 followersEmma Steinkellner is an illustrator, cartoonist, and writer based in Los Angeles, CA.
She is the author and illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel The Okay Witch (Aladdin, Fall 2019). The Okay Witch tells the story of 13-year-old Moth Hush, who learns that magic is to be expected when you're a Hush in an adventure that spans centuries, generations, and even worlds as Moth unravels the complicated legacy of witches at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
She is a graduate of Stanford University's department of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, where she created, wrote, and illustrated her thesis It Gets Weird, a science fiction sex ed graphic novel for adolescent readers and where she proclaimed herself "one of Stanford's most elite goons".
Working in print and webcomics, Emma has illustrated projects with her radiant sister, writer Kit Steinkellner, including the teen rom-com webcomic Aces and the Eisner-nominated superhero coming-of-age story Quince with Fanbase Press and is the creator of the comic diary Pow Slam Sparkle.
She is the author and illustrator of the middle grade graphic novel The Okay Witch (Aladdin, Fall 2019). The Okay Witch tells the story of 13-year-old Moth Hush, who learns that magic is to be expected when you're a Hush in an adventure that spans centuries, generations, and even worlds as Moth unravels the complicated legacy of witches at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.
She is a graduate of Stanford University's department of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, where she created, wrote, and illustrated her thesis It Gets Weird, a science fiction sex ed graphic novel for adolescent readers and where she proclaimed herself "one of Stanford's most elite goons".
Working in print and webcomics, Emma has illustrated projects with her radiant sister, writer Kit Steinkellner, including the teen rom-com webcomic Aces and the Eisner-nominated superhero coming-of-age story Quince with Fanbase Press and is the creator of the comic diary Pow Slam Sparkle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 24, 2025
Obsessed is an understatement. Would love this to be a series. Dustin is a king.
May 11, 2026
Cute, fairly simple last day of school story. Supposedly about graduating 8th graders but definitely reads for a younger audience - 3rd and up.
source: Sora ebook via WSDLC
source: Sora ebook via WSDLC
April 29, 2026
I liked this one! It follows a group of kids after their 8th grade graduation and it's really about being true to yourself and finding the people that you fit with.
I love that it has body diversity in it and it's so fun to see fat characters in graphic novels. It brings me so much joy.
Dustin has invited his classmates to his house for an end of your pool party but nobody's going to come and when the mean girl has to make an appearance everybody wants to go because she's going. Then there is a pair of girls who are experiencing a friend breakup because one is moving and they have their own stuff going on. There's another girl who got forgotten in the graduation lineup and it's determined to make herself be seen. And then there's a kid who is quite literally going just because he is being forced to but he's going to sit on the couch the whole time. I just thought it was a really fun group of kids and characters and the message is really great. This is one I will 100% be buying for my tween nephew.
I love that it has body diversity in it and it's so fun to see fat characters in graphic novels. It brings me so much joy.
Dustin has invited his classmates to his house for an end of your pool party but nobody's going to come and when the mean girl has to make an appearance everybody wants to go because she's going. Then there is a pair of girls who are experiencing a friend breakup because one is moving and they have their own stuff going on. There's another girl who got forgotten in the graduation lineup and it's determined to make herself be seen. And then there's a kid who is quite literally going just because he is being forced to but he's going to sit on the couch the whole time. I just thought it was a really fun group of kids and characters and the message is really great. This is one I will 100% be buying for my tween nephew.
October 28, 2025
Every author should look to Emma Steinkellner for inspiration on how to seamlessly incorporate such beautiful diversity into their books. This new graphic novel is charming and realistic, and part of that comes from the representation found within it. I felt like I was transported back to middle school while reading this last-day-of-eighth-grade story. Balancing multiple storylines and POVs can be challenging, but they all got their moments to shine and then all came together perfectly in the end. All of the characters felt like people you could meet and had very real, relatable emotions. There was so much character growth for the whole main cast. I loved this one. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
April 14, 2026
All in all, if you want a book full of summer, fun, friendship, party, but also a book about growth, cakes, saying sorry, then this is your book! I would recommend this one to all.
Review to come in June!
Review to come in June!
September 24, 2025
Yeah this was perfect. No notes.
May 1, 2026
3.5 stars. This was a slice of life look at some preteens celebrating the last day of school, what brought them there and what they hope to get out of the rest of the summer. I enjoyed the book on a superficial tween graphic novel level. There were some meatier issues around belonging, friends, moving away, wanting to be left alone, being true to yourself, but overall I found it fairly forgettable. I also found the scene with the popular girl's monologue very cliché. I think tweens will find it comforting to see themselves in at least one of the characters and enjoy the party vibes.
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December 17, 2025Last Day Pool Party was a cute, coming-of-age graphic novel. The illustrations were fresh and detailed. The different storylines each stood out on their own. The author did a fantastic job weaving the storylines together. The character development was nicely done, and each character had their own moment to shine. The pacing was fast, and I can easily see kids flying through this one. I appreciated the diversity and how realistic the characters and story felt. I can definitely see this being a hit for fans of Raina Telgemeier. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 8, 2025
First of all, I absolutely LOVE everything Emma Steinkellner has ever put out. And this one doesn’t disappoint! My biggest problem with the last Nell of Gumbling was that the pages felt too dense for middle grade, but that wasn’t the case in this one AT ALL. And this being the first one NOT in a magical world was such a hit.
This focused on not only finding your own identity and feeling proud of who you are, but it also focused on so many different aspects of friendship and you are you WITHIN those friendships. I thought that was really great.
I can’t wait to read her next one!
This focused on not only finding your own identity and feeling proud of who you are, but it also focused on so many different aspects of friendship and you are you WITHIN those friendships. I thought that was really great.
I can’t wait to read her next one!
December 28, 2025
This was a super cute story about learning to be yourself, and that you'll always find the right friends by being yourself!
I really loved how all the different characters and storylines all come together at end in one big group! I really liked Maya's arc, and felt very seen by Paul!
The art was also super cute! I think this is a great read for any kid going through a tough transition, whether it be school or friendships!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I really loved how all the different characters and storylines all come together at end in one big group! I really liked Maya's arc, and felt very seen by Paul!
The art was also super cute! I think this is a great read for any kid going through a tough transition, whether it be school or friendships!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy of Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkeller. This book was so cute. It's the last day of 8th grade, and the least popular boy is throwing a pool party. Good thing the most popular girl's mother is making her go. Friendships break and are put back together in a story that is full of humor and heart. I really enjoyed the illustration, and the character development was really fun to read. My only complaint is the amount of emotional break throughs that took place at this pool party is astronomical.
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September 6, 2025I feel like I should consider this too neatly wrapped - everyone gets their happy ending in a pretty quick book - but it just works? In a library of so many Raina Telgemeier readalikes, this holds its own. More solidly a strong readalike for the Click series than Raina. It is a sweet story that I'm happy to recommend to readers. When it actually releases in April 2026. These arcs on Netgalley are throwing off my sense of time.
November 28, 2025
four and a half stars
this was great. a relaxing story that seamlessly blended together tidbits from many characters. the only thing was, the story is about high schoolers and i didn't really feel like a high school format, more of a fourth grade reading level, and even the character seemed much younger than high school, more like elementary.
but if you don't care about that, a satisfying short and sweet read.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
this was great. a relaxing story that seamlessly blended together tidbits from many characters. the only thing was, the story is about high schoolers and i didn't really feel like a high school format, more of a fourth grade reading level, and even the character seemed much younger than high school, more like elementary.
but if you don't care about that, a satisfying short and sweet read.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
November 16, 2025
Adorable, funny, and encouraging! This was a loveable cast of characters representing a range of personalities. This felt a little like a younger version of the Breakfast Club, with majority of the story taking place in one location and setting the stage for a lot of personal change and reflection in a short span of time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Labyrinth Road for the digital ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Labyrinth Road for the digital ARC!
September 4, 2025
So cute and so relatable and the feel-good ending made me smile. The messages of being your self and not pretending to be something you're not and not changing so people will like you are really well-done. Except mean girl Maya, she needed to change and her transformation was perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
It's the last day of school at Orange Grover Junior High, but the drama isn't over yet. Dustin has planned a pool party, complete with one of his spectacular cakes, but when he is crying in the background of a video posted by the popular Maya, he's afraid no one will come. Maya is being forced to go by her mother, who wants Maya to apologize, especially since she used to be very good friends with Dustin. Maya's cousin, Paul, is forced to go as well, but would rather just play video games with his online friends. Best friends Juhi and Liv bring their drama to the party; Juhi's family is moving to London, and she hasn't told Liv because Liv is a bit overly dramatic about everything. Case in point: Liv announces to the entire party that she will be interviewing people for the role of her new best friend! Finally, we have Rose, whose name was not called at graduation, and who generally feels invisible. She made a bucket list at the beginning of junior high, but hasn't been able to make friends, have her first kiss, create a viral dance move, or do anything memorable. Maya, who rolls her eyes with alarming frequency, wanders to the kitchen in search of "better" snacks, and has a heart to heart with Dustin after she overhears girls saying that she (and the members of her clique, "the Knot") isn't particularly nice. Dustin tells her that she is strategic in her relationships, and that she was in fact mean to him when she tired of their imaginary games and he did not. Maya thinks the answer is to give Dustin and makeover and make him cooler. Liv continues to turn down most of the applicants, although Juhi and Rose talk, and Juhi actually recommends Rose to Liv. Liv spends a lot of time talking to Paul as well. The drama escalates, but in the end, the children learn new things about themselves and make peace with going into the summer.
Strengths: Even though this story was filled with drama, it was actually really upbeat, which is somewhat unusual for graphic novels! I enjoyed Steinkeller's The Okay Witch, but this hits so many things that are true about middle school and middle school relationships-- worrying that no one will show up at your party, snotty cliques, kids overly involved in gaming, losing friends. Maya and Dustin reconnecting was absolutely delightful, and I can't think of any other stories where this happens. The way they reconnected was a little goofy, but with the world the way it is, I can definitely appreciate a healthy dose of goofy! The setting of a pool party, complete with an hourly timeline, was very fun. This might just be my second favorite graphic novel, after Tatulli's Short and Skinny.
Weaknesses: I was distracted by Rose's enormous glasses, and still didn't like the style of the noses. I also had trouble believing that Liv played with tiny animal figurines AND let everyone know about it.
What I really think: Readers who love Miller's Click series or Lloyd and Wagner's books will adore this upbeat graphic novel about one of the most requested topics: tween drama! If you buy any graphic novels this year, make sure this is one.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
It's the last day of school at Orange Grover Junior High, but the drama isn't over yet. Dustin has planned a pool party, complete with one of his spectacular cakes, but when he is crying in the background of a video posted by the popular Maya, he's afraid no one will come. Maya is being forced to go by her mother, who wants Maya to apologize, especially since she used to be very good friends with Dustin. Maya's cousin, Paul, is forced to go as well, but would rather just play video games with his online friends. Best friends Juhi and Liv bring their drama to the party; Juhi's family is moving to London, and she hasn't told Liv because Liv is a bit overly dramatic about everything. Case in point: Liv announces to the entire party that she will be interviewing people for the role of her new best friend! Finally, we have Rose, whose name was not called at graduation, and who generally feels invisible. She made a bucket list at the beginning of junior high, but hasn't been able to make friends, have her first kiss, create a viral dance move, or do anything memorable. Maya, who rolls her eyes with alarming frequency, wanders to the kitchen in search of "better" snacks, and has a heart to heart with Dustin after she overhears girls saying that she (and the members of her clique, "the Knot") isn't particularly nice. Dustin tells her that she is strategic in her relationships, and that she was in fact mean to him when she tired of their imaginary games and he did not. Maya thinks the answer is to give Dustin and makeover and make him cooler. Liv continues to turn down most of the applicants, although Juhi and Rose talk, and Juhi actually recommends Rose to Liv. Liv spends a lot of time talking to Paul as well. The drama escalates, but in the end, the children learn new things about themselves and make peace with going into the summer.
Strengths: Even though this story was filled with drama, it was actually really upbeat, which is somewhat unusual for graphic novels! I enjoyed Steinkeller's The Okay Witch, but this hits so many things that are true about middle school and middle school relationships-- worrying that no one will show up at your party, snotty cliques, kids overly involved in gaming, losing friends. Maya and Dustin reconnecting was absolutely delightful, and I can't think of any other stories where this happens. The way they reconnected was a little goofy, but with the world the way it is, I can definitely appreciate a healthy dose of goofy! The setting of a pool party, complete with an hourly timeline, was very fun. This might just be my second favorite graphic novel, after Tatulli's Short and Skinny.
Weaknesses: I was distracted by Rose's enormous glasses, and still didn't like the style of the noses. I also had trouble believing that Liv played with tiny animal figurines AND let everyone know about it.
What I really think: Readers who love Miller's Click series or Lloyd and Wagner's books will adore this upbeat graphic novel about one of the most requested topics: tween drama! If you buy any graphic novels this year, make sure this is one.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
December 10, 2025
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer L. Holm, Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner is a vibrant and heartfelt graphic novel that truly captures the excitement (and often clumsiness) of tween friendship, identity, and growing up.
The story follows six unique perspectives of recent Orange Grove Junior High 8th-grade graduates, each with their own goals to accomplish at a summer celebration pool party. The art is bright, playful, and full of personality. Steinkellner’s illustrations bring the entire pool party to life with expressive character designs, fun visual gags, and paneling that keeps the pacing snappy and satisfying.
The representation in this graphic novel is fantastic and feels natural within the story. I was especially impressed by just how well Steinkellner balances such a diverse cast of characters. Each character has a distinct voice, realistic flaws, and clear motivations, making it easy to root for all of them, even when they make very questionable middle school-level decisions. Even with six POVs, the plot never feels confusing or overcrowded. Every transition is smooth, making it an easy and fun read.
Although the characters are preparing for high school, I feel that the tone skewed younger and would be better suited to kids entering middle school, rather than leaving it. That said, I think this actually broadens its appeal to younger readers who are starting to explore stories about friendship, drama, and identity shifts without the heavier themes often tied to older teens.
Overall, Last Day Pool Party is a colorful, heartfelt, and delightfully silly celebration of friendship, change, and the awkwardness of growing up. It’s the perfect pick for younger middle-grade readers looking for a fun summer read filled with characters that are probably just like them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books / Labyrinth Road for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
The story follows six unique perspectives of recent Orange Grove Junior High 8th-grade graduates, each with their own goals to accomplish at a summer celebration pool party. The art is bright, playful, and full of personality. Steinkellner’s illustrations bring the entire pool party to life with expressive character designs, fun visual gags, and paneling that keeps the pacing snappy and satisfying.
The representation in this graphic novel is fantastic and feels natural within the story. I was especially impressed by just how well Steinkellner balances such a diverse cast of characters. Each character has a distinct voice, realistic flaws, and clear motivations, making it easy to root for all of them, even when they make very questionable middle school-level decisions. Even with six POVs, the plot never feels confusing or overcrowded. Every transition is smooth, making it an easy and fun read.
Although the characters are preparing for high school, I feel that the tone skewed younger and would be better suited to kids entering middle school, rather than leaving it. That said, I think this actually broadens its appeal to younger readers who are starting to explore stories about friendship, drama, and identity shifts without the heavier themes often tied to older teens.
Overall, Last Day Pool Party is a colorful, heartfelt, and delightfully silly celebration of friendship, change, and the awkwardness of growing up. It’s the perfect pick for younger middle-grade readers looking for a fun summer read filled with characters that are probably just like them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books / Labyrinth Road for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 12, 2026
Emma Steinkellner has created an adorable graphic novel centered around an 8th grade graduation pool party. The story follows six main characters—Rose, Juhi, Maya, Paul, Liv, and Dustin.
Dustin is hosting, though most people are only attending because “cool girl” Maya will be there. Maya is only going because one of her TikToks intentionally featured Dustin crying in the background, and her mom is making her apologize. Paul is there because Maya is his cousin and his ride home, though he’d much rather be at home playing video games. Rose feels she’s been overlooked throughout middle school and is determined to make her mark before it ends. Meanwhile, Liv has just learned that Juhi is moving to London and is scrambling to secure a new best friend.
Over the course of the party, the six tweens have a series of conversations that lead them to reflect on the pressure they place on themselves (and each other) to fit in and be perfect. Eventually, they begin to realize that simply being themselves is enough.
The social dynamics and emotional reactions feel very true to the middle school experience. While I’m not entirely convinced that middle schoolers would articulate their feelings quite as clearly as these characters do in their emotional debriefs, the realizations they reach are valuable for that age group to see represented. The book also does a great job with diversity and representation. Rose, Juhi, Maya, and Paul are all characters of color, while Liv and Dustin are white. Rose has two moms, and all of the characters are illustrated with realistic, varied body types and features. The art is done in the traditional graphic novel cartoon style, bright and fun and engaging, and is one that is familiar and beloved by middle grade readers. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Dustin is hosting, though most people are only attending because “cool girl” Maya will be there. Maya is only going because one of her TikToks intentionally featured Dustin crying in the background, and her mom is making her apologize. Paul is there because Maya is his cousin and his ride home, though he’d much rather be at home playing video games. Rose feels she’s been overlooked throughout middle school and is determined to make her mark before it ends. Meanwhile, Liv has just learned that Juhi is moving to London and is scrambling to secure a new best friend.
Over the course of the party, the six tweens have a series of conversations that lead them to reflect on the pressure they place on themselves (and each other) to fit in and be perfect. Eventually, they begin to realize that simply being themselves is enough.
The social dynamics and emotional reactions feel very true to the middle school experience. While I’m not entirely convinced that middle schoolers would articulate their feelings quite as clearly as these characters do in their emotional debriefs, the realizations they reach are valuable for that age group to see represented. The book also does a great job with diversity and representation. Rose, Juhi, Maya, and Paul are all characters of color, while Liv and Dustin are white. Rose has two moms, and all of the characters are illustrated with realistic, varied body types and features. The art is done in the traditional graphic novel cartoon style, bright and fun and engaging, and is one that is familiar and beloved by middle grade readers. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This cute and colorful graphic novel is about a group of kids who have just graduated from middle school. The story follows multiple characters, and their stories converge at a pool party that kicks off summer break. This slice-of-life narrative has just enough plot to pull everything together in a satisfying way, and the author explores some sensitive themes in a caring way.
I particularly appreciate the positive portrayal of one boy's online friendships. This is just a tiny part of the book, but the story shows that these bonds are real and valid. The encouragement this boy offers to another character helps her see the value of staying in touch with a best friend who is moving away.
I appreciate how well the author juggled multiple storylines, and the kids are drawn in such distinct ways that I found it easy to tell the characters apart. However, there are times when things seem rushed. Most notably, the mean girl's total transformation feels unrealistic and unearned. I appreciate the positive messages conveyed in that storyline, but it's hard to believe that she could turn things around that dramatically in a few hours.
This book will appeal to middle-grade readers who like graphic novels about everyday life, friendship, and summer fun. This story represents tweens' inner lives and friendships in an authentic way, and the humor and drama will appeal to the target audience.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I particularly appreciate the positive portrayal of one boy's online friendships. This is just a tiny part of the book, but the story shows that these bonds are real and valid. The encouragement this boy offers to another character helps her see the value of staying in touch with a best friend who is moving away.
I appreciate how well the author juggled multiple storylines, and the kids are drawn in such distinct ways that I found it easy to tell the characters apart. However, there are times when things seem rushed. Most notably, the mean girl's total transformation feels unrealistic and unearned. I appreciate the positive messages conveyed in that storyline, but it's hard to believe that she could turn things around that dramatically in a few hours.
This book will appeal to middle-grade readers who like graphic novels about everyday life, friendship, and summer fun. This story represents tweens' inner lives and friendships in an authentic way, and the humor and drama will appeal to the target audience.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 26, 2026
Don't be fooled by this graphic novel's title into thinking its yet another pool party book in which everyone gets debauched and the popular crowd rules. It's so much more than most readers will expect. The action centers around a last day of junior high pool party thrown by Dustin's family. He's been bullied and humiliated earlier in the year by Queen Bee Maya, who's at the center of the upper echelon of popularity in their class. Maya's mother has insisted that she attend the party and apologize to Dustin, who has some secret skills that are revealed at the party. Speaking of secrets, Liv and Juhi are in a big fight because Juhi has waited until the last minute to tell her that she's moving to London. Rose, who has barely made a ripple during the past year, decides that she will seize this moment to stand out in some way. And Paul, Maya's cousin, would clearly rather be gaming than hanging out at a pool party. Could the years of middle school end in a messier fashion? Probably not. The artwork is fabulous, depicting each of these six youngsters sympathetically, while the text offers some surprising twists. It's all so relatable and middle schoolish that older readers will feel as though they've been transported back to those days again even while its intended audience just may find parts of themselves in one of these characters.
May 6, 2026
Follows 6 kids at a pool party after junior high graduation. All 6 are helpfully introduced in the first few pages.
Dustin is hosting the pool party and plans to reveal his beautifully decorated cake he made, but after crying in the background of the snotty kids video, he is not sure anyone will come.
Maya is part of that group of snotty kids. Her mom makes her attend so that she can apologize to Dustin. They used to be friends.
Paul is Maya’s cousin. He would much rather be playing video games with his online friends. In fact, he spends most of the party indoors in the couch playing video games. He says that Most kids are coming simply because Maya will be there.
Liv and Juhi are best friends, and very dramatic. Juhi will be moving to London in 3 weeks and is just now informing Luv, who is not taking it well and uses the party to loudly interview others for the role of her best friend.
Rose feels invisible, and in fact her name was not even called at graduation so she has to go to the office to get a make up diploma. She attends the party to try to complete an unreasonable checklist, which includes making 100 friends, having a first kiss, introducing a dance craze, etc. She makes attempts on all of these tasks with disastrous results.
The whole story is mostly set at the party and there is drama galore, but also resolutions.
Dustin is hosting the pool party and plans to reveal his beautifully decorated cake he made, but after crying in the background of the snotty kids video, he is not sure anyone will come.
Maya is part of that group of snotty kids. Her mom makes her attend so that she can apologize to Dustin. They used to be friends.
Paul is Maya’s cousin. He would much rather be playing video games with his online friends. In fact, he spends most of the party indoors in the couch playing video games. He says that Most kids are coming simply because Maya will be there.
Liv and Juhi are best friends, and very dramatic. Juhi will be moving to London in 3 weeks and is just now informing Luv, who is not taking it well and uses the party to loudly interview others for the role of her best friend.
Rose feels invisible, and in fact her name was not even called at graduation so she has to go to the office to get a make up diploma. She attends the party to try to complete an unreasonable checklist, which includes making 100 friends, having a first kiss, introducing a dance craze, etc. She makes attempts on all of these tasks with disastrous results.
The whole story is mostly set at the party and there is drama galore, but also resolutions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some books remind you of specific feelings you thought you’d outgrown. Last Day Pool Party did that for me. It carries the same quiet magnetism as those graphic novels you pick up expecting something light and end up lingering with long after—books that understand how memory works, how moments blur, and how small interactions can feel enormous at the time.
What I loved most is how recognisable the emotional texture feels and how it balances humour with genuine insight into friendship dynamics and social hierarchy. If you’ve ever finished a school year, a friendship phase, or a version of yourself with a strange mix of relief and melancholy, this book taps into that space with surprising accuracy. It doesn’t push for nostalgia; it lets it surface naturally. The art amplifies this beautifully—loose, expressive, and observant in a way that made me pause on panels just to take in a look or gesture that felt familiar.
Last Day Pool Party is a vivid, engaging graphic novel that feels custom-built for readers who appreciate voice and visual storytelling in equal measure. It’s a book that rewards a single sitting with both wit and heart, and I highly recommend it.
What I loved most is how recognisable the emotional texture feels and how it balances humour with genuine insight into friendship dynamics and social hierarchy. If you’ve ever finished a school year, a friendship phase, or a version of yourself with a strange mix of relief and melancholy, this book taps into that space with surprising accuracy. It doesn’t push for nostalgia; it lets it surface naturally. The art amplifies this beautifully—loose, expressive, and observant in a way that made me pause on panels just to take in a look or gesture that felt familiar.
Last Day Pool Party is a vivid, engaging graphic novel that feels custom-built for readers who appreciate voice and visual storytelling in equal measure. It’s a book that rewards a single sitting with both wit and heart, and I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I got an early copy of this digital ARC from Netgalley for my review.
This was a really cute little graphic novel showing a Jr. High graduation and the pool party right after where a lot of complicated social dynamics go down. It's a little like Can't Hardly Wait but for tweens and there's not really any romantic element.
My issues with it were more semantics - is Rose new? How does she go years without making a friend or anyone knowing who she is? It doesn't seem like a huge school so that whole situation is over the top.
Also, the digital copy had Juhi and Dustin's bios mixed up which was a little confusing at first.
I thought the dynamic with Juhi and Liv was the most interesting and while it also seems dramatic, it also feels like what 13 year old, dramatic girl would do when she hears her bestie is moving. I loved Paul's cool contribution to the story of someone reluctant to do anything he doesn't want to but ultimately providing the most wisdom to the story.
This was a really cute little graphic novel showing a Jr. High graduation and the pool party right after where a lot of complicated social dynamics go down. It's a little like Can't Hardly Wait but for tweens and there's not really any romantic element.
My issues with it were more semantics - is Rose new? How does she go years without making a friend or anyone knowing who she is? It doesn't seem like a huge school so that whole situation is over the top.
Also, the digital copy had Juhi and Dustin's bios mixed up which was a little confusing at first.
I thought the dynamic with Juhi and Liv was the most interesting and while it also seems dramatic, it also feels like what 13 year old, dramatic girl would do when she hears her bestie is moving. I loved Paul's cool contribution to the story of someone reluctant to do anything he doesn't want to but ultimately providing the most wisdom to the story.
February 25, 2026
I really didn’t know where this book was going at first, but it was a pleasant surprise as I read. This was a lovely way to show the various obstacles kids can experience in the transition between middle and high school. From friends moving away to bullying to trying to come out of one’s shell, I think this book would be a great read for kids who have dealt with any of these issues or those who are nervous about transitioning to a new school. The one thing I question is whether this is a bit young for the age described in the book (leaving middle school and entering high school so presumably around 14 years old), but I am not an expert in reading age levels, so I did not take any stars off for this, but it could be something to consider.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Last Day Pool Party takes on the confusion and self-doubt that teens struggle through as they transition from middle school to high school in a humorous and heart-warming tale. Dustin's end of year pool party serves as the mixing-pot for the outgoing 8th graders to vent their woes & choose new paths as they each try to begin figuring out what life will look like when they move on to high school. Each of the 6 teens that the story focuses on are going through some kind of disruption to their normal world, and each one is reacting to that change in a different way.
Steinkellner uses humor and her colorful artwork to express the characters' evolving emotions as they traverse the intricacies of friendship, change, self-doubt, self-acceptance and more.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the digital arc!
Steinkellner uses humor and her colorful artwork to express the characters' evolving emotions as they traverse the intricacies of friendship, change, self-doubt, self-acceptance and more.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the digital arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a cute, short story about some kids and their relationships with each other the day they finish eighth grade. I loved how diverse it is. Most of the main characters are people of color and two of them are fat. One of them has two moms. The background characters are also diverse.
All of the characters had distinct personalities and were fun to read about. One of the characters had a lot of development that I didn't believe given the story takes place over only a few hours, but I can forgive it given the intended audience.
I'm definitely interested in more from Emma Steinkellner after reading this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
All of the characters had distinct personalities and were fun to read about. One of the characters had a lot of development that I didn't believe given the story takes place over only a few hours, but I can forgive it given the intended audience.
I'm definitely interested in more from Emma Steinkellner after reading this.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
May 7, 2026
Reading 2026
Book 96: Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner
After I read Nell of Gumbling earlier this month, I bought this book. This is the author’s latest middle grade graphic novel. I wanted to explore her other books.
Synopsis: From the bestselling author of the Okay Witch series comes a contemporary graphic novel about the only thing standing between the kids of Orange Grove Junior High and summer break—one party, and a whole lot of drama.
Review: What I did not like about the formatting of Nell of Gumbling was not the case with Pool Party. Lots of middle school drama unfolds, lots of redemption, lots of finding yourself, lots of fun. Enjoyed this better than Nell, 4⭐️.
Book 96: Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner
After I read Nell of Gumbling earlier this month, I bought this book. This is the author’s latest middle grade graphic novel. I wanted to explore her other books.
Synopsis: From the bestselling author of the Okay Witch series comes a contemporary graphic novel about the only thing standing between the kids of Orange Grove Junior High and summer break—one party, and a whole lot of drama.
Review: What I did not like about the formatting of Nell of Gumbling was not the case with Pool Party. Lots of middle school drama unfolds, lots of redemption, lots of finding yourself, lots of fun. Enjoyed this better than Nell, 4⭐️.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
perks of working at B&N — ARCs!!
thank you to the Random House Children's Publicity Department for sending a copy of Last Day Pool Party to our store
this was SO sweet, emma steinkellner does such a great job of weaving the lives of six (freshly graduated eighth grade) kids on the last day of school
for fans of
- Raina Telgemeier's books (especially The Babysitter's Club)
- Svetlana Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School series (awkward, brave, crush)
- Sharee Miller's Curlfriends
- Cassandra Calin's New Girl series
thank you to the Random House Children's Publicity Department for sending a copy of Last Day Pool Party to our store
this was SO sweet, emma steinkellner does such a great job of weaving the lives of six (freshly graduated eighth grade) kids on the last day of school
for fans of
- Raina Telgemeier's books (especially The Babysitter's Club)
- Svetlana Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School series (awkward, brave, crush)
- Sharee Miller's Curlfriends
- Cassandra Calin's New Girl series
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At the risk of overselling this book, no notes. I read a lot of middle grade books, and very, very few make me nostalgic for eighth grade but this one absolutely does. I love the cartoony illustrations and the shift in the illustration from daylight to twilight to nighttime.
This story of missed friendships and friendships ending and friendships transitioning feels like it could be a DCOM. It's silly and sweet and nostalgic and all takes place over the span of a few hours. This book is a total winner.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy of this book!
This story of missed friendships and friendships ending and friendships transitioning feels like it could be a DCOM. It's silly and sweet and nostalgic and all takes place over the span of a few hours. This book is a total winner.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy of this book!
May 25, 2026
A group of classmates attend a pool party after junior high graduation. The book focuses on six characters, including the host of the party, feuding best friends, and a girl who wants to cross something off her unattainable junior high bucket list before it’s too late.
It reminded me of a bottle episode of a sitcom, where everyone is all forced together. I liked the idea of it, but the execution was only so so. Everything ties up neatly after the main characters have epiphanies that make them change their ways.
It reminded me of a bottle episode of a sitcom, where everyone is all forced together. I liked the idea of it, but the execution was only so so. Everything ties up neatly after the main characters have epiphanies that make them change their ways.
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