Big Nate

TV-Y7.  Nickelodeon and streaming on Paramount+. Available February 17. 

In this funny series with clever animation, white middle schooler Nate Wright has made an art out of getting detention. The computer-animated cartoon is based on the popular series of comics and illustrated novels by Lincoln Peirce.

READ-ALIKES

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian. Putnam. 2020.
Gr 3-5–British Muslim Omar starts a new school in this cartoon-illustrated chapter book series starter. From facing a school bully to trying fasting for the first time, Omar's relatable story will have readers giggling along with his adventures.

Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt. 2020.
Gr 3-6–Determined to prove that he’s not a baby, 12-year-old Chinese-Australian Henry sets off on a trip to Singapore by himself to visit his dad and documents his trip with cartoon illustrations he draws in his notebook. A laugh-out-loud story for fans of mischievous tween adventures.

The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John. Amulet. 2015.
Gr 3-6–In this funny school story, white new guy Miles sparks a prank war with his new school’s resident trickster, and they soon find themselves joining forces to pull off the biggest joke their school has ever seen. A hilarious novel with cartoon illustrations.

The Detention Club by David Yoo. Balzer + Bray. 2011.
Gr 4-7–Unpopular new sixth graders Peter and Drew fail several times at making friends, until a stint in detention, when things start turning around. A fast-paced contemporary romp.