T.S. ­Hullabaloo: A Graphic Novel Based on a (Mostly) True Story

Gr 4-6–This charming tale follows kindhearted protagonist Jack Daring during his late-childhood realization that he is a kid with a hullabaloo. In the world of the graphic novel, a “hullabaloo” refers to a fantastical creature that enjoys an inseparable bond with a certain child, and like children themselves, each hullabaloo has a unique personality and set of skills. Unfortunately for Jack, his own attention-hungry hullabaloo, named T.S., not only looks like a mix between a black cat and a devil, but also thrives on creating mischief and destruction. Jack begins sixth grade newly transferred to a homeroom filled with other hullabaloo kids; the rest of the story tracks Jack’s journey toward accepting and cooperating with T.S. The book’s parallel to students in our own world who are neurodivergent or have learning differences quickly becomes obvious, and the fantastical hullabaloos prove an interesting way to explore how these elements can make middle school even more socially alienating for some. This book provides a unique way for such students to feel seen. The art style is not necessarily groundbreaking in its panels or color schemes, but fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Smile and Rex Ogle’s Four Eyes will find it immediately ­accessible. The silly and chaotic humor will keep young readers laughing, and there’s even a meta-joke about graphic novels at the very end to delight older readers. Jack is white; supporting characters represent a range of ethnicities.