• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7

A young girl in middle school will do whatever it takes to meet her favorite author—even if it means joining her school band! A contemporary graphic novel about making your dream come true—and the friends you make along the way.

When Scout learns that her favorite author is doing an exclusive autograph session at the end of the year, she's determined to be there! She officially needs a plan...and when she finds out that her school's band is heading to the same location for their annual trip, an idea takes shape. Being a band kid can't be that hard, right?

As it turns out, learning how to play an instrument when you can’t even read music is much, much, MUCH tougher than expected. And it’s even harder for Scout when her friends aren’t on board with her new hobby. Will she be able to master the trombone, make new band friends, and get to her favorite author’s book signing? Tackling everything seems like a challenge for a supergenius superfriend supermusician—and she’s just Scout.

Jade Armstrong's profile page

Jade Armstrong is a non-binary cartoonist who was raised in Almonte, Ontario. They studied animation in the Greater Toronto Area and worked as a background painter for a number of years. They are a member of the comics collective Hello Boyfriend, where they work with their friends creating more zines and short comics. Scout Is Not a Band Kid is Jade’s debut graphic novel. You can find them online at @jelajade.

"This graphic novel will immediately entice nerdy fans of all stripes." —The Horn Book
"Refreshingly portrays a school inhabited by kids and teachers diverse in ethnicity and gender identity and expression who accept one another." —Kirkus Reviews