On Guard! by Cassidy Wasserman is a touching graphic novel that deals with themes of self-discovery, estranged friendship, and difficult family dynamics, told through the relatable main character Grace, as she looks back on her first efforts as her life begins to happen.
The light-hearted, minimalistic style and clear storyline create a gentle yet thoughtful meditation on growing up that is accessible to young readers who will identify with Grace and the challenges she encounters. Although I appreciated the story overall, I consistently felt I was always waiting for some deeper closure to some of its emotional arcs. Here are the reasons why the book is still worth picking up despite its flaws.
Grace is trying to find her footing in 7th grade, but between a best friend break up and her rocky relationship with her mom, it isn’t easy. Is the middle school fencing club the answer to finding her people…and maybe even herself?
“A great story about a kid finding her footing (and a cool new sport!) despite the shifting sands of divorce.” —Lucy Knisley, New York Times Bestselling creator of Stepping Stones
“A great choice for fans of The Tryout, Duel, and Nat Enough.” —School Library Journal
On guard? Ready? Fence!
Grace isn’t ready for a new school year. Her best friend Ava dropped her at the end of last year, the dust is still settling from her parents’ messy divorce, and things are not going well between Grace and her mom. Mothers and daughters are always so close in movies. But that’s never been Grace and her mom. So now Grace has no friends, no hobbies (band was Ava’s thing), and home feels even more complicated than school. There’s not a single place Grace can just relax. Until, she sees the school’s fencing club practicing. They look so sure of themselves. So steady. It may not solve everything…but could this be a place Grace can finally belong and be herself?
Graphic Novel Review: On Guard!
This warm story about a girl named Grace, who is figuring out why she is friendless, and trying to figure herself out with a mom who doesn’t show much affection. The overall story was lovely, but I felt the ending was odd and rushed. This story is a good read for anyone dealing with personal issues or struggling with self-acceptance. I would have loved more. Had it been another 100 pages, this story would have been so much more!
Don’t get me wrong, the book is not bad, but the pacing left me feeling dissatisfied with some loose ends. I wanted to see more closure between Grace and her mom, and Grace and her old best friend. I wish that there had been a little more communication or backstory about that, especially with her mom’s behavior and the tension with her old friend. I felt like they just didn’t have enough interactions with the ex-best friend, and although the book is about Grace growing into herself, I would have liked to get a better understanding of the people in her life.
Nonetheless, perhaps the lack of resolution is intentional and intended to emulate real-life middle school friendships. At this age, kids don’t have the communication skills to navigate through conflicts and it makes sense that they would separate quickly without resolution. However, I would have liked to see at least a small conversation for closure.
Regardless, I think On Guard! is a fantastic story for young readers, demonstrating that they are not alone in facing difficulties with friends and family. I wish that I had a book like this when I was younger. It would have caused me to feel less isolated while dealing with my own struggles.
I would enjoy to have seen more scenes with Grace’s new friends, that could have brought a positivity to the heavier themes. Overall, the story demonstrates you have to think about the problems with growing up, and while you might want to smack some characters (like Grace’s mom), you just want to hug Grace because everyone needs comfort in difficult times.
The style is quite simplistic and cute. The interior art is in black and white, but from the previews I’ve seen of the full-color cover, the illustrations look cute and, when you look at the cover, they seem to have much more detail! That said, I don’t have much to say as it relates to color.
I like the clean and simple drawings. They’re not too much or too overwhelming, and the simplicity makes it easier for children to follow as well, which is nice. It’s for a story about growth and self-realization. The simple drawings are perfect since the simple, and honestly there is no need for much drama. It’s a good way to fit the tone and message of the book.
On Guard! will be available starting June 10.
You can use the following link to check out On Guard!
© 2025 by Cassidy Wasserman
Disclaimer: Anime Corner received a copy On Guard! in exchange for a review.
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