This is a great series that can be read in any order.  This is the first time the author is telling a story from the male perspective and I think she nails it.  Tyler has shown up in the other books.  He is the school's cute boy on the basketball team.  But Tyler is more than the jock.  He loves art.  And he loves comics.  He starts a project with Emmie (from the first book), but the kids around him tease him for their friendship and think they are more than just friends.  This book looks at Tyler just trying to live his middle school life and be more than the jock.  I love that it is part graphic novel, part illustrated novel.  It just all works.  I also like that there is a male leading character to help attract more boys to the series.