Squad - book cover
Literature & Fiction
  • Publisher : Greenwillow Books
  • Published : 05 Oct 2021
  • Pages : 224
  • ISBN-10 : 0062943146
  • ISBN-13 : 9780062943149
  • Language : English

Squad

An IndieBound Bestseller

"Squad is a fast-paced and feminist horror story for every girl who's ever felt like prey, and asks how far a girl should go to hunt the hunters."-Laura Ruby, author of National Book Award Finalist Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

"Squad is a story fitted with the sharpest teeth that chomps down on the patriarchy, and I adored it with my entire vicious heart."-Chloe Gong, author of New York Times–bestselling These Violent Delights

Pretty Little Liars meets Teen Wolf in this sharply funny, and patriarchy-smashing graphic novel from author Maggie Tokuda-Hall and artist Lisa Sterle. When the new girl is invited to join her high school's most popular clique, she can't believe her luck-and she can't believe their secret, either.

When Becca transfers to a high school in an elite San Francisco suburb, she's worried she's not going to fit in. To her surprise, she's immediately adopted by the most popular girls in school. At first glance, Marley, Arianna, and Mandy are perfect. But at a party under a full moon, Becca learns that they also have a big secret.

Becca's new friends are werewolves. Their prey? Slimy boys who take advantage of unsuspecting girls. Eager to be accepted, Becca allows her friends to turn her into a werewolf, and finally, for the first time in her life, she feels like she truly belongs.

But then things get complicated. As their pack begins to buckle under the pressure, their moral high ground gets muddier and muddier-and Becca realizes that she might have feelings for one of her new best friends.

Lisa Sterle's stylish illustrations paired with Maggie Tokuda-Hall's sharp writing make Squad a fierce, haunting, and fast-paced thriller that will resonate with fans of Riverdale, and with readers of This Savage Song, Lumberjanes, and Paper Girls

Editorial Reviews

"Squad is monstrously delightful and delightfully monstrous. This book is transformative, healing, and deeply powerful." -- Sarah Gailey, author of When We Were Magic

"A story you can't help but sink your teeth into. Twists and turns you never see coming. I devoured this book." -- Colleen AF Venable, author of National Book Award nominee Kiss Number 8

"People call them all kinds of names-creeps, jerks. But the right word is predator. And that's who we hunt. Becca wants what every high-schooler does: to have a group of friends, a squad. But Becca's new friends are more than a clique, they're a pack, and this pack is hungry. Squad is a fast-paced and feminist horror story for every girl who's ever felt like prey, and asks how far a girl should go to hunt the hunters." -- Laura Ruby, National Book Award Finalist and Printz Medalist

"If the words 'badass lady-werewolves' aren't enough to convince you to read this book, the luscious art and brilliantly complicated portrayals of female friendship will. Squad will surprise, delight and horrify you. Get ready for this story to sink its teeth right into your heart."  -- Mallory O'Meara, bestselling author of The Lady from the Black Lagoon

"A fast-paced and deeply satisfying read. Squad is a story fitted with the sharpest teeth that chomps down on the patriarchy, and I adored it with my entire vicious heart." -- Chloe Gong, author of New York Times–bestselling These Violent Delights

"After she attends a party with the coolest girls in school, Becca realizes they're not a squad-they're more like a pack. . . . Author Maggie Tokuda-Hall upends many classic werewolf tropes in Squad . . . a revenge narrative and a quasi fable about consent . . . Illustrator Lisa Sterle's bold, energetic artwork perfectly complements the novel's themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal and the possibility of love. . . . A story of dramatic contrasts and surprising transformations." -- BookPage (starred review)

"New student Becca can hardly believe her luck when Arianna, Marley, and Amanda, who sit at the top of the Piedmont High School hierarchy, pick her to join their exclusive friend group. . . . The story highlights important topics, including internalized misogyny and codependent friendships. . . . An exciting look at girl power gone wrong." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Becca's first day as a junior at Piedmont High goes surprisingly well after golden girl Marley invites her to sit with the popular girls . . . but she doesn't feel like one of the pack-until some creepster dude tries to assault her and the girls show up, turn into wolves, tear him to pieces, and invite Becca to become one of the...

Readers Top Reviews

pChrisAudreyMichael
The illustrations are awesome. Maggie’s story telling is compelling and satisfyingly acerbic. Her wit is only outdone by a well developed plot and and a darkly feel good storyline. I was all in with the power of the Squad!
Caitlin McKee
I originally tried to have this book purchased through the library I work at; however, my boss decided against it. I went out on a limb and decided to purchase it based off the cover and small synopsis. I'm glad I did! I absolutely loved it! The story was well written and the twist at the end really surprised me! I thoroughly enjoyed the artwork; it was my favorite part of the book. The dark colors mixed with the neon bright pinks and yellows were just fantastic. I'm super glad I have this book in my graphic novel/comic book collection!
Robyn (BookNurse)
This was so cool, different and intriguing..the only thing is i wish we could have known what happened with Mandy but still great read
Dave H.
I don't know what life was like at Maggie Tokuda-Hall's high school, but she has certainly gotten her revenge in style. I'm a middle-aged cis male, which isn't the target market for Squad, but I loved it. Also, if you are a fan of the Archie comics, the art will make you smile. 13/10, would read again.
Jessie James Mishell
I personally enjoyed the premise and the story. All the characters are flawed AF and you sort of wish they'd made better choices but it was an awesome take on Squad Goals and how far we are willing to go to be liked.