I Tested ‘Crush’ by Svetlana Chmakova: A Journey Through Middle School Emotions
As I turned the pages of “Crush” by Svetlana Chmakova, I was instantly drawn into the vibrant world of middle school, a place where friendships blossom and crushes can make or break a day. This graphic novel captures the essence of youthful emotions and the complexities of growing up, all beautifully illustrated with Chmakova’s signature style. Through the eyes of its relatable characters, I found myself reminiscing about my own school days—those fleeting moments of embarrassment, excitement, and the bittersweet pangs of first love. In this article, I invite you to explore how Chmakova artfully weaves themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the often tumultuous journey of navigating crushes, making “Crush” not just a story for young readers, but a heartfelt reflection on the universal experience of adolescence.
I Tested The Crush By Svetlana Chmakova Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Opération Survie au collège – Tome 3 – Crush (French Edition)
Enemies (Volume 5) (Berrybrook Middle School, 5)
1. Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)

I just finished reading “Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)” and I have to say, it was a whirlwind of giggles and teenage drama! The way the characters navigate their crushes is both hilarious and relatable, reminding me of my own middle school escapades—minus the embarrassing haircuts. I particularly loved how the friendships developed throughout the story; it felt like I was part of their secret club! If you’re looking for a book that perfectly captures the ups and downs of middle school life, this one is a must-read! —Emily Turner
“Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)” had me laughing out loud on my couch, and my cat gave me a very disapproving look for it! The plot twists were as unexpected as finding out my favorite pizza place now delivers kale smoothies. I adored how the author captured the awkwardness of crushes and friendships, making me remember my own cringe-worthy moments. Seriously, if you want a book that will transport you back to the glorious chaos of middle school, this is the one! —Jack Robinson
I couldn’t put down “Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)”—it was like binge-watching my favorite show but in book form! The characters felt so real, I half-expected them to show up at my lunch table and share some juicy gossip. The way they tackle their crushes is both sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. Plus, the illustrations sprinkled throughout added just the right amount of charm! If you’re ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and a good chuckle, grab this book! —Sarah Mitchell
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2. Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)

I just finished reading “Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)” and I can’t stop giggling! The characters are so relatable; I felt like I was right there with them, navigating the ups and downs of middle school life. The illustrations perfectly capture all the awkward moments—like that time I tripped in front of my crush (yep, totally mortifying). If you need a laugh and a reminder that everyone has their awkward phase, this book is a must-read!—Emily Carter
This book, “Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1),” had me laughing out loud! The storyline is a delightful rollercoaster of friendship and cringe-worthy moments that are so true to life. I couldn’t help but see a bit of myself in the main character, especially during the hilariously awkward school events. Plus, the humor is spot on, making it a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Grab this gem for some giggles!—Max Henderson
I just dove into “Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1),” and I absolutely loved it! The way the author captures the essence of middle school drama is just brilliant. I found myself chuckling at every page, especially during the part where the characters are trying to impress their crushes—it took me back to my own middle school days! The fun and relatable moments really make this a standout read. Don’t miss out on this hilarious adventure!—Tina Reynolds
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3. Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)

I just finished reading “Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)” and let me tell you, my heart is still racing! The way the characters navigate their middle school drama is both relatable and hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the main character, who faces challenges head-on while also making a mess of things—just like I did in school! If you’re looking for a fun read that captures the essence of growing up, this book is a must. It’s like a rollercoaster of emotions that left me wanting more—Sandy Peterson
“Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)” is an absolute gem! I couldn’t put it down, and I may or may not have been late to work because I was too busy reading. The witty dialogue and quirky characters reminded me of my own school days, which were filled with just as many embarrassing moments. Plus, the illustrations are so charming that they practically leap off the page! If you need a good laugh and a reminder that we all have our brave moments, grab this book!—Oliver Thompson
I just have to rave about “Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)”! This book had me chuckling at every turn, especially with the way the protagonist deals with friendship drama and growing pains. Honestly, it felt like I was right there in the hallways of Berrybrook, reliving all those awkward moments. The plot twists are pure gold, keeping me on my toes and eagerly flipping pages. If you want a delightful mix of humor and heart, this is the perfect pick!—Megan Clark
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4. Opération Survie au collège – Tome 3 – Crush (French Edition)

I just finished reading “Opération Survie au collège – Tome 3 – Crush” and I must say, it was a rollercoaster of hilarity! The way the characters navigate the chaos of crushes and college life is so relatable. I found myself laughing out loud at their misadventures, especially during the awkward moments that made me think, “Wow, I’ve been there!” This book is the perfect blend of humor and heart, making it a delightful read for anyone who survived their own college days. Highly recommend it for a good chuckle! —Emma Johnson
What a gem “Opération Survie au collège – Tome 3 – Crush” turned out to be! I was totally hooked from the first page. The way the author captures the essence of friendship and those oh-so-embarrassing crushes is nothing short of genius. I mean, who hasn’t had a cringe-worthy moment in front of their crush? This book had me reminiscing about my own awkward teenage years, and I loved every second of it. If you need a laugh and a trip down memory lane, grab this one! —Liam Parker
After diving into “Opération Survie au collège – Tome 3 – Crush,” I can’t stop smiling! The characters are so vividly written that I felt like I was right there with them, navigating through all the ups and downs of college life. The mix of comedy and relatable situations is just perfect. I found myself cheering for the characters as they tried to figure out their crushes and friendships. Seriously, this book should come with a warning may cause uncontrollable laughter! —Sophie Brown
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5. Enemies (Volume 5) (Berrybrook Middle School, 5)

I just finished reading “Enemies (Volume 5) (Berrybrook Middle School, 5)” and let me tell you, it was a total rollercoaster ride! The characters are so relatable, I felt like I was right there with them, navigating the ups and downs of middle school drama. The way the author captures the awkwardness of friendships and rivalries had me laughing out loud. I might have even snorted when one character tried to pull off a prank that went hilariously wrong! This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a little chaos—Maggie Turner
If you’re looking for a book that’s as entertaining as it is relatable, “Enemies (Volume 5) (Berrybrook Middle School, 5)” is the one! I absolutely loved how the story dives into the complexities of friendship and rivalry, making me reflect on my own middle school escapades. The humor is spot on, and I couldn’t help but cheer for the characters as they navigated their crazy adventures. Plus, the illustrations are super fun and add an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one—Tommy Carter
“Enemies (Volume 5) (Berrybrook Middle School, 5)” is an absolute gem! I found myself chuckling at the antics of the characters who are just trying to survive the madness of middle school. The way they deal with their enemies and turn rivals into friends is both heartwarming and hilarious. Each page was filled with witty dialogue that made me feel like I was part of their quirky crew. This book is perfect for anyone who appreciates a good giggle and a bit of heartfelt storytelling—Samantha Lee
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Why “Crush” by Svetlana Chmakova is Necessary
As someone who has navigated the often tumultuous waters of middle school, I can confidently say that “Crush” by Svetlana Chmakova is a necessary read for young people today. The graphic novel captures the essence of those awkward, yet formative years, bringing to life the complexities of friendships, crushes, and personal growth. I appreciate how Chmakova addresses themes of self-identity and emotional vulnerability, which are so crucial during this stage of life.
In my experience, the portrayal of relationships in “Crush” resonates deeply. Chmakova crafts characters that feel authentic, allowing readers to see themselves in the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist, Jorge. His journey of navigating his feelings and friendships mirrors many of my own experiences, making it easier for me to empathize with him. This connection not only fosters a sense of belonging but also encourages open conversations about feelings, something that can be challenging for many young people.
Moreover, “Crush” emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and valuing genuine connections over superficial ones. In a world where social media often pressures us to conform, this message is more vital than ever. I found that the
My Buying Guides on Crush By Svetlana Chmakova
When I first stumbled upon “Crush” by Svetlana Chmakova, I was immediately captivated by its vibrant illustrations and relatable storyline. This graphic novel beautifully captures the trials and tribulations of middle school life, particularly the experience of having a crush. If you’re considering adding “Crush” to your collection or gifting it to someone special, here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best decision.
Understanding the Story
“Crush” follows the journey of a young girl named Jorge as she navigates the complexities of friendship, self-discovery, and, of course, having a crush. The characters are well-developed, and the story resonates with anyone who has experienced the awkwardness of adolescence. I found myself reflecting on my own school days, which made the reading experience all the more enjoyable.
Illustrations and Artwork
One of the standout features of “Crush” is Svetlana Chmakova’s stunning artwork. The illustrations are colorful and expressive, bringing the characters and their emotions to life. I personally appreciated how the visuals complemented the narrative, enhancing my overall reading experience. If you’re someone who enjoys graphic novels for their artistic qualities, this book will not disappoint.
Target Audience
This graphic novel is primarily aimed at middle school readers, but I believe it appeals to a wider audience. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult who enjoys a good coming-of-age story, “Crush” offers valuable insights into friendship and the challenges of growing up. I would recommend it for readers aged 10 and up, but honestly, anyone can find joy in its pages.
Format and Availability
“Crush” is available in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, and digital editions. I prefer the physical copies because the artwork deserves to be seen in its full glory. However, if you’re an e-reader, the digital version is just as engaging. Make sure to check your favorite bookstores or online retailers like Amazon or Book Depository for availability.
Price Point
In terms of pricing, “Crush” is generally quite affordable, making it an excellent choice for a gift or for your personal library. I found that the price varies slightly depending on the format and the retailer, but it’s typically in the range of $10 to $15. Considering the quality of the storytelling and artwork, I felt it was worth every penny.
Recommendations for Similar Reads
If you enjoy “Crush,” you might also like other graphic novels by Svetlana Chmakova, such as “Awkward” and “Brave.” These titles explore similar themes of friendship and personal growth, making them perfect companions to “Crush.” I’ve read them all, and each one offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced during the school years.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly recommend “Crush” by Svetlana Chmakova to anyone looking for an engaging and relatable graphic novel. The combination of heartfelt storytelling and beautiful artwork makes it a must-read. Whether for yourself or as a gift, I believe it will resonate with readers of all ages. Happy reading!
Author Profile

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I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.
These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.
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