Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what you want from a middle-grade series: fast, funny, accessible, and sneakily teaching good lessons without being preachy. Lincoln Peirce clearly understands his audience—the Big Nate guy knows how to write kids who feel like actual kids, not adult ideas of what kids should sound like.

The graphic novel format is a gift for reluctant readers, and the fantasy adventure plot keeps pages turning. Max is a likable protagonist who wants something (to be a knight) and faces real obstacles (a society that says no) without the story becoming a heavy-handed gender studies lesson. It's just good fun with a solid message baked in.

The trilogy format means if your kid likes Book 1, you've got two more ready to go. Reviews from both parents and kids are overwhelmingly positive, and the 'harmless fun' descriptor is accurate—this is clean entertainment that won't surprise you with anything concerning. It's not going to win literary awards, but it will get kids reading, laughing, and maybe thinking about what it means to challenge unfair rules.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12, the sweet spot for kids transitioning to chapter books or who need the graphic novel format to stay engaged. The humor and adventure will appeal to both boys and girls, though Max's gender-barrier-breaking journey might especially resonate with girls tired of princess stories.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Common Sense Media confirms this graphic novel series has 'lots of lessons about bravery and kindness' with a conversational style that reflects how kids think. The series tackles gender barriers (Max wants to be a knight in a world that doesn't allow girls) with humor rather than heavy-handedness. Focuses on friendship, courage, and overcoming obstacles. No concerning content flagged in any reviews.

Imaginative

82

Medieval fantasy world with magic, time travel (Book 3), and adventure quests. Lincoln Peirce originated the series as a 'spoof of sword and sorcery tales,' bringing fresh humor to fantasy tropes. Graphic novel format with comic illustrations adds visual creativity. The premise of a girl defying gender norms to become a knight offers imaginative role-modeling. However, it's working within familiar fantasy conventions rather than breaking entirely new ground.

Safe

95

Described as 'good, harmless fun' by Redeemed Reader. Common Sense Media parent reviews emphasize it's appropriate for kids with no concerning content warnings. As a printed book series, there are no privacy issues, monetization concerns, or social features. The 'far-fetched plot' and comic style keeps any conflict light and age-appropriate. No flags for violence, scary content, or mature themes in any review.

Enriching

76

Common Sense Media notes it's 'a great way to teach your kids about the middle ages' with educational value. Core themes of breaking gender barriers, friendship, and perseverance offer meaningful takeaways. Fast-paced, funny writing makes it accessible for reluctant readers. The 'snappy dialogue' and conversational style builds reading engagement. However, as light fantasy adventure, it's more entertaining than deeply enriching—which is perfectly fine for a middle-grade series.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Lincoln Peirce knows how to write for kids—the dialogue and pacing actually reflect how middle schoolers think and talk
Max is a great protagonist who wants to be a knight in a world that says girls can't, handled with humor rather than lectures
Graphic novel format with comic illustrations makes it accessible for reluctant readers without dumbing anything down
The trilogy includes time travel, magical adventures, and a mystery about Max's past—keeps momentum across all three books
Parents and kids both give it high marks for being genuinely funny while teaching lessons about bravery and kindness

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What to Watch For

It's light fantasy adventure—don't expect deep literary themes, this is popcorn reading in the best way
Each book includes activities, which might appeal to some kids and feel like homework to others
The medieval setting is more comedic spoof than historical accuracy

Conversation Starters

"Max faces a world that tells her girls can't be knights. Have you ever felt like someone said you couldn't do something because of who you are?"
"The Midknights are Max's band of friends who help her on quests. Who would be in your adventure crew and why?"
"In Book 3, Max discovers she has a twin who's 'public enemy number one.' How would you feel if you found out you had a secret sibling?"
"Lincoln Peirce wrote this as a funny take on serious fantasy stories. What other stories do you think would be funnier if they were spoofs?"

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