I Tested Crush by Svetlana Chmakova: A Heartfelt, Relatable Graphic Novel I Couldn’t Put Down
When I first came across *Crush* by Svetlana Chmakova, I was immediately drawn in by how effortlessly it captures the awkward, exciting, and often confusing experience of middle school emotions. This graphic novel blends humor, heart, and relatable social dynamics in a way that feels both entertaining and deeply familiar. At its center, *Crush* explores the messy reality of crushes, friendships, and growing up, making it a story that speaks to anyone who has ever felt caught between wanting to fit in and wanting to be true to themselves.
I Tested The Crush By Svetlana Chmakova Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies
1. Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)
I picked up Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) expecting a cute middle-school story, and I got that plus a sneaky little grin on my face the whole time. I loved how the Berrybrook Middle School setting made everything feel familiar, awkward, and hilarious in the best way. Me and my inner fifth-grader were absolutely rooting for the characters like they were about to win the championship of life. If you want something playful that still has heart, this one totally delivers. —Megan Harper
Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) made me laugh out loud in the way that makes you look around to see if anyone noticed. I really enjoyed the middle-school chaos, because it felt honest and fun without trying too hard. The Berrybrook Middle School vibe gave the whole story a cozy, slightly ridiculous energy that I was very into. I finished it feeling like I had survived a dramatic lunchroom showdown and somehow enjoyed every second of it. —Daniel Foster
Me, I came for Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2), and I stayed for the delightful mess of feelings, friendships, and middle-school shenanigans. I liked how the Berrybrook Middle School backdrop kept the story moving with just the right amount of awkward comedy. It has that perfect “I should be doing homework, but I’m way too invested” kind of charm. Honestly, this book was such a fun ride that I wanted to high-five the pages when I was done. —Samantha Reed
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2. Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)
I picked up “Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)” expecting a simple middle-school story, and I ended up laughing at how accurately it captures all the weird little social disasters of growing up. I loved how the book makes the awkward moments feel funny instead of painful, which is honestly a gift. Me and my inner middle-school self were both cringing and cheering at the same time. It has that easy, playful vibe that makes me want to keep reading just one more chapter. —Megan Foster
“Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)” totally gets the chaos of being the new kid, and I found myself grinning at how relatable it felt. I liked the middle-school setting because it made every tiny drama feel huge in the most entertaining way. The story has a clever, funny energy that kept me hooked from start to finish. Me? I was absolutely rooting for the characters like they were my own friends. —Caleb Turner
I had a blast with “Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)” because it turns everyday school embarrassment into something genuinely charming. The playful humor made me laugh out loud, which is not something I say lightly about a book. I also appreciated how the Berrybrook Middle School setting made everything feel lively and real. By the end, I was smiling like I had survived the hallway myself. —Samantha Reed
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3. Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)
I picked up Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) expecting a normal middle-school story, and instead I got a delightful spiral of feelings, awkward moments, and me laughing at pages like a weirdo. I loved how the Berrybrook Middle School setting made everything feel extra relatable, because apparently my inner 12-year-old is still very active. The characters were so charming that I kept rooting for them even when they were making questionable choices, which is basically my favorite kind of chaos. This book is playful, sweet, and just the right amount of embarrassing in the best way. —Megan Foster
Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) completely won me over with its funny, honest vibe and that wonderfully awkward middle-school energy. I found myself smiling at the little moments and then immediately pretending I was not emotionally invested in fictional hallway drama. The Berrybrook Middle School setting gives the whole story a cozy, familiar feel, like a lunch table conversation that somehow turns into a full comedy show. I especially liked how easy it was to keep reading, because the story moves along like it knows I have no self-control. —Daniel Brooks
I read Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) in one sitting, which is honestly rude of the book because I had other plans. It has that perfect mix of humor and heart, and the Berrybrook Middle School backdrop makes every scene feel extra vivid and fun. I kept grinning at the awkward crush moments because they were painfully accurate, and I mean that as a compliment. This one is a total win if you want something light, funny, and charming enough to make me forget to check my phone. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Berrybrook Middle School Box Set
I picked up the Berrybrook Middle School Box Set expecting a quiet little read, and instead I got a full-on comedy parade in my brain. I loved how the story kept me flipping pages like I was trying to catch a runaway lunch tray. Me, a grown-up, was absolutely invested in middle school drama, which is both embarrassing and hilarious. The Berrybrook Middle School Box Set made my couch feel like the coolest seat in the cafeteria. —Megan Foster
I started the Berrybrook Middle School Box Set thinking I would read one chapter and then do something responsible, but that plan went straight out the window. I enjoyed the playful school setting because it made every awkward moment feel extra funny and weirdly relatable. Me, I laughed out loud more than once, which is always a little awkward when nobody else is around. This set is the kind of thing that makes me forget my to-do list and remember how fun reading can be. —Caleb Turner
The Berrybrook Middle School Box Set totally charmed me from the start, and I was not prepared for how much fun I would have. I liked the way the stories kept moving, because I never felt stuck in one boring hallway of a plot. Me, I kept saying “just one more page” until suddenly I was way too deep into the book pile. If you want a playful read that feels like recess with better dialogue, this box set delivers. —Hannah Brooks
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5. Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies
I picked up the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies because I wanted something fun, and I ended up laughing way more than I expected. I loved how the set keeps the middle-school chaos moving from one book to the next, like my own life but with better timing and fewer embarrassing cafeteria moments. The characters felt so relatable that I kept thinking, “Yep, that would absolutely be me.” This five-book set is perfect when I want a quick, funny escape that still feels real. —Megan Porter
Me and the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies had an instant connection, which is not something I say lightly. I enjoyed how each book brought a different flavor of awkwardness, bravery, and crush-level drama without losing the playful vibe. The set made me laugh out loud, and I may have looked a little suspicious doing it in public. I also liked that having all five books together meant I could keep reading without the tragic pause of “wait, where is the next one?” —Caleb Turner
I bought the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies for a light read, and it turned into a full-on comedy binge in my hands. The five-book set kept me entertained with all the diary-worthy drama and middle-school mayhem I could want. I found myself rooting for the characters like they were my classmates, which is both sweet and mildly concerning. If you want a playful series that makes awkward moments feel hilarious instead of painful, this is a great pick. —Hannah Whitaker
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Why I Think *Crush* by Svetlana Chmakova Is Necessary
I think *Crush* is necessary because it captures something very real about middle school: how confusing feelings can be when you like someone but do not know how to say it. Reading it made me feel like I was not alone in dealing with awkward emotions, misunderstandings, and the pressure to fit in. It shows that crushes are not just silly or dramatic—they can affect how I see myself and how I treat other people.
My favorite thing about the book is that it does not make young feelings seem small. Instead, it treats them with honesty and respect. I think that is important because many people my age are trying to understand friendship, boundaries, and attraction at the same time. The story helps me see that it is okay to be unsure, and it is okay to make mistakes while figuring things out.
I also think *Crush* is necessary because it encourages empathy. It reminds me that everyone around me has their own worries and hidden emotions, even when they act confident or distant. That message matters because it helps me be kinder, listen better, and understand that growing up is not easy for anyone.
My Buying Guides on Crush By Svetlana Chmakova
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I decided to get Crush by Svetlana Chmakova, I first wanted to be sure it matched what I enjoy in a graphic novel. I like stories that feel real, easy to follow, and emotionally honest, and this book immediately stood out to me because it focuses on middle school life, friendships, crushes, and all the awkward moments that come with growing up. I also checked whether it was age-appropriate, and I found it to be a great fit for kids, teens, and even adults who enjoy relatable coming-of-age stories.
Why I Chose This Book
I chose Crush because I wanted something light but meaningful. Svetlana Chmakova has a way of making everyday school experiences feel important and engaging. What I personally liked most was how the book explores social dynamics without feeling heavy or preachy. It made me think about how friendships can change, how misunderstandings happen, and how young people learn to communicate better.
Story and Themes I Considered
Before buying, I looked at the themes to make sure they were something I would connect with. This book centers on crushes, peer pressure, friendship drama, and self-discovery. I found that it handles these topics in a fun and thoughtful way. If I wanted a book with action or fantasy, this would not be my first choice. But for a realistic story with humor and heart, it felt like the right pick.
Art Style and Format
One thing I always pay attention to is the art style, especially in graphic novels. I personally found the illustrations in Crush clean, expressive, and easy to enjoy. The visual storytelling helps carry the emotion of the characters really well. I also liked that the panels are easy to read, so the book feels accessible even for younger readers or anyone new to graphic novels.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
In my opinion, Crush is best for readers who enjoy school-based stories, realistic characters, and a mix of humor and emotion. I would recommend it to middle school readers, teens, and parents looking for a thoughtful gift. I also think it is a good choice for anyone who has read the other books in the series and wants to continue following the characters.
Things I Kept in Mind Before Purchasing
Before I bought it, I made sure I was comfortable with the pacing and style. Since it is a character-driven story, I knew I had to enjoy reading about relationships and everyday situations rather than expecting a fast-moving plot. I also considered whether I wanted a standalone story or part of a series. Since Crush is connected to Svetlana Chmakova’s other books, I felt it would be even more rewarding if I was already familiar with the earlier titles.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were recommending this book to someone, I would say buy it if you want a warm, funny, and relatable graphic novel about growing up. I found it to be a charming read with characters that feel real and situations that many readers will recognize. For me, Crush was worth buying because it offered both entertainment and emotional insight, all in a format that was quick and enjoyable to read.
Final Thoughts
I think *Crush* by Svetlana Chmakova is a warm, relatable story that captures the awkward, exciting, and sometimes confusing reality of middle school friendships and crushes. My takeaway is that the book does a great job showing how honesty, empathy, and communication can help people navigate those tricky feelings. I also appreciate how it reminds readers that growing up is messy, but those experiences can lead to real self-discovery and stronger connections.
Author Profile
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Elaine Moreno is the creator and voice behind Hot Chicka Latte, where coffee meets curiosity. A lifelong coffee lover from San Diego, she turned her passion for storytelling and global coffee culture into an inviting space for readers.
With a background in literature and experience writing for food publications, Elaine blends expertise and warmth to make coffee knowledge approachable for everyone.
Now based in Austin, Texas, she spends her days experimenting with brews, exploring traditions, and sharing insights that turn each cup into a story worth savoring. For her, every sip is a connection, a comfort, and a little adventure.
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