Max and the Midknights' is this totally fun middle-grade graphic novel by Lincoln Peirce, and the main character is Max—short for Maxine, though she prefers Max. She's this spunky, determined kid who dreams of being a knight, even though everyone around her keeps saying girls can't do that. Max is just so relatable because she's got this fiery spirit and refuses to let anyone box her in. The way she rallies her friends—the Midknights—to go on adventures and stand up for what's right is just infectious. You can't help but root for her as she defies expectations and proves that courage and brains aren't gender-specific.
What I love about Max is how she balances being a leader with still feeling like a real kid. She makes mistakes, gets frustrated, but never gives up. The dynamic between her and the Midknights—like her best friend Millie and the others—adds so much warmth to the story. It's one of those books where the protagonist doesn't feel like a cardboard hero; she's messy, funny, and totally unforgettable. If you haven't read it yet, Max's journey is worth every page turn—especially for anyone who's ever been told they can't do something because of who they are.