Reviews

Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee

dgrstory's review

emotional informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

lufferdinks's review

4.0

As a kid that grew up with OCD, this book made me feel seen in a way that I haven't experienced in a long time. I loved it through and through.

books_inthewild's review

5.0

Cue: runs out to buy more copies!
LOVE this new graphic novel- “Growing Pangs” by Kathryn Ormsbee @kathsby and illustrated by Molly Brooks @goodgollyetc

Talk about stunning illustrations, amazing & diverse characters, a compelling story, and a message about anxiety, OCD, and mental health in young people!? Count. Me. In! ♥️

I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish, and I think every single reader can benefit from learning more about how those with OCD & anxiety feel and cope daily.

Highly recommend this one! Great for grades 3-7 for sure.
Also great themes of friendships, family, theatre & drama, summer camp, homeschooling, etc.

rileyaurora83's review

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

amwright's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

maryehavens's review

4.0

I really liked the artwork and the fact that the author and illustrator were so candid about their OCD. I wasn't aware that children could have OCD and I wonder how much of it is dismissed as "just anxiety" (and I also wonder how much anxiety is actually crippling....it's a murky thing...).
I also really liked how the artist and author portrayed other peoples' anxieties as different animals - a grasshopper, a bunny, etc.
All around great book :)

swtmarie's review

4.0

Really enjoyed this graphic novel about a young girl growing up with typical fears and worries of adolescence and having friends. Based on part of the author's own life, this story follows Katie and having to deal with thoughts of feeling different from other kids and dealing with OCD behaviors and a lingual frenectomy. This story is very relatable for any tween and was a fun read!

llinthelibrary's review

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

barbarianlibarian's review

3.0

Nice

earlybirdie94's review

5.0

I really enjoyed how realistic this was. I had OCD/anxiety growing up so I could relate to that. I don’t think Kacey was that good of a friend, but instead of a bow tie wrapping it up and they become friends again, it just dissolved with no closure. Not a happy ending to that, but I think that’s what makes it realistic and shows kids that not all friendships last, including the friendship at camp. Sometimes you’re friends for a few days, weeks, so on and so forth but you should cherish every friend you make, no matter how long.