Reviews

Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee

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.

tx2its's review

4.0

Reading 2023
Book 232: Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee

Middle grade graphic novel selection. I felt like reading this book, I had read it before. My Goodreads did not have it marked as read nor was there a review. Hmmmm

Synopsis: New grade. New friends. New worries? Introducing a graphic novel about friendship, anxiety, and growing up!

Review: This was another good graphic novel for me. Lots of growing pains for the main character trying to find where she fits in in her life, especially when she steps outside her her small bubble. My rating 4⭐️.

megyeager's review

emotional informative inspiring slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

While I think this book is absolutely fantastic for contextualizing OCD and anxiety, I do think it felt a little thrown together. What I mean is that all the little stories inside didn't add up to a cohesive whole. This book felt a lot like a book an adult wants a kid to read, but not a book a kid would enjoy reading. That being said, I did enjoy the themes and message of it being alright to seek help and showing that friendships come in many forms.

droar's review

4.0

Favorite of the most recent middle grades graphics reads, Growing Pangs features another homeschool tween getting into friendship woes, growing up a bit, and exploring mental health. I quite like the way Ormsbee portrays OCD/intrusive thoughts with little creatures (Katie has bussing bee thoughts). I very much enjoyed the way the story explores those shifting waves of friendship that can be especially difficult as a tween, which the story is firmly situated in the moment there are these occasional windows that feel like author reflecting back a wee bit, adding an insulating layer of calm which I appreciated. Certainly worth putting the hands of the tweens and maybe even a bit younger.

23missb's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

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

4.0

dmartin1157's review

challenging hopeful sad

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

4.5

                                                                             <SPOILER ALERT>
I think that this really goes in depth about life as a homeschooled kid. And having relation ships with friends who really aren't your friend  because Katie's "friend"  didn't let Katie hang out with anyone but her. Which is kind of messed up.

mgross22's review

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

bookcub's review

hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

donttakemybooks's review

4.0

Read this aloud with my 10 year old. She really related to the friendship troubles Katie had. It also gave us the opportunity to discuss OCD and anxiety and talk about how we're never suffering alone. I enjoyed the story, too.

tippettreads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25