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heatherbermingham's review
5.0
As a former teacher, I've definitely noticed an increase in anxiety in children and this autobiographical graphic novel really delves into anxiety and OCD in a sweet, sensitive way. It also deals with that challenging age (6th grade in this case) when friendships and relationships change in ways that are hard to predict or understand, and I love that there's a friendship in this story that just kind of... ends. It's not as neat or happy, but it's so realistic. The illustrator uses the visual nature of graphic novels in some really neat ways to demonstrate when Katie's thoughts are really overwhelming her and when she's got them more under control. I bought this for my library just based on some reviews, but it's definitely a good one.
caitiep92's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.75
imstephtacular's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content and Mental illness
Minor: Vomit and Bullying
msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This graphic novel belongs with the likes of Shannon Hale's "Friends" trilogy and Raina Telgemeier's works.
Yes, you read that statement correctly.
I was immediately a fan due to the protagonist, Katie, being homeschooled. This was me y'all. Katie is into musical theater, attends a co-op, isn't allowed to do certain things.....again, this is me y'all. Then, she goes to camp for the first time (also me in the year 2000) and she makes friends......which makes her "best friend" jealous.
I know most, if not all, people can relate to friendship sagas. What makes a friend? What do you do when friendships change? Can you have more than one "best friend?" I know as a middle schooler, I asked myself all these questions. And I know many of the kids I serve do as well.
See? I think it is an excellent read-a-like for Shannon and Raina. Let's give lesser known graphic novelists some love!
Yes, you read that statement correctly.
I was immediately a fan due to the protagonist, Katie, being homeschooled. This was me y'all. Katie is into musical theater, attends a co-op, isn't allowed to do certain things.....again, this is me y'all. Then, she goes to camp for the first time (also me in the year 2000) and she makes friends......which makes her "best friend" jealous.
I know most, if not all, people can relate to friendship sagas. What makes a friend? What do you do when friendships change? Can you have more than one "best friend?" I know as a middle schooler, I asked myself all these questions. And I know many of the kids I serve do as well.
See? I think it is an excellent read-a-like for Shannon and Raina. Let's give lesser known graphic novelists some love!
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
thebookguru's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this book about friendship and growing up and dealing with OCD and anxiety.
However, I would have liked the ending to have shown her actually getting help and coping skills on how to deal with intrusive thoughts so kids who read it can use some of those if they aren’t going to tell an adult or can’t get professional help.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Mental illness
cmstein's review
lighthearted
reflective
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
thepurplepixel's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-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? No
5.0
I thought Growing Pangs was an exceptional graphic novel. The novel follows Katie, a homeschooled theatre and musical-loving 6th grader dealing with OCD. Her intrusive thoughts are characterized by bees that buzz around and prick her until she completes a behavior. In addition to her unnamed (until the end of the book) struggle with the bees, she finds her relationship with her best friend dissolving. Her stress increases even more when she discovers she must have an oral surgery. On top of that, she’s a homeschooled redhead who loves musicals. She feels very different from those around her, and as though she must hide or change herself to be accepted.
What I love is that this novel gives a massive amount of encouragement. While not every middle-school kid will have their anxiety manifest as Katie’s does, her struggles are relatable to every reader. It lets them know that they are not alone. It’s okay if you’re different. There’s help when things are scary. I also love that this novel shows what healthy friendships look like, as many middle-schoolers think they have to put up with unfriendly behavior. It also is honest that anxious thoughts don’t necessarily go away, but you can learn to live with them.
As an added bonus, I appreciated that both the author and illustrator have experience with OCD. In fact, the plot is based on Ormsbee’s own childhood. It does a better job of educating and supporting kids than I can do without that same experience.
This has become perhaps my favorite graphic novel in my classroom library. I can’t wait to do a book talk!
What I love is that this novel gives a massive amount of encouragement. While not every middle-school kid will have their anxiety manifest as Katie’s does, her struggles are relatable to every reader. It lets them know that they are not alone. It’s okay if you’re different. There’s help when things are scary. I also love that this novel shows what healthy friendships look like, as many middle-schoolers think they have to put up with unfriendly behavior. It also is honest that anxious thoughts don’t necessarily go away, but you can learn to live with them.
As an added bonus, I appreciated that both the author and illustrator have experience with OCD. In fact, the plot is based on Ormsbee’s own childhood. It does a better job of educating and supporting kids than I can do without that same experience.
This has become perhaps my favorite graphic novel in my classroom library. I can’t wait to do a book talk!
shiloah_faith's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
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
5.0