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kmdegarmo's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I like that this graphic novel talks about mental health. I think it’s important that kids and other readers see that characters have issues with mental health. I also liked that this book talks about friendships and losing and gaining friendships. I’m excited for this book to release so I can recommend it and hand it to people to read.
mackef's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
4.0
lzinser's review
hopeful
inspiring
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
emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The OCD rep in this graphic novel was marvellous. Portraying it as a bee in the story was such a great way of visually depicting what was going on in Katie’s head, as well as showing what it feels like to have OCD. As an own-voices reviewer, I could totally see myself in the story. I think this book would be fantastic to read either as a middle-grader with OCD, or one wanting to learn about it. To top it all off, I loved that both author and illustrator were own-voices creators.
Based on the cover, I was worried I might not like the art style, but I ended up super enjoying it! It was simplistic with rich colours which is one of my favourite types as it makes for great readability.
Throughout the narrative, it was cool seeing experiences portrayed that I don’t usually see in middle-grade, like the homeschool experience or coping with multiple dental surgeries. The friendship storyline was also interesting, though admittedly nothing unique. I am glad that it showed that friendships end sometimes and that’s okay.
The reason behind why this book got 4 and not 5 stars is that I found it to be a bit slow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty, Blood, Medical content, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: internalised misogyny, one HP reference (one half-page panel is dedicated to referencing HP), gamblingabishop23's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
readingwithcats's review
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic friendship
betweentheshelves's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
A great middle grade graphic novel memoir in the vein of Raina Telgemeier. Kathryn Ormsbee hits on a lot of topics that middle grade readers will relate to and feel less alone. It can also help them know when it might be time to get help. The art was also great, making this something middle grade readeres will be drawn to on the shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
kristinakg's review
reflective
fast-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
4.5