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anxiouslybooked's review
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Description: Cecil and his family just made a big move from Florida to Massachusetts. As with any big move this comes with big feelings for Cecil. Feelings about fitting in, finding friends, and change. His sister suggests making friends with the other Black kids at school, but when he gets to his new school, he isn’t quite sure that he fits in with them. Cecil tries to make friends while showcasing his artistic talents, but when a caricature that he made gets used in an inappropriate way, Cecil is forced to learn how to stand up for himself.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It is great for upper elementary and middle level readers and I immediately added my copy to my library! This novel was written and illustrated in a relatable and authentic way and the way that racism was depicted was done in a thoughtful manner. Overall, highly recommended for any student grades 3 and up!
Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel
Tags: Microaggressions, Coming of Age, First Crush, Moving
tuma's review
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? Yes
3.25
Great middle grade read! Shy 7th grader Cecil Hall moves to Boston from Florida is struggling to fit in. Everyone around him is telling him how he SHOULD be but it's not comfortable. Eventually he finds his own way to stand up for himself and makes real friends. Super sweet and loverable characters and story. Art was okay, didn't wow me. But it suits story about a cartoonist. And I think representation of timid, Black boys is an important one. Would recommend for all middle school classrooms.
kindredbooks's review
3.5
I received a copy of Timid by Jonathan Todd from Scholastic Canada in exchange for an honest review.
In this semiautobiographical middle grade graphic novel, Timid tells the story of a young boy who is trying to fit in, find his voice, and also find friends who are true and genuine. When Cecil and his family move to a new city, he worries about making new friends and fitting in. He struggles to find his friends and wants to be able to find others who share his hobbies and interests. But the attention he gets for his art takes a turn when he finds others taking advantage of him. Cecil finds that he needs to look closer at the people around him to find true friends.
In this semiautobiographical middle grade graphic novel, Timid tells the story of a young boy who is trying to fit in, find his voice, and also find friends who are true and genuine. When Cecil and his family move to a new city, he worries about making new friends and fitting in. He struggles to find his friends and wants to be able to find others who share his hobbies and interests. But the attention he gets for his art takes a turn when he finds others taking advantage of him. Cecil finds that he needs to look closer at the people around him to find true friends.
kimiloughlin's review
4.25
Anxiety inner monologue is ON POINT! I loved seeing Cecil's journey to finding true friends and learning to let the toxic ones go.
nerp's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I received a DRC from Scholastic in exchange for a review.
What a charming graphic novel!! I read it in one sitting. I love the gentle way it tackles concerns of masculinity, Blackness, casual racism, and fitting in—feels deeply accessible for kids. Another comment brought up the religion aspect, but it didn’t feel preachy—just another aspect of the characters’ lives. Well worth the read!
What a charming graphic novel!! I read it in one sitting. I love the gentle way it tackles concerns of masculinity, Blackness, casual racism, and fitting in—feels deeply accessible for kids. Another comment brought up the religion aspect, but it didn’t feel preachy—just another aspect of the characters’ lives. Well worth the read!
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
thenextgenlibrarian's review
3.0
A MG graphic novel for anyone who felt like they didn’t fit in.
☺️
Meet Cecil. He and his family just moved from Florida to the Boston area and he has zero friends there. He’s having to start all over and for someone that is more on the shy side, this is difficult for Cecil. He spends his time focused on his art and comics, hoping to make friends at his new school.
☺️
This book will resonate with many students and
I plan on handing it to my new kids who like graphic novels as a way to welcome them to our campus. This novel by @jonathanjtodd will release April 2 from @graphixbooks
CW: microaggressions, racism
I did not like the art and there was a lot about God and praying, which some kids will connect with and others not as much.
☺️
Meet Cecil. He and his family just moved from Florida to the Boston area and he has zero friends there. He’s having to start all over and for someone that is more on the shy side, this is difficult for Cecil. He spends his time focused on his art and comics, hoping to make friends at his new school.
☺️
This book will resonate with many students and
I plan on handing it to my new kids who like graphic novels as a way to welcome them to our campus. This novel by @jonathanjtodd will release April 2 from @graphixbooks
CW: microaggressions, racism
I did not like the art and there was a lot about God and praying, which some kids will connect with and others not as much.
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