Scan barcode
A review by panda_incognito
Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee
5.0
I requested this new graphic novel from the library without even reading the synopsis, and I let out two huge gasps when I read the back of the book later. This graphic novel is about a homeschooler with OCD, and it was absolutely surreal and amazing to read something that reflected my life experiences so well. This story is partly based on the author's life, and both she and the illustrator suffered from OCD as children. The mental health element of this book is absolutely pitch-perfect, and I wish that I could have read something like this when I was younger.
The story also includes a strong emphasis on dealing with shifting relationships, pursuing your interests, and building healthy friendships. The book includes lots of different elements that will appeal to middle grade readers, and it covers the main character's growth over a long period of time without seeming too episodic. This graphic novel shares a lot of common ground with other, well-known titles while still being totally unique, and it is sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well. I highly recommend this.
The story also includes a strong emphasis on dealing with shifting relationships, pursuing your interests, and building healthy friendships. The book includes lots of different elements that will appeal to middle grade readers, and it covers the main character's growth over a long period of time without seeming too episodic. This graphic novel shares a lot of common ground with other, well-known titles while still being totally unique, and it is sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well. I highly recommend this.