Image: HarperCollins Publishers
Happy Monday. We had some weather last night! Phew! I hope you are all warm, safe and dry! I have skylights in my bedroom and watching that fierce wind whip around a hundred-year-old American Beech tree in my yard was nerve-wracking.
Middle Grade Monday features A-Okay by Jarad Greene. When thirteen-year-old Jay starts eighth grade with a few pimples, he's not too concerned. He's more concerned over the fact that he has zero classes with any of his friends, including his bestie, Brace. His nemesis, Aaron still has it in for him as well. Then, the pimples multiply. Jay's parents take him to a dermatologist, but none of the medications he prescribes works, so Jay starts Accutane, a drug that has some serious side effects, but works on bad acne. So now Jay has to watch his diet, check for side effects while worrying about why Brace and his other friends are ghosting him. He does make two new friends, Mark and Amy, both of whom seem to show some romantic interest in Jay, but Jay just likes both of them as friends. Is there anything more he can worry about?
This graphic novel is based on the author/ illustrator's own experience with acne as an eighth grader. The art is bright, uncluttered and easy to follow. Flashbacks are purple-hued. Jay is likable and relatable, including his concern over not having crushes on any of his classmates.
Graphic novels are so popular in my library, especially GNs about friendship and crushes. A-Okay is a welcome addition to any graphic novel collection. This won't sit.
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