Kids who are in high school or junior high love graphic novels. Some are too violent, some too sexy, some too horror-prone to be healthy reading for adolescents. However, today’s selection for junior high and high school kids, a graphic novel by Ayun Halliday and Paul Hoppe, sends important messages which are expressed in the dedications by each:
“To India, Milo, and anyone who’s ever sought to stand out in a crowd–A.H.”
“For my fellow cartoonists out there, who inspire me to draw–P.H.”
And the title? There is none. A single peanut–lifelike, stands against an indescribable shade of blue. At the bottom are the author’s names–nothing else. The drawing throughout the novel is “special” (and inspiring) to young readers who are budding cartoonists or constant doodlers. The writing is straight-forward, and authentically represents the dialog of teens.
The protagonist and narrator, a freshman in high school who is changing schools, decides to fake a peanut allergy to stand out as “the new girl” because she feels she is not special enough or different enough to “fit in” or find a circle of friends. She is conflicted, like most teens, between conforming and standing out. True to the formula of many teen novels, she tells a lie and then bears the repercussions and consequences when the lie is “found out.” The author’s scenes where the girl almost confesses the lie, then does not, create anxiety and concern in the reader. One turns the pages rapidly to find out what is going to happen next.
And the ending? So many possible outcomes are expected by readers, but the reality is a surprise! Although an adult, I enjoyed this graphic novel greatly and admired the talents of both Halliday and Hoppe; my mind often shouted, “Yay!” as I shifted into the thinking/reading styles of my former eighth and ninth graders. I highly recommend this book for all ages.
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