10/04/2021
With compassion and sincerity, Greene’s (Scullion) graphic novel depicts the pains of middle school for Jay, an art-loving, acne-plagued eighth grader who doesn’t understand why his old friends are hanging out without him, or why he’s not developing crushes—at all. A white-cued, seemingly middle-class kid who gets good grades and passes for a “cool kid,” at least some of the time, Jay embarks on a cycle of Accutane, and weathers its many side effects with resilience, while becoming more confident, literally and figuratively, in his skin. He builds a new friend group, develops his personal fashion style, and, with encouragement from his friend Mark, who is gay and cued white, learns more about asexuality. Though the novel takes place near Tampa, Greene’s newspaper-comics-style illustrations have a sort of anyplace quality. Jay’s arc, on the other hand, is distinct and refreshing, and the story’s emphasis on friendships and body image issues is likely to resonate with any reader who has wished to jump out of their skin. Ages 8–12. Agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. (Nov.)
A compelling depiction of teenage uncertainty. — Kirkus Reviews
Supported by expressive, well-drawn, and colorful illustrations, this compelling graphic novel will appeal to fans of middle-grade graphic memoirs. — Booklist
Greene’s use of color, line, and composition in his comic-panel layouts enhances the humor and angst of this particular slice of adolescent life. — The Horn Book
Jay’s arc is distinct and refreshing, and the story’s emphasis on friendships and body image issues is likely to resonate with any reader who has wished to jump out of their skin. — Publishers Weekly
A story about kids learning to feel good about themselves on their own terms is no small thing, and Jay is a low-key, lovely protagonist. Greene’s simple, bubbly color illustrations are friendly and accessible, matching the content perfectly. An earnest exploration of adolescence, recognizable and relevant to middle schoolers coming into their own. — School Library Journal
Greene’s use of color, line, and composition in his comic-panel layouts enhances the humor and angst of this particular slice of adolescent life.
Supported by expressive, well-drawn, and colorful illustrations, this compelling graphic novel will appeal to fans of middle-grade graphic memoirs.
Supported by expressive, well-drawn, and colorful illustrations, this compelling graphic novel will appeal to fans of middle-grade graphic memoirs.
2021-09-15
A middle school boy deals with the trials of growing up.
When a disastrous case of pimples strikes, 13-year-old Floridian Jay starts suffering from a negative body image. On top of that, his school schedule this year separates him from his good friend Brace. Driven to take action, Jay seeks medical solutions for his acne, but with no improvement, his doctor starts him on Accutane. With this harsh new medication come side effects and a restricted diet for Jay to deal with. Meanwhile, at school Jay is feeling abandoned by Brace, and he seeks out new friends in fellow teaching assistant Mark and art classmate Amy even as school bully Aaron does his best to make Jay’s life terrible. Tying these plotlines together is Jay’s journey to find and define himself, from coming to terms with his ace/aro identity to changing up his wardrobe. Jay’s story is genuine and compelling, immersing readers in his world. The art style is uncluttered and keeps key events clear and easy to follow; purple-toned panels indicate flashbacks. Liberal amounts of comedy interspersed with drama make this an enjoyable read, while the ace/aro protagonist and depiction of a teenage boy’s poor self-image keep the otherwise familiar storyline fresh. Jay and his family read as White; there is ethnic diversity in the supporting cast.
A compelling depiction of teenage uncertainty. (author's note) (Fiction. 11-14)
11/01/2021
Gr 5 Up—Greene chronicles the often bumpy road to self-discovery that's triggered by puberty. As Jay, a kind but anxious eighth grader, grows intensely aware of his appearance, specifically his acne, he decides to try Accutane, an intense, sustained oral treatment that requires him to take responsibility for his own health. At school, he watches friendships dissolve and builds new ones, encounters obnoxious bullies, and explores his artistic interests. His classmates date and deal with crushes, but Jay realizes, to his initial confusion, that he's not particularly attracted to any of his peers. As the year goes on, and through a few well-placed discussions, he begins to consider the idea of asexual or aromantic identity. Weaving together everyday incidents and annoyances with revelatory moments, the narrative is somewhat subdued but true to life—not every challenge must be paralyzing, and not every conclusion must be a sea change. A story about kids learning to feel good about themselves on their own terms is no small thing, and Jay is a low-key, lovely protagonist. Greene's simple, bubbly color illustrations are friendly and accessible, matching the content perfectly. Jay is white. VERDICT An earnest exploration of adolescence, recognizable and relevant to middle schoolers coming into their own.—Emilia Packard, Tokyo
