Bina and her best friend, Austin, have started growing apart, while Bina started clicking with his sister over their shared love of music. Will Bina and Austin continue to grow apart, or can they respect each others’ differences in this funny and touching story?
Published on Monroe County Public Library, Indiana - mcpl.info (https://mcpl.info)
If You Like Raina Telgemeier
Allergic
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Lloyd Allergic)
With a lot of changes going on in her family, Maggie feels like she doesn’t fit in at home, so she decides that she wants a pet. There’s just one problem: she has severe allergies! A good story for discussing anxiety, allergies, and handling big changes in life.
Awkward
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Berrybrook Middle School v. 1)
It’s Peppi’s first day at her new school, and she has already found herself in the middle of drama. Will she succumb to peer pressure, or will she carve her own path through the awkwardness of middle school? The first book in the Berrybrook Middle series, this book is a humorous and charming story about being a good friend.
Click
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Click v. 1)
When her school starts preparing for its annual variety show, Olive goes from being close to her friends to feeling all alone. The first entry in Kayla Miller’s Click series, this story will resonate with anyone who has felt left out, even among their friends.
Dork Diaries 1: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
(Juvenile Fiction – J Russell)
Fourteen-year-old Nikki Maxwell never would have guessed that transferring to an exclusive private middle school would be so difficult! This first book in the Dork Diaries series is packed with Nikki’s stories and doodles of her misadventures in middle school.
Duel
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Bagley Duel)
What started as an ordinary sibling rivalry escalates into a fencing duel that splits the school – and family – in half. A heavy and moving story about conflict, loss, and the long road to healing.
Four Eyes
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Four Eyes v. 1)
Sixth grade is hard for Rex: he’s the only kid in his class who hasn’t hit a growth spurt, his family can only afford the ugliest glasses in the store, and he can’t even rely on his best friend for support. A powerful coming-of-age story about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles. Also available in Spanish.
Frizzy
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Ortega Frizzy)
Marlene hates having to straighten her hair once a week. With the help of her tía and best friend, Marlene slowly begins to love her curly hair. A moving story about how supportive friends and family can help us to learn to embrace our natural beauty. Also available in Spanish.
Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever.
(Juvenile Fiction – J Funny)
A collection of hilarious stories – both true and fictional – from authors like Cece Bell, Shannon Hale, and Raina Telgemeier.
Invisible
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Gonzale Invisible)
Five Spanish-speaking middle schoolers are forced to do their community service hours together, despite not knowing – or even liking – one another. A heartwarming tale about coming together to help others in their time of need.
Katie and the Cupcake Cure
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Cupcake Diaries v. 1)
Katie is devastated when her best friend is invited to join the Popular Girls Club – without Katie! So Katie finds new friends who band together to create their own Cupcake Club. Adapted from the popular Cupcake Diaries chapter books.
Lo and Behold
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Lo And Behold v. 1)
Addie is not thrilled that her dad is dragging her to his summer research project for the summer, especially after what happened to her mom. She finds a place to escape in virtual and augmented reality projects – but virtual reality can't replace actual reality. A touching story about friendship, grief, and empathy.
Nat Enough
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Nat Enough v. 1)
When Nat’s best friend leaves her to hang out with other kids, Nat decides to try to win her friend back. Along the way, can Nat find learn to appreciate herself for who she is? A fast-paced story about belonging, new friends, and self-worth.
Parachute Kids
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Tang Parachute Kids)
Feng-Li and her older siblings learn that they are moving to the U.S. without their parents. Now, Feng-Li has to learn a new language, start a new school, and make new friends while her siblings constantly bicker with one another. A powerful story of overcoming obstacles to start a new life.
Real Friends
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Friends v. 1)
Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends forever, but things start to unravel when Adrienne begins hanging out with the most popular girl in school – who also happens to be Shannon’s bully. The first book in Shannon Hale’s autobiographical Friends series, this story will have you thinking about what it means to be a real friend.
Roller Girl
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Jamieso Roller Girl)
When Astrid signs up for a summer roller derby camp, she doesn’t realize her best friend is going to a different camp. Now, Astrid will have to train hard to follow her new dream of being a derby skater. An inspiring tale about persistence and finding new friends.
Sunny-Side Up
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Sunny Side Up v. 1)
Though Sunny Lewin didn’t choose to spend her summer vacation in Florida with her Gramps, she was at least hoping it would be fun – not a boring stay in a retirement village. Sometimes funny and sometimes tragic, follow Sunny’s story as she uncovers family secrets, with the help of a good friend and a lot of comic books.
Swim Team
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Christm Swim Team)
When Bree is forced to take Swim 101 at her new middle school, her greatest fear turns into a major talent. Will she be able to help turn her school’s failing swim team around?
Twins
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Johnson Twins)
Maureen and Francine are twins who have always done everything together – until Francine decides she wants to try new things. Will they stay best friends, or will they grow apart forever?
Wires Crossed
(Juvenile Graphic Novels – J-GN Fantask Wires Crossed)
Mia is going through a lot of change: she has to wear braces and glasses, her nerdy old friends are now suddenly popular, and she may even be making new friends. Can she keep up? A great STEM-driven story about growing pains.