Awkward

Awkward is a middle-grade graphic novel that follows Penelope "Peppi" Torres as she navigates life at Berrybrook Middle School. After an embarrassing first encounter with a science club member, Peppi must deal with the social fallout while managing her commitments to the art club. The story focuses on the rivalry between the school's art club and science club, with Peppi caught between the two groups. As tensions rise between the clubs leading up to a school competition, she must make difficult choices about loyalty, friendship, and doing what's right. The book features expressive artwork and dynamic panel layouts that bring the middle school setting to life. At 224 pages, this full-color graphic novel presents a complete story while also serving as the first entry in a series of connected books set at Berrybrook Middle School. Through its engaging narrative, Awkward explores universal themes of belonging, identity, and the courage to cross social boundaries. The story demonstrates how rigid social groupings and stereotypes can limit both individuals and communities.

Readers frequently mention relating to Peppi's social anxiety and middle school experiences. Many reviews appreciate how the story handles realistic school situations without feeling preachy. Liked: - Art style and expressive character designs - Representation of diverse students - Natural handling of friendship and bullying themes - Balance of humor and serious moments - Accessible for reluctant readers Disliked: - Some found the plot predictable - A few readers wanted more character development - Occasional criticism that conflicts resolve too easily Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (27,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 5/5 (parents), 4/5 (kids) Sample review: "As a middle school teacher, this book captures exactly what my students go through. The social dynamics and inner turmoil feel authentic." -Goodreads reviewer "My 11-year-old daughter read it three times in one week. She said it helped her feel less alone about starting middle school." -Amazon parent reviewer

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🎨 The art style in "Awkward" was influenced by both Western comics and manga, reflecting Chmakova's unique background as a Russian-born artist who was inspired by Japanese animation. 📚 "Awkward" is the first book in the Berrybrook Middle School series, which has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. 🌍 Author Svetlana Chmakova moved from Russia to Canada as a teenager, and many of her experiences as a newcomer influenced the themes of belonging in her work. 🏆 The book won the 2016 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics and was selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. 🎯 The character name "Peppi" was chosen specifically because it sounds similar to "peppy," reflecting the protagonist's energetic personality despite her social anxieties.