librariann's review against another edition
3.0
Grades 4/5+ (bullying, intimate partner violence, dead parent)
Another graphic memoir (though we shelve it in fiction in my library, much like Raina Telgemeier's memoirs).
There wasn't much groundbreaking or exciting in this one, from the perspective of the narrative or the illustrations. Still, it's a solid addition to the "it's okay to be gay/different" books that seem to be so prevalent for kids, tweens, and teens today. It will hit a nerve with many readers who have had/are having similar experiences with feeling like an outsider.
The thing about this book that kept me from enjoying it more was that he really was an outsider for all of it - the whole narrative was very self-focused and self-contained, with Damian only existing as an observer. I know this jibes with lots of kids' experiences, and this is a memoir, so I'm not going to fault it. But a story with this level of internalization is just not my personal reading preference.
Another graphic memoir (though we shelve it in fiction in my library, much like Raina Telgemeier's memoirs).
There wasn't much groundbreaking or exciting in this one, from the perspective of the narrative or the illustrations. Still, it's a solid addition to the "it's okay to be gay/different" books that seem to be so prevalent for kids, tweens, and teens today. It will hit a nerve with many readers who have had/are having similar experiences with feeling like an outsider.
The thing about this book that kept me from enjoying it more was that he really was an outsider for all of it - the whole narrative was very self-focused and self-contained, with Damian only existing as an observer. I know this jibes with lots of kids' experiences, and this is a memoir, so I'm not going to fault it. But a story with this level of internalization is just not my personal reading preference.
madelinefmcguire's review
4.0
A 7th grade boy named Damian struggles with being a new kid in school and figuring out where he fits in.
endlesstbr's review against another edition
5.0
A personal and moving illustration of the author's experience growing up. The art style is colorful, and the language is perfect for middle grade readers.
nbreezy17's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Homophobia, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
lkstrohecker's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
brookewil's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.25