Graphic Novel

Awkward

Svetlana Chmakova

         On Peppi’s first day at her new school she trips and drops everything. A boy, Jaime, tries to help her while the crowd makes fun of her and the boy. She realizes the boy is a “nerd” and pushes him away. Throughout the story she struggles with how to apologize to him. She joins the art club, which is always fighting with the science club. The principal has the clubs compete for a space at the school club fair. Jaime is part of the science club. When going to a friend’s to try to save the art club, Peppi has an accident and Jaime and his mom help her. Peppi finally apologizes to Jaime and they become friends, outside of school. An important piece to the science club’s project goes missing and Peppi ends up with it. Her guilt builds and she tries to deliver it, unnoticed, to Jaime. He catches her and is upset. With all the controversy the principal cancels both clubs until they can get along. Peppi and Jaime join forces and with their help the clubs come together. 

      We learn through the protagonist that school is about what we make it. Peppi is illustrated much like her personality as it grows throughout the story: insecure to confident, usually showing the inner conflict on her face. There are many characters in the story that all students can relate with. Young readers learn the importance of staying true to themselves, standing up for what you believe in, and building strong friendships.

BIBLIO: 2015, Yen Press, Ages 10 and up, $11.00.
Reviewed by: Jennifer Debo

Format: graphic novel

ISBN: 978-0-316-38130-7

For those interested in Svetlana Chmakova's artwork visit https://svetlania.com/gallery/

Also in the back of her book, Awkward she talks about how she designs her characters! Great inspiration for those interested in art!

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