Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel

Gr 4-8—Just when Rex starts getting used to his status of being labeled four eyes, acne wreaks havoc on his first day of school. To make matters worse, he overhears his friends making fun of him for his delay in puberty. He spirals downwards and pushes his friends away while he continues to suffer at the hands of his bullies. The consistent reminders of the financial burden he is to his family weighs on his relationship with his mom, and Rex hits a low. Readers will root for Rex as he eventually begins to mend relationships and build new ones as he and his peers navigate the uncharted waters of middle school and puberty. In the second installment of the series, Ogle and Valeza explore the preteen landscape in this charming and authentic autobiographical graphic novel. Ogle gracefully weaves themes ranging from generational trauma to the importance of humility into the narrative. Valeza's vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations expertly match each panel's tone with colors and sequential pacing. Further, Ogle emphasizes several character dilemmas, presenting a variety of scenarios that will resonate with readers. VERDICT This must-read graphic novel is the perfect choice for tween readers going through challenging times.—Angie Jameson

★ "This must-read graphic novel is the perfect choice for tween readers going through challenging times." — School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Pizza Face is a fresh take on the age-old crisis of puberty that will help adolescents feel more empathetic and less alone while navigating their own physical and emotional changes... This book has broad appeal." — BookPage, starred review

"Readers will be able to find themselves in the characters' struggles. The artwork is colorful and creative, showing a skillful use of the graphic novel format. The supporting characters are well developed and racially diverse... A relatable, engaging sequel about surviving puberty and middle school." — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Four Eyes:

★ "Ogle powerfully depicts middle-school bullying, the pressures of living in a low-income family, and the struggle to find a place to fit in and to stand up for one's self, all with multifaceted characters. Valeza and Szymanik's well-paced, wonderfully crafted, and expressive artwork does an excellent job of capturing the emotional turns of this captivating, honest story about adolescence. Hand to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Dan Santat, Jerry Craft, and Shannon Hale." — Booklist, starred review

★ "Valeza's captivating visual spreads seamlessly complement the plot and tone of the book. The dynamic and purposeful page layouts enable readers to concentrate on the flow and significance of the text... A great addition to graphic novel sections of libraries and classrooms in middle schools." — School Library Journal, starred review

"Valeza's classic-feeling character designs, reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier's work, effectively capture the 1990s aesthetic, and visual jokes, like an optometrist called Eye Caramba, add levity to a thoughtfully rendered read that tackles themes of loneliness, connection, and change." — Publishers Weekly

"Readers will deeply care for Rex's journey toward self-acceptance, his familial relationships, and his navigation of a new school environment. The bright, clean art emphasizes the emotional highs and lows... A realistic, funny, and heartfelt framing of the hardships of middle school and fitting in." — Kirkus Reviews