Growing Pangs (From the Universe of Growing Pangs)
by Kathryn Ormsbee (Author) Molly Brooks (Illustrator)
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR
"Introducing an irresistibly relatable graphic novel about friendship and growing up, an excellent companion to Raina Telgemeier's Guts and Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham's Real Friends series."--Booklist, Starred Review
New Friends. New grade. New worries?
Katie's always felt different. She's homeschooled, she has freckles, and her teeth are really crooked. But none of these things matter to Kacey. They're best friends forever--just like their necklaces say. But when they go to summer camp, Kacey starts acting weird. What happened to the "forever"? And when Katie gets home, she can't stop worrying. About getting braces. About 6th grade. About friends. She knows tapping three times or opening and closing a drawer won't make everything better . . . but sometimes it helps stop the worrying. Is something wrong with her?
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Kirkus
A poignant account of journeying through life while navigating mental health and friendships.
ALA/Booklist
The story stays true to this child's experience, and the art... gives equal attention to the high points of Katie's life while skillfully depicting her lows.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-6--Katie, who struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, heads to summer camp with her best friend Kacey. While Katie branches out and begins meeting new friends, both at camp and afterwards at her homeschool co-op, Kacey has a hard time coping with the changes in their relationship, and the two grow apart. Meanwhile, Katie continues to struggle with severe anxiety and OCD until eventually she is able to get help. This tweenage story of growing up is based on Ormsbee's own preteen and teen years struggling with similar issues. Katie's character is relatable, and young readers will connect with the symbolism of a buzzing bee to represent her anxiety. The struggles Katie faces with her friend Kacey will be familiar to many readers as well. Unfortunately, there are a few too many plot lines woven throughout the story, and they all feel a bit stunted. Brooks's artwork shines throughout and helps the story come to life. Her realistic, full-color scenes pair well with the story of early teenage struggles, and fans of other slice-of-life graphic novels will be drawn to this title. VERDICT Although it has too many subplots, this colorful graphic novel has a lot to grab the attention of many young readers. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller are sure to enjoy it. Recommended for most collections.--Ellen Conlin
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
Eminently relatable for middle schoolers, taking the shame out of OCD and anxiety. —NPR
An incisive and empathetic look at fitting in, anxiety, and what it means to be a good friend. —Faith Erin Hicks, creator of The Adventures of Superhero Girl
Kids will be buzzing about Growing Pangs! —Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm, co-creators of Sunnyside Up and Swing It, Sunny
A poignant and relatable story about making friends, letting go, and opening up —Terri Libenson, creator of the Emmie & Friends series
JUV008000 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | General
Friendship in children
Graphic novels
Kentucky
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Cartoons and comics
Home schooling
Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children
