Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy

Engaging and thought-provoking.

In this spirited graphic novel by Hill (Odessa), 12-year-old Booger Lizk't and his lizard family have fled the underground city of Elberon for the human town of Eagle Valley amid resource scarcity. Now donning a fake human mask to cover his scaly green skin and going by the name Tommy Tomkins, he struggles to adjust to human life and finds it difficult to make friends, especially after getting caught eating a bug at school. When Vietnamese new student Dung Tran is harassed for his name and manner of speaking English, he and Tommy become fast friends. Even as Tommy becomes more comfortable in the human world, however, he internalizes harmful reptilian pop culture representation, which portrays lizard people as invaders (they're not trying to invade, they're "trying to survive," he argues) as well as implies that they're covering up their presence in the media. Employing a bright and energetic palette, uncomplicated paneling, and a cast comprising varying skin tones and body types, Hill keenly portrays the effects this othering has on Tommy and Dung, and how connection, mutual support, and earnest understanding can bridge even significant differences. An author's note contextualizes Hill's Vietnamese American upbringing. Ages 8-12. Agent: Alex Slater, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Sept.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

This clever and subtly deep graphic novel explores immigrant identity via lizard beings in a respectful and thoughtful way. . . offering readers a chance to view outsider status through the lens of something that challenges all ideas of casual tolerance. . . .Vivid colors, wry humor, and playful ignoring of traditional panel structure lighten the heaviest moments, firmly focusing this story on working toward better things.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A captivating graphic novel about identity with suspense, humor, twists and turns, and plenty of heart. I absolutely loved this book.
—Aron Nels Steinke, Eisner Award-winning author of the Mr. Wolf's Class series

This book will make you squirm and warm your heart. Beautiful art and a compelling story of self-acceptance.
—Nidhi Chanani, author of Pashmina

Starting at a new school is hard—especially if your last school was located in Earth's core! This is a gripping and ultimately very moving story about a boy seeking to gain acceptance for who he is when blending in is no longer an option. It's also a story with great lashings of drama, mystery, adventure, and just a pinch of X-Files weirdness. I loved it.
—Ross MacDonald, author of Henry's Hand