Speak Up!

A fun, sweet story about being oneself.

In this accessible graphic novel, Mia's increasing eagerness to be--and to advocate for--herself is encouraging, as is the casual diversity among other characters. The digital illustrations hold interest, especially at moments of strong emotion--and when Mia feels free as Elle-Q.

An autistic middle schooler secretly becomes a viral music star in this thoughtful graphic novel by Burgess (Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down), a middle grade debut. Mia, who reads as white, uses headphones, a chew-necklace, and moments with a notebook to make it through school days plagued by persistent bullying and home life with a mother who would rather she mask than stim. Overstimulation makes Mia feel "overwhelmed... so when I try to speak, I can never find the words." But in private with best friend Charlie, who reads as Black and nonbinary, she writes music and posts online videos of her mask-wearing alter ego, Elle-Q. When their latest collaboration suddenly goes viral, Charlie pressures Mia to publicly debut at a local talent show as Mia struggles to handle a bullying classmate--one who's also obsessed with uncovering Elle-Q's identity. Autistic creator Burgess employs jewel tones, emanata, and sketchbook-like renderings to portray the complexities of Mia's sensory experiences, from the internal turbulence of meltdowns to profound joy in creativity and music. Intimate and inlaid with nuance, it's an empowering look at self-acceptance, accommodation, and masking via the lens of one autistic experience. Ages 8-12. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative. (Sept.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-8--Mia learns how to speak up and allow her true self to emerge in this warm coming-of-age graphic novel. At 12 years old, Mia loves music. She likes to write poems and song lyrics, and her best friend, Charlie, shares her interests. Mia is also autistic, and sometimes fitting in is difficult. Her mother urges her to suppress particular behaviors, including stimming, in public. Even so, children in school make fun of her. Meanwhile, Laura and the other mean girls are all super excited about music videos from Elle-Q, an anonymous singer whose songs are going viral online. They don't know that Elle-Q is really Mia, singing her lyrics to music Charlie has written for them. The opportunity to go live at a local talent show is in Mia and Charlie's reach, but will Mia's fear of being in the spotlight get in the way? While there is a lot going on in this story, it all comes together in a heartwarming conclusion. The artwork really pops, with expressive illustrations that spill over the panels and colors that brighten the page. VERDICT A heartwarming and fun graphic novel, recommended where realistic fiction is popular.--Esther Keller

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A touching look at one girl's struggle with autism and bullying, and a charming testament to finding the inner strength to speak up in one's own voice." — Tyler Page, creator of Button Pusher

"A loving depiction of one young person's experience of autism...The full-color art is cute and expressive...A fun, sweet story about being oneself."— Kirkus Reviews