Picture Day (The Brinkley Yearbooks)

An impressively strong debut....Bold, brash, and honest.

[A] heartwarming story of self-expression and being unapologetically yourself.

Seventh grader Viv has always dreaded the yearly school picture day. No matter how much she advocates for a chance to shake up her style, each photo ends up with Viv wearing a Mom-approved outfit and sporting her customary braid. But Viv is tired of the routine and, wanting to make a splash, decides to do something drastic: armed with a pair of scissors and reference photos of her favorite online influencer, Viv snips off her boring 'do. The bold move catapults her to the top of the Brinkley Middle School food chain; suddenly, her classmates are seeking Viv's advice on how to live their truth. But in her enthusiasm to be her school's top influencer, Viv ignores her friends, clashes with her mom, and starts losing sight of who she was to begin with. In this compassionate graphic novel, a solo debut, Sax (the Escape This Book! series) employs bright and inviting hues, uncomplicated paneling, and an expressive, visually diverse cast to diligently detail one tween's single-minded pursuit of clout and desire to stand out no matter the cost. Heartfelt interactions surrounding popularity and identity provide ample fodder for introspective discussion. Ages 8-12. Agent: Molly O'Neill, Root Literary. (June)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4 Up--Viv has an idea that will make her seventh grade picture day different from all the ones that came before it. Instead of looking the same as she does in every other school picture (after her mother braids her hair), Viv decides to cut off that braid while her friends help her live stream the event. Suddenly Viv is a sensation, not only for her bold new haircut but also because other students want her to help draw attention to their own causes. But as Viv is drawn toward the idea of being popular, she starts drifting further away from the people who know her and care about her the most. This story about reinvention and self-acceptance will be easy and accessible for kids who are already in middle school, and those who will be soon. It's a book that teaches gentle but important lessons about life, priorities, and relationships, and it will definitely appeal to fans of realistic graphic novels like Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm's "Sunny" series. The artwork is sweet, colorful, and filled with energy, reminiscent of the art in Kayla Miller's "Click" series. VERDICT For kids who enjoy realistic graphic novels about school, friendship, and discovering your true self.--Andrea Lipinski

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Picture perfect." —Terri Libenson, bestselling author of Invisible Emmie

"Picture Day is a bighearted story about showing up as yourself—and for your friends. A timely and terrific exploration of navigating both the pressures and the positives of social media and middle school." —Megan Wagner Lloyd, author of Allergic

"Charming, inclusive, and fun. Picture Day won an instant spot on my to-recommend list." —Hope Larson, creator of All Summer Long

"A sweet, high-energy story about finding your place in middle school, friendship drama, wacky haircuts, and some seriously cool roller skating. I'm certain this series is going to be a classic!" —Molly Knox Ostertag, creator of The Witch Boy

"A deeply charming book. This will resonate with readers who are unabashedly tied to the cadences of fandom and social media, but also respects their agency and feelings and the unique ways they navigate social dynamics today." —Shing Yin Khor, creator of the National Book Award finalist The Legend of Auntie Po

"Picture Day will reassure readers that while figuring out who you are is complicated (and occasionally painful or embarrassing), it's totally possible to reinvent yourself into a more authentic you. A delight!" —Molly Brooks, creator of Sanity & Tallulah