This is one of the graphic novels that has received starred reviews. It is a memoir graphic novel, like Telgemeiers "Smile" series, about the struggles Shannon had making friends in grade school. It is an interesting book to me because it is one of the first books made for a popular audience that portrays a modern Mormon girl. She doesn't say that she is Mormon, only that she goes to church, says family prayers, and believes in Jesus, but anyone raised in the culture will recognize cultural norms. I didn't realize how much it would mean to me to see my own culture in a mainstream children's novel. That said, it is also a great book about friendship. Shannon was awkward as a child. She gets into some toxic relationships at school but eventually manages to make her way through them. She also has difficult conflict with an older sister. I kept wondering how her sister might feel about the book. She is portrayed in a pretty negative light, but a note at the end explains how the two sisters were eventually reconciled and have become good friends. This really is a good choice for readers who liked Smile or Bell's El Deafo. (207p)
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