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    Growing Pangs

    (A Graphic Novel)

    Part of From the Universe of Growing Pangs

    Author Kathryn Ormsbee
    Illustrated by Molly Brooks
    Look inside
    Paperback
    $13.99 US
    RH Childrens Books | Random House Graphic
    5.5"W x 8"H x 0.8"D  
    On sale May 03, 2022 | 256 Pages | 9780593301319
    Grades 3-7
    Reading Level: Lexile GN380L | Fountas & Pinnell W
    FOC Apr 4, 2022 | Catalog March 2022
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

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    AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A PARENTS MAGAZINE BEST BOOK


    Inspired by a true story! Eleven-year old homeschooled Katie has always felt different . . . and now she can't stop worrying.  Introducing an irresistibly relatable graphic novel about friendship, anxiety, and growing up.

    "An excellent companion to Raina Telgemeier's Guts and Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham's Real Friends."—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? And will anyone want to be friends with her if they find out? 

    Find out what happens next in the companion graphic novel, Turning Twelve!
    Kathryn (K.E.) Ormsbee is the author of several acclaimed books for kids, including Candidly Cline (A 2023 ALA Rainbow Book List Book). She was born and raised in Kentucky and now lives in Austin, Texas with her wife and their dog. View titles by Kathryn Ormsbee
    Molly Brooks is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed Sanity & Tallulah graphic novel series, as well as the illustrator of Flying Machines and many other short comics. Molly grew up in Tennessee and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife and cats. View titles by Molly Brooks
    “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

    ★ “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.” —Booklist, starred review

    “A poignant account of journeying through life while navigating mental health and friendships.” —Kirkus Reviews
     
    “A thoughtful, compassionate portrayal of OCD, particularly in its visual representation of Katie’s anxieties.” —The Bulletin

    About

    AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A PARENTS MAGAZINE BEST BOOK


    Inspired by a true story! Eleven-year old homeschooled Katie has always felt different . . . and now she can't stop worrying.  Introducing an irresistibly relatable graphic novel about friendship, anxiety, and growing up.

    "An excellent companion to Raina Telgemeier's Guts and Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham's Real Friends."—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? And will anyone want to be friends with her if they find out? 

    Find out what happens next in the companion graphic novel, Turning Twelve!

    Author

    Kathryn (K.E.) Ormsbee is the author of several acclaimed books for kids, including Candidly Cline (A 2023 ALA Rainbow Book List Book). She was born and raised in Kentucky and now lives in Austin, Texas with her wife and their dog. View titles by Kathryn Ormsbee
    Molly Brooks is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed Sanity & Tallulah graphic novel series, as well as the illustrator of Flying Machines and many other short comics. Molly grew up in Tennessee and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife and cats. View titles by Molly Brooks

    Praise

    “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

    ★ “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.” —Booklist, starred review

    “A poignant account of journeying through life while navigating mental health and friendships.” —Kirkus Reviews
     
    “A thoughtful, compassionate portrayal of OCD, particularly in its visual representation of Katie’s anxieties.” —The Bulletin

    Additional formats

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