Description
"unforgettable . . . will shake middle grade readers to the core"-School Library Journal, starred review
"Beautifully illustrated, relatable, and genuine." -Molly Brooks, creator of Sanity & Tallulah
"Everyone needs to buy this book now. Seriously. Buy it, read it, share it."-Colleen Nelson, author and teacher
Honest and funny, this award-winning graphic novel from a debut creator is a refreshingly real exploration of mental health, cultural differences, and the trials of middle school.
Livy is already having trouble fitting in as the new girl at school-and then there's Viola. Viola is Livy's anxiety brought to life, a shadowy twin that only Livy can see or hear. Livy tries to push back against Viola's relentless judgment, but nothing seems to work until she strikes up new friendships at school. Livy hopes that Viola's days are numbered. But when tensions arise both at home and at school, Viola rears her head stronger than ever. Only when Livy learns how to ask for help and face her anxiety does she finally figure out living with Viola.
Rosena Fung draws on her own early experiences with anxiety and the pressures of growing up as the child of Chinese immigrant parents to craft a charming, deeply personal story that combines the poignancy of Raina Telgemeier's Guts with the wacky humor of Lumberjanes. Exuberant, colorful art brings Livy's rich imaginative world-filled with everything from sentient dumplings to flying unicorns-to life on the page.
*Lead title promotional campaign*
- Early endorsement push campaign
- Special note from Annick Editorial Director in galley
- Consumer and trade key reviewer printed ARC and DRC mailing
- NetGalley, CataList, and no-request necessary Edelweiss DRC distribution
- Bookseller outreach, including promotion at Children's Institute, BEA; finished book mailing; promotion through Annick e-newsletters
- Librarian and teacher outreach, including promotion at TLA, SLJ Middle Grade Magic; contesting and more in Annick teacher-librarian newsletter
- Social media campaign, virtual programming, virtual events at ComiCons, festivals, and more
- Print and online media outreach, including graphic novel enthusiasts, bloggers, YouTubers
- Presentation at international rights conferences including Frankfurt, Bologna, Guadalajara, and more
About the Author
ROSENA FUNG is an illustrator and comic artist from Toronto, Ontario. Her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, giant murals, and on TV. Her favorite things are reading, cats, and eating snacks.
Reviews
"Elevates the graphic novel genre with its heartfelt focus on mental health and immigrant experiences."
"Intimate and unforgettable . . . This deeply moving graphic novel will shake middle grade readers to the core . . . An essential purchase."-School Library Journal, *starred review, 10/21
Awards
Joint winner of Maverick Graphic Novel List 2022 (United States) and Best Books List 2022 (Canada) and Best Books List 2021 (United States) and Outstanding Books for Young People w/ Disabilities 2022 (United States) and Vibrant Voices Titles 2022 (United States) and Book of the Year List 2022 (United States) and Outstanding International Books List 2022 (United States). Commended for Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award 2023 (Canada) and Graphic Novel Diversity Award 2022 (United States). Short-listed for Jean Little First-Novel Award 2022 (Canada) and Battle of the Books 2022 (United States). Nominated for Garden State Teen Book Award 2023 (United States) and Black-Eyed Susan Book Award 2022 (United States) and Silver Birch Award 2022 (Canada) and Panda Book Award 2022 (United States).
Book Information
ISBN 9781773215488
Author Rosena Fung
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Annick Press Ltd
Publisher Annick Press Ltd
