NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR 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?
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
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR 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?
Creators
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
