In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel, 11-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, video games, and anime. He’s also used to being the new kid —but when he starts a new school with a “high achievers” program, the bullying he suffers leads him to try and suppress who he is, and even to try and die by suicide. (The book importantly does not say how he tried, but simply emphasizes the pain and darkness he felt.)
His parents respond quickly to support him, however, starting him in therapy and switching him to a new school, which immediately feels like a better fit. Tony soon joins the Literature Club, where he is supported in nurturing his budding writing talents and makes friends with other nerdy Black students.
Tony continues on his own journey of self-discovery and self-worth, but is also empowered to reach out and help others. One of Tony’s new friends is a flamboyant young man, clearly coded as gay. When some other students bully him, Tony stands up for him in a notable act of allyship. And Tony and friends later have to fight to save the school itself from closing.
Author Tony Weaver, Jr. deftly charts young Tony’s journey, often inserting characters or scenes from his beloved video games and comics to shed light on what Tony is feeling or how he figures out how to solve a problem. It’s masterfully done, and has rightly landed the book on many best-of lists. This is a perceptive, ultimately joyous, and highly recommended book about finding oneself and one’s people.
Content warning: Mention (without graphic details) of an attempt to die by suicide.
