A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel

Gr 5-8–Fitting in as a new middle schooler is a challenge under the best of circumstances, and working class kid Ethan feels like an outsider amongst his more affluent classmates. His discount clothes, ancient flip phone, and trailer park home are teasing fodder for unkind peers. When his longtime friend and neighbor Ricky abandons him for a different crowd, Ethan has to figure out a new friend group in a hurry. Luckily, his interest in Battle Bots (a tabletop battle card game) and his affinity for retro T-shirts endear him to his new classmates who may be feeling a bit isolated for their own reasons. Over time, Ethan learns to let go of the shame he feels for his circumstances, and he is able to forge new friendships with Battle Bot buds Aiden and Lucas. The nuance and difficulty of navigating middle school life and building social identity is beautifully captured in this graphic novel. Inspired by author Feuti’s own experiences growing up in poverty, the authenticity of emotion, struggle, and triumph of Ethan’s journey through his sixth-grade year will certainly appeal to any middle grade reader who has felt like an outsider. Ethan is white.