Living With Viola
Rosena Fung
Type:
Fiction
Categories:
Social Issues | People & Places | Comics & Graphic Novels
Themes:
Depression & Mental Illness, Prejudice & Racism, United States, General
Language:
English
Publisher:
Grade Level:
4-7
Age Range:
9-12
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 judgement, 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.
Contributors
Formats
Awards
Best of 2021 List, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner
New York Public Library’s Best Books ListJoint winner
USBBY Outstanding International Books ListJoint winner
Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award Honour BookCommended
Bank Street College of Education’s Book of the Year ListJoint winner
Graphic Novel Diversity Award Honor Book, VLACommended
Garden State Teen Book AwardNominated
Best Books of 2021, Kirkus ReviewsJoint winner
IBBY Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with DisabilitiesJoint winner
Best Bets Book List, OLAJoint winner
Silver Birch Award, OLANominated
Black-Eyed Susan Book AwardNominated
Panda Book AwardsNominated
New York Public Library Vibrant Voices Titles for KidsJoint winner
Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading ListJoint winner
School Library Journal’s Best Books ListJoint winner
Jean Little First-Novel Award, Canadian ChildrenShort-listed
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