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.
Author Bio
ROSENA FUNG is an illustrator, educator, and comic artist. Her debut graphic novel, Living With Viola, was named a best of the year by the New York Public Library, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews, and nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Jean Little First-Novel Award, and the Garden State Teen Book Award. In her many starred reviews she is often commemorated for her heartbreakingly honest storytelling mixed with her signature poignant humor. Rosena spends her free time reading, petting cats, and eating snacks in Toronto, Canada.
Prizes
- Jean Little First-Novel Award, Canadian ChildrenShort-listed 2022
- Best of 2021 List, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner 2021
- New York Public Library’s Best Books ListJoint winner 2021
- Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award Honour BookCommended 2023
- USBBY Outstanding International Books ListJoint winner 2022
- Silver Birch Award, OLANominated 2022
- Black-Eyed Susan Book AwardNominated 2022
- Best Bets Book List, OLAJoint winner 2021
- Best Books of 2021, Kirkus ReviewsJoint winner 2021
- IBBY Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with DisabilitiesJoint winner 2022
- Graphic Novel Diversity Award Honor Book, VLACommended 2022
- Bank Street College of Education’s Book of the Year ListJoint winner 2022
- Garden State Teen Book AwardNominated 2023
- School Library Journal’s Best Books ListJoint winner 2021
- New York Public Library Vibrant Voices Titles for KidsJoint winner 2022
- Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading ListJoint winner 2023
- Panda Book AwardsNominated 2022
Review Quotes
“Hard to do better than this book. . . . Smart, empathetic, and hopeful.”
— Teen Librarian Toolbox, 11/29/21“Fung presents her affecting debut in vibrant, full-color panels overflowing with energy and motion.”
— Booklist, 11/22“This dynamically illustrated graphic novel takes the reader into the inner workings of Livy’s mind and life. One cannot help but cheer for Livy as she slowly overcomes her anxiety and finally breaks free from the negative and destructive voice of Viola.”
— School Library Connection, 11/21“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“An honest and hopeful depiction of life with mental illness.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News, 12/21“Livy’s culturally specific concerns, including her family’s reluctance to discuss mental health, will resonate with diasporic readers, though the exceptionally poignant moments that arise from her work navigating her anxiety reinforce the importance of asking for help for any reader.”
— Publishers Weekly, *starred review, 10/21“This is a rich, moving, multimodal reading experience . . . LIVING WITH VIOLA is a major middle-grade graphic novel debut that explores Fung’s weighty themes deftly and with nuance. This is a wonderful book that young readers and grown-up graphic novel aficionados will both appreciate and love.”
— Quill & Quire, *starred review, 09/21“A keenly felt and nuanced look at anxiety disorder.”
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 10/21“Elevates the graphic novel genre with its heartfelt focus on mental health and immigrant experiences.”
— Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 07/27/21“Fung successfully strikes a balance in discussing issues of mental health, belonging and cultural differences with engaging illustrations and an interesting story.”
— Asian Review of Books, 10/13/21“A unique book exploring culture and mental health in kids.”
— City Parent Magazine, 11/21“The book’s artwork is excellent, and the text works in flawless partnership with it to convey actions, emotions, and moods. . . . an outstanding graphic novel.”
— Foreword Reviews, *starred review, 01/22“A poignant and candid exploration of cultural differences and mental health.”
— CM Reviews, 09/24/21