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Growing Pangs

Growing Pangs

Ebook

Paperback

May 3, 2022 | ISBN 9780593301319

About the Book

AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • 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? 

Find out what happens next in the companion graphic novel, Turning Twelve!
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Praise for Growing Pangs

“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
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From the Universe of Growing Pangs Series

Turning Twelve
Growing Pangs

About the Author

Kathryn Ormsbee
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. More by Kathryn Ormsbee
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About the Author

Molly Brooks
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. More by Molly Brooks
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