An Open Dialogue: Exploring Anxiety in Middle Grade Comics, with Angela Frederick

This is my first column with TLT, so let me introduce myself. I am Angela Frederick. I have worked with youth as a librarian in both public libraries and K-12 school libraries. I have served on multiple book committees on the state level and with the American Library Association. Most recently I chaired the 2021 and 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Children committee, which is sponsored by the Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable (GNCRT). In this column I will share book lists on particular topics as well as reviews of upcoming comics written for middle grade and YA. 

This month I am highlighting some titles that explore the topic of anxiety. Anyone who works with young people right now knows how much mental health issues are affecting their lives. According to the nonprofit Child Mind Institute, anxiety is the most common emotional problem in children. Additionally, a child might have an anxiety disorder if their anxiety is unrealistic in nature, doesn’t resolve itself, or leads to them avoiding everyday things.

The following titles feature characters who have anxiety or one of its associated symptoms.

All descriptions are from the publishers. 

Just Roll with It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie (ISBN-13: 9780593125410 Publisher: Penguin Random House Publication Date: 12/14/21, Ages 8-12)

Starting middle school is hard enough when you don’t know anyone; it’s even harder when you’re shy. A contemporary middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Guts and Real Friends about how dealing with anxiety and OCD can affect everyday life.

As long as Maggie rolls the right number, nothing can go wrong…right?

Maggie just wants to get through her first year of middle school. But between finding the best after-school clubs, trying to make friends, and avoiding the rumored monster on school grounds, she’s having a tough time…so she might need a little help from her twenty-sided dice. But what happens if Maggie rolls the wrong number?

Living with Viola by Rosena Fung (ISBN-13 9781773215488 Publisher: Annick Press Publication Date: 11/30/21, Ages 9-12)

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 judgment, 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.

No One Returns from the Enchanted Forest by Robin Robinson (ISBN-13: 9781250211538 Publisher: Macmillan Publishers Publication Date: 05/25/2021, Ages 8-12)

Bix and Pella are goblins sisters with very different dispositions. Bix is a worrywart who is most content when she’s home knitting. Her little sister, Pella, is an impetuous thrill seeker who is always getting in trouble. When Pella’s thirst for adventure leads her into the Enchanted Forest—a strange and dangerous place that no goblin has ever safely returned from—Bix is forced to leave her comfort zone to save her. Elemental demigods and countless hungry monsters stand in her way, but Bix is about to learn that even a worrywart can become a hero.

One Cup at a Time: A Cat’s Cafe Collection by Maxx Tarpley (ISBN-13: 9781524872182 Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing. Publication Date: 9/27/22, Ages 8-12)

A follow-up collection based on the popular webcomic Cat’s Cafe, One Cup at a Time immerses readers in the gentle, supportive world of cafe owner Cat and his adorable friends. With familiar faces like Penguin and Kiwi and new friends like Fox and Spider, this collection handles real issues like relationships, self-esteem, and mental health through a tender, positive lens. One Cup at a Time isn’t about forgetting your problems; it’s about supporting one another through those problems and loving each other and ourselves through it all.

Sink or Swim by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie (ISBN-13 9780593125519 Publisher Penguin Random House Publication Date: 6/4/24, Ages 9-12)

Bouncing back from a broken arm should be no big deal—but when Ty spends a month off the swim team the thought of getting back in the water is suddenly not as fun as it used to be.

After weeks of ignoring his friends, Ty isn’t sure how to connect with them again in summer camp. They used to have swim team together but after so long without swimming he’s out of shape and afraid of failing in front of them. With his friendships fracturing, will Ty be able to gain confidence in himself and fix everything before it’s too late?

The Worry (Less) Book: Feel Strong, Find Calm, and Tame Your Anxiety! by Rachel Brian (ISBN-13 9780316495196 Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Publication Date: 9/1/20, Ages 8-12)

We all have a mixture of fun and not-so fun feelings. And everyone feels worried sometimes. But too much anxiety can get in the way. So this book is here to help you identify your anxiety, understand why it’s just part of that thing we call life, and equip you with all the tools you need to find calm again. 

Filed under: Graphic Novels