


Seek out groups with similar interests and join them. I would have missed out on Awkward, a truly rock solid middle grade graphic novel. I would have missed on on so many really dynamite books had I not ventured into unknown reading territory. Where in the world did I get the idea that graphic novels couldn’t be quality? I look back on this misconception and cringe. My reading time was limited and with the little bit of it I had, I wanted to read quality literature. I, too, once upon a time, was reluctant to pick up graphic novels. From now on, when I overhear parents or teachers saying that reading graphic novels “isn’t really reading,” I’ll challenge them to read Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova and watch them change their minds.
