Awkward is a 2015 children's graphic novel written by Svetlana Chmakova. The book tells the story of Penelope "Peppi" Torres, a new student at Berrybrook Middle School, whose first encounter with a boy from the science club leads to much awkwardness between them, and their sparring clubs.
.jpg) Cover of Awkward | |
| Author | Svetlana Chmakova |
|---|---|
| Genre | Graphic novel; realistic fiction |
| Publisher | Yen Press |
Publication date | July 2015 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover and paperback) |
| Pages | 224 |
| Awards | 2016 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics;[1] Joe Shuster Comics for Kids Award |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-38130-7 |
| Followed by | Brave |
Themes
editAwkward's main theme is that of friendship, directly addressing the mocking boys and girls get for being friends, and the hardships of navigating friend group drama. It also touches on growing up, and not putting yourself in a box.
The fourth book in the series, Diary, features additional stories with the characters from Awkward.
Reception and awards
editAwkward has received largely positive reviews by book critics. Amanda M. Vail of The Mary Sue said "it needs to be on the shelves of every school and public library."[2] Awkward was named as one of the School Library Journal's Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2015.[3] It was also named by YALSA on their list of the 2016 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.[4]
Awkward won the 2nd Annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics,[1] Dragon Award for Kids Comics at the 2016 Shuster Awards,[5] and was nominated for the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens.[6]
Publication information
edit- Author: Svetlana Chmakova[7]
- Originally published: July 15, 2015
- Publisher: Yen Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group
- Lettering: JuYoun Lee
- Coloring Assistants: Ru Xu, Melissa McCommon
References
edit- ^ a b Nadine (2016-06-20). "Awkward Wins the McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics!". Yen Press. Archived from the original on 2022-03-28. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
- ^ Vail, Amanda M. (20 June 2015). "Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward is Anything But, and You Need to Read It". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
- ^ "Top 10 Graphic Novels 2015". School Library Journal. 23 November 2015. Archived from the original on 17 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
- ^ "YALSA names 2016 Great Graphic Novels for Teens". Young Adult Library Services Association. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
- ^ Boyd, Kevin A. (2016-11-06). "The Winners of the 2016 Joe Shuster Awards". The Joe Shuster Awards. Archived from the original on 2017-02-11. Retrieved 2017-02-08.
- ^ "2016 Eisner Award Nominees". Comic-Con International: San Diego. Archived from the original on 2016-07-15. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
- ^ Chmakova, Svetlana (15 July 2015). Awkward (First ed.). New York: Yen Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. ISBN 978-0-316-38130-7.