WEIRDO
By Tony Weaver Jr, Jes Wibowo, and Cin Wibowo
- Original Graphic Novel
- Publisher : First Second
- Release : 9/17/2024
- Softcover : 320 pages
- Dimensions : 5.5″ x 8.0″
- Reading Age : 10 – 14+ years
- MSRP : $14.99
A kid's review of Weirdo
Hi, I’m Jonas “Jack” Kelley, and this is a review of the new graphic novel called “WEIRDO” written by Tony Weaver Jr. and drawn by twin sisters, Jes and Cin Wibowo. This book holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite books for a number of reasons.
One reason I love this book is because of the theme. Theme is the message of the book, and for me, the theme can “make or break” the reading experience. “Weirdo” is an absolute masterpiece. The book is a powerful graphic memoir about the author’s experience being bullied at a new school in the fifth grade. (SPOILER ALERT) At one point, he was bullied so much that he tried to really hurt himself. After this, Tony goes to a therapist, but is scared to talk to him because of the trust issues that he developed at his last school. Tony is put in a new school and over time he warms up to his therapist. Eventually, Tony finds acceptance, makes new friends, and finds joy again. His friends play an important role in the story because they never turn their back on him or leave his side. The story is deeply personal to me and shows the importance of friendship. Like Tony, many people struggle with depression but are too scared to ask for help. However, this book shows that it is okay to ask for help.
Another thing I love about this book is the art that helps set the tone for the book. In the book, when things start to get sad and rough for Tony, the colors of the book start to go gray and black. This is done so well, and it helps you really understand the mood of the book.
One of my favorite parts of the book is Chapter 10, which I call, “Tony vs the School Board”. Woah, woah, WOAH! Slow down Jack. What happened? How did we get here? I know, I know…a little bit of a skip, but I did give you a short summary in the previous paragraph, so just bear with me. Toward the end of the book, Tony really loves his new school but the School Board announces that they have run out of funding and will have to shut down at the end of the school year. The news means that Tony will have to go back to his old school and be separated from his friends. However, there was one thing that I sorta left out in that excellent short summary, Tony decided to join the Literature Club at his new school. He became very close with all the members, and when their school gets in financial trouble, Tony organizes a schoolwide fundraiser to fight to keep their school open.
In conclusion, I have to give this book a perfect 10 out of 10 because it had an amazing theme, amazing art, and an amazing story. Tony Weaver Jr. did so well on this book, and I just want to give him so much praise for sharing his story. Below is the final takeaway from him:
“It can be a challenge to be who you are or envision what you can be. But even when the darkness makes you feel all alone, there’s always someone in your corner. Sometimes it’s the people you least expect. People that will show up for you. People that will grow with you, on your journey to find love for yourself. Share that love with others. And I promise, you’ll be the hero of your own story.”
