This is the kind of book that gets shoved into backpacks and passed around at lunch tables. Chmakova nails the middle school experience—the mortifying moments, the impossible social calculations, the way one bad decision can snowball into a whole identity crisis.

The graphic novel format is a huge win for kids who find chapter books intimidating, and the manga-influenced art makes emotions big and readable. Peppi's not a perfect protagonist, which is exactly why she works. She messes up, she's anxious, she makes choices based on fear rather than kindness, and then she has to figure out how to fix it.

The art club vs. science club setup is clever—it gives structure to the social dynamics without falling into tired jock-vs-nerd stereotypes. Both clubs are full of kids who care about things, and that's portrayed as good. The 'break the rules to survive' message lands because it's earned, not slapped on.

If your kid is in the thick of middle school social stress, this might be exactly what they need. And if they're a reluctant reader? Even better. It's engaging, emotionally honest, and actually fun to read.