About this book

The kids at prestigious Greycliff Academy are in for a surprise when their hero, Kirby Finn, turns out to be something he's not.

To his friends at Greycliff Academy, Kirby seems to have it all: charm, brains, and a lucky streak that won't quit. He's also the notorious hero creating the snarky videos “7 Good Reasons Not to Grow Up,” which expose just how dumb adults can be. Why would any kid want to become one of them? But there's also a mystery about Kirby. And when his best friend, Raja, finds out his secret, Kirby, Raja, and their friends have to grow up fast and face the world head-on.

Reviews

Praise for 7 Good Reasons Not to Grow Up:

"The vibrant, dynamic, full-color panel work succeeds in highlighting the youthful irreverence of the characters and their antics. Wonderfully balanced, this story entertains while also introducing serious topics in an accessible way... The highs and lows of growing up portrayed in an appealing, amusing, and heartfelt way." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This graphic novel perfectly captures that fleeting moment between tweendom and teendom, when the urge to cleave to a sense of righteousness flares out into the realization that right and wrong aren't settled concepts... Gownley imbues it with plenty of sardonic, witty humor, and he buoys the art, which echoes the simplicity of Raina Telgemeier's cartooning and the retro cool of an Archie comic, with levity and brightness." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Praise for The Dumbest Idea Ever!:

* "Gownley's story is wonderful; his small-town life is so vividly evinced it's difficult to not get lost in it." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A deeply personal and genuine work of autobiography, and an open letter of assurance to aspiring artists everywhere." -- Publishers Weekly

"An excellent example of autobiographical sequential art at its most deeply felt." -- Booklist

"This charming and inspiring tale will be enjoyed by fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile (Scholastic, 2010) and aspiring comics creators everywhere." -- School Library Journal