About this book

Ollie Herisson's dad is a diplomat, which means her family moves around a lot. She has already lived in Singapore, Korea, France, and the United States. When Ollie starts at a new school, she doesn't worry about making a good impression because she knows that when her family inevitably moves again, she'll get a fresh start somewhere else. A complete reset. It doesn't matter if her classmates think she's weird for pretending that she lives in the world of an imagined anime, or if she makes an enemy out of the most popular girl in her class, or ifshe does something hugely embarrassing! And it definitely doesn't matter that all her mom wants is for Ollie to be more of a proper Thai daughter.

But after moving from Germany to Virginia and having a mortifying first day at her new school, Ollie is shocked to learn that her parents are going to buy a house so that Ollie and her sister, Cat, can finish grade school in one place. Can Ollie figure out how to both be herself and make real friends when she can't run away from her life?

Reviews

Praise for Fresh Start:

★ "The exaggerated manga-inspired illustrations and impeccable comedic timing create a pitch-perfect portrayal of the ebullient highs and mortifying lows of middle school... A hilarious and undeniably endearing tale of tweenhood." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Beautifully ­tackles ­complex ­friendships, sibling ­dynamics, racial identity, and gender expression. This graphic novel about friendship and identity is a must-have for libraries ­serving elementary and middle school readers." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Led by a tween who has no qualms being herself, this joyful graphic novel marks the evolution of her vulnerability and humility, with friendship as a reward." -- Publishers Weekly

Praise for Freestyle:

Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Year

Washington Post Best Book of the Year

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children

American Booksellers Association Indie Next Pick

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Recipient of four starred reviews

★ "The cartooning instincts on display are superb, always making room for setting, emotion, movement, and color for great visual variety... This inviting, heartfelt story will get readers into the groove of self-expression and lasting friendships." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Galligan's timing -- both comedic and emotional -- is impeccable, and dynamic paneling paired with vibrant technicolor hues artfully complement the flow and energy of the Eight Bitz's routines and Sunna's yo-yo prowess... A thoughtfully rendered portrayal of friendship, growth, and joyful self-expression." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A visually kinetic, emotionally complex story of finding a sense of self while navigating relationships and expectations. Fun and full of heart." -- School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Galligan's crisp, bouncy, cartoonlike style captures the story's constant motion, making for a fast-paced visual experience with yo-yo strings or b-boying limbs constantly busting out of panels." -- The Horn Book, starred review

"Fans of Galligan's Baby-sitters Club comics will find similar themes of friendship and community in this engaging story, beautifully colored in candy hues by Czap." -- Booklist

"Kids who like graphic novels will enjoy this story of friends working through challenges." -- Kid Reporter Shaan Glazer, TIME for Kids

"Brilliant... Readers will build visual literacy skills and encounter well-developed diverse characters. They will also get swept up in Galligan's amazing storytelling, achieved through expert use of the format. A must-purchase." -- School Library Connection