Living With Viola

(Paperback)

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Age range 9 to 12

Heartbreakingly honest and quietly funny, this #ownvoices graphic novel from a debut creator is a refreshingly real exploration of mental health, cultural differences, and the trials of middle school.

Livy is already having trouble fitting in as the new girl at school and then theres Viola. Viola is Livys anxiety brought to life, a shadowy twin that only Livy can see or hear. Livy tries to push back against Violas relentless judgment, but nothing seems to work until she strikes up new friendships at school. Livy hopes that Violas days are numbered. But when tensions arise both at home and at school, Viola rears her head stronger than ever. Only when Livy learns how to ask for help and face her anxiety does she finally figure out living with Viola.

Rosena Fung draws on her own early experiences with anxiety and the pressures of growing up as the child of Chinese immigrant parents to craft a charming, deeply personal story that combines the poignancy of Raina Telgemeiers Guts with the wacky humour of Lumberjanes. Exuberant, colourful art brings Livys rich imaginative world filled with everything from sentient dumplings to flying unicorns to life on the page.

Reviews

Elevates the graphic novel genre with its heartfelt focus on mental health and immigrant experiences.Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 07/27/21

Intimate and unforgettable . . . This deeply moving graphic novel will shake middle grade readers to the core . . . An essential purchase.School Library Journal, *starred review, 10/21

Author Bio

ROSENA FUNG is an illustrator and comic artist from Toronto, Ontario. Her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, giant murals, and on TV. Her favorite things are reading, cats, and eating snacks.