Pizza Face

March 13, 2023
Ogle (Abuela, Don’t Forget Me) recounts his tumultuous sixth grade year in this layered and moving graphic novel memoir. Not only does he seem to be the only kid who hasn’t experienced a growth spurt, but his best friend renounced their shared love of comics to impress popular bully Victor, and days suffering from splitting headaches result in the discovery that he needs glasses. The expense causes friction between Ogle’s divorced parents and puts added pressure on his mother and stepfather, who are overwhelmed by financial stressors but resist monetary assistance from Abuela. Ogle’s new eyewear prompts bullying from classmates; when he vents to Abuela, she describes her childhood living in financial precarity in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico, enabling Ogle to rethink his outlook on life. The lesson in gratitude lands gracefully, in part because it’s accompanied by the important corollary that it’s okay to ask for and accept help. Valeza’s classic-feeling character designs, reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier’s work, effectively capture the 1990s aesthetic, and visual jokes, like an optometrist called Eye Caramba, add levity to a thoughtfully rendered read that tackles themes of loneliness, connection, and change. Ages 8–12.

May 15, 2024
Rex and his friends are back for the start of seventh grade in this sequel to Four Eyes (2023). After learning to navigate a new school environment, rebuild his confidence, and accept himself for who he is, Rex is still not ready for what seventh grade has to throw at him. When he wakes up on the first day of school with what looks like an angry volcano in the middle of his forehead, he realizes that the new year may be even worse than he thought. Rex becomes hyperaware of his signs of puberty (and lack thereof). Although new zits seem to pop up every day, and his body odor is suddenly very noticeable, he still has a high-pitched voice and has yet to hit a growth spurt (and the bullies at school won't let him forget it). Rex struggles to manage his mood swings, lashing out at his mother, teacher, and friends. Rex fails to realize that he's not the only one struggling with puberty, however. As seventh grade goes on, Rex learns to come to terms with who he is and who he's becoming alongside his friends. Readers will be able to find themselves in the characters' struggles. The artwork is colorful and creative, showing a skillful use of the graphic novel format. The supporting characters are well developed and racially diverse, including Rex's Mexican immigrant abuela. A relatable, engaging sequel about surviving puberty and middle school. (Graphic memoir. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2024
"Heck, I start seventh grade next week. I'm practically a man," proclaims Rex (Four Eyes, rev. 7/23), but he wakes up on the first day of school with a pimple "bigger than a planet" on his forehead, and thus begins his descent into middle-school hell. Soon, classmates are calling him Zit-head, Cyclops, and Pizza Face. And when the girls realize he's the youngest and smallest student in the class: "You're like our wittle baby." This sequel, also loosely based on Ogle's experiences, is just as endearing and engaging as the first book. Rex is a likable and relatable character; his trials with puberty and middle school ring true. He is picked last in gym class, sweats and smells, has mood swings, and says dumb things to girls that get him ostracized. The graphic novel format is perfect for such a character-based story. For instance, bully Victor is humanized in just a few panels that portray how his cruel behavior is learned from his father. Rex's abuela is back, too, to offer much-needed advice and help. Despite the tormenting and name-calling Rex deals with, these books are all about a strong family and good friends who support Rex when they can and stand up to him when they must. Dean Schneider

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from June 1, 2024

Gr 4-8-Just when Rex starts getting used to his status of being labeled four eyes, acne wreaks havoc on his first day of school. To make matters worse, he overhears his friends making fun of him for his delay in puberty. He spirals downwards and pushes his friends away while he continues to suffer at the hands of his bullies. The consistent reminders of the financial burden he is to his family weighs on his relationship with his mom, and Rex hits a low. Readers will root for Rex as he eventually begins to mend relationships and build new ones as he and his peers navigate the uncharted waters of middle school and puberty. In the second installment of the series, Ogle and Valeza explore the preteen landscape in this charming and authentic autobiographical graphic novel. Ogle gracefully weaves themes ranging from generational trauma to the importance of humility into the narrative. Valeza's vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations expertly match each panel's tone with colors and sequential pacing. Further, Ogle emphasizes several character dilemmas, presenting a variety of scenarios that will resonate with readers. VERDICT This must-read graphic novel is the perfect choice for tween readers going through challenging times.-Angie Jameson

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2024
Color by Ash Szymanik. "Heck, I start seventh grade next week. I'm practically a man," proclaims Rex (Four Eyes, rev. 7/23), but he wakes up on the first day of school with a pimple "bigger than a planet" on his forehead, and thus begins his descent into middle-school hell. Soon, classmates are calling him Zit-head, Cyclops, and Pizza Face. And when the girls realize he's the youngest and smallest student in the class: "You're like our wittle baby." This sequel, also loosely based on Ogle's experiences, is just as endearing and engaging as the first book. Rex is a likable and relatable character; his trials with puberty and middle school ring true. He is picked last in gym class, sweats and smells, has mood swings, and says dumb things to girls that get him ostracized. The graphic novel format is perfect for such a character-based story. For instance, bully Victor is humanized in just a few panels that portray how his cruel behavior is learned from his father. Rex's abuela is back, too, to offer much-needed advice and help. Despite the tormenting and name-calling Rex deals with, these books are all about a strong family and good friends who support Rex when they can and stand up to him when they must.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)