Just Roll with It

Despite her initial concerns, sixth grade starts strong for Maggie Sankhar: she makes a new friend who shares a love of her favorite book series, joins a school RPG club that plays her favorite game, and discovers a newfound passion for science. But the transition also brings new worries, including bullies in the halls and a mysterious monster lurking on school grounds. Maggie is already overwhelmed by her older sisters' academic prowess, and she develops a constant fear of making mistakes, assuaged only by rituals such as toggling light switches and rolling a 20-sided die for direction. When her sister puts a name--obsessive compulsive disorder--to Maggie's behaviors, the suggestion further ups her anxiety. Offering messages of self-acceptance and tackling one task at a time, Durfey-Lavoie thoughtfully weaves the way Maggie's OCD presents into this solid middle grade story with a sympathetically earnest protagonist. In familiar, accessible art that highlights an array of skin tones, Agar- wal conjures Maggie's warm, supportive growing friendship as well as her loving family, which reads as South Asian. A comforting read that fits right into the contemporary middle grade graphic novel tradition. Ages 8-12. Agent (for Durfey-Lavoie and Agarwal): Susan Graham, Einstein Literary. (Dec.)

Gr 4-7--Sixth grader Maggie is anxious about starting middle school and following in the footsteps of her accomplished older siblings. A fan of role-playing games, she carries around a 20-sided die that she uses to help make decisions about friends and school. But when her obsessive-compulsive tendencies overwhelm her as she lets the die make her choices for her, fantasy merges with reality. Maggie and her loved ones realize she needs help, and she seeks therapy. Maggie and her family are cued as South Asian, and the story showcases a welcome diversity in her friends. Durfey-Lavoie's compassionate story depicts mental health issues and treatment in a positive light. With anxiety and depression rising in teens, this book will let readers know that they are not alone. Agarwal has crafted winsome characters who are inspired by anime and chibi animation. VERDICT For fans of Raina Telgemeier's Guts, this charming graphic novel about coping with anxiety and learning not to be overwhelmed by fear is a recommended purchase for middle school library shelves.--Nancy McKay