Staff Pick
In this hilarious illustrated novel, we meet Abbie, a girl who is about to enter the perilous journey of middle school. Abbie hasn't found her "thing" in life, something that defines every kid and will help her choose her elective — how can she not freak out?! In this debut middle-reader book perfect for Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans, you'll be charmed by adorable Abbie and how she navigates through her personal crises. Recommended By Kim T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Meet Abbie Wu. Abbie is in crisis—and not just because she’s starting middle school or because she’s stuck in a family that doesn’t quite get her or because everyone seems to have a Thing except her. Abbie Wu is always in crisis.
From debut author and professional doodler Booki Vivat, Frazzled dives right into the mind of this hilariously neurotic middle school girl as she tries to figure out who she is and where she belongs. Akin to Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Frazzled is heavily illustrated, embarrassingly honest, and sure to appeal to anyone in the middle of figuring out how to survive the everyday disasters of growing up.
"Honest, sweet, and laugh-out-loud funny," raves Brightly.com. "Fans of Smile and Diary of a Wimpy Kid will appreciate this debut."
Review
"Newcomer Vivat’s novel, with its hyperbolic text and superabundant adrenaline-filled cartoon drawings...has plenty of appeal, but it’s the clever plot that gives the story depth." The Horn Book
Review
"Abbie’s phobias and worries are charmingly depicted in this heavily illustrated hybrid novel....share this title with fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and anyone who will appreciate rooting for a witty underdog." School Library Journal
Review
"Vivat’s funny, quick-moving debut skips along even faster thanks to the endearing doodles that appear throughout, punctuating Abbie’s travails with chibi-esque emotional outbursts featuring flailing limbs, speed lines, and exaggerated typography." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Debut author Vivat writes and illustrates a funny, neurotic, and delightful girl with a heart as big as her worries. The extensively illustrated novel packs a punch with fresh, lively pencil-and-ink drawings and lettering that set each mood perfectly." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
About the Author
Booki Vivat has been doodling somewhat seriously since 2011 and not-so-seriously since childhood. She grew up in Southern California and graduated from the University of California, San Diego. She currently works in publishing and lives in Brooklyn, New York. This is her first novel.