TIMID, by Jonathan Todd, Graphix, April 2, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
A boy struggles to fit in after a move across the country in Timid, a semiautobiographical middle-grade graphic novel by Jonathan Todd.
Cecil Hall and his family have just moved from Florida to Massachusetts, near Boston. Cecil is anxious about making friends because he doesn’t know where he’ll fit in. His older sister, Leah, thinks he should befriend the other black kids at his new school, but Cecil isn’t sure how he’d go about doing that. He wants to be known for his comics-making talent, anyway. But the few kids who are impressed by Cecil’s art aren’t always nice to him. When one of his drawings is misused and gets him into serious trouble, can Cecil stand up for himself and figure out who his real friends are? —Synopsis provided by Graphix
Timid explores the anxieties that come with a big move or even just a new school — Will I fit in? Will anyone want to talk to me? Where should I sit for lunch?
At the center of the story is Cecil, a talented artist whose dad wants him to be “strong” and do something important that will make money when he grows up. But Cecil just wants to draw. It’s what makes him happy.
Timid is a graphic novel that touches on common middle-grade topics like fitting in, frenemies and finding your voice. What separates Timid out from the crowd is author Jonathan Todd’s bold palate and strong lines paired with strong storytelling and a compelling main character.
There are a number of standout elements in Timid, including how to depict Black characters in black-and-white illustrations without obscuring their features using shading and using drawing as a way to get to know people.
Todd also incorporates church and faith into the narrative, appealing particularly to Christian readers who are looking for representation in graphic novels.
Timid is an authentic read that should appeal to fans of contemporary graphic novels.
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