CHICKENPOX, by Remy Lai, Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks, Jan. 14, 2025, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 8-12)
The eldest of five siblings struggles with her pesky brothers and sisters while they’re stuck at home sick in Chickenpox, a graphic novel by Remy Lai.
All big sister Abby wants is to spend more time with her friends, far away from the sticky fingers and snooping eyes of her annoying brothers and sisters. But when a case of the chickenpox leaves the Lai kids covered in scratchy red spots and stuck at home together for two weeks of nonstop mayhem, Abby thinks this might be the end . . . of her sanity. Yet she feels responsible for the situation since her best friend was Patient Zero and brought chickenpox into their home.
Will the itch to escape her siblings overwhelm Abby or will she realize being a big sister isn’t all bad? Full of heart and hijinks, Chickenpox showcases what gets us through good times and bad: family. —Synopsis provided by Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
Chickenpox is based on author Remy Lai’s childhood experiences with her siblings when they were all infected with the disease. Lai has changed the names for privacy and some of the events are out of order, but the book feels authentic in the way that only lived experiences reflect.
Lai’s story is engaging and her characters believable. Readers — especially older siblings — will immediately identify with Abby. And kids who don’t have siblings will be fascinated. Lai’s bright illustrations are expressive and full of movement.
Chickenpox is a fast-moving graphic novel with energy and heart.
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