Awkward (graphic novel)


Awkward is a children's graphic novel written by Svetlana Chmakova. The book tells the story of Penelope "Peppi" Torres, a new student at Berrybrook Middle School, whose first encounter with a boy from the science club leads to several awkward encounters that Peppi must learn to overcome for the good of her art club, the school, and herself.
At the beginning of the book, Peppi immediately embarrasses herself by tripping in the hallway, and dropping all of her books. Another student, Jamie “Nerder” Thompson, comes to help. However, many students notice Jamie helping Peppi, and immediately start shipping them. They call Peppi “Nerder’s girlfriend”. This reveals to Peppi that the kids at school refer to Jamie as “Nerder”. She then pushes Jamie away, and runs off. She immediately regrets her unwise decision, and tries to apologize to Jamie many times, but failing every time.
The fourth book in the series, Diary, features additional stories with the characters from Awkward.

Reception and awards

Awkward has received largely positive reviews by book critics. Amanda M. Vail of The Mary Sue said "it needs to be on the shelves of every school and public library." Awkward was named as one of the School Library Journal Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2015. It was also named by YALSA on their list of the 2016 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
Awkward won the 2nd Annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics, Dragon Award for Kids Comics at the 2016 Shuster Awards, and was nominated for an Eisner Award.

Publication information