Living With Viola

Heartbreakingly honest and quietly funny, this #ownvoices graphic novel from a debut creator is a refreshingly real exploration of mental health, cultural differences, and the trials of middle school.

Livy is already having trouble fitting in as the new girl at schooland then theres Viola. Viola is Livys anxiety brought to life, a shadowy twin that only Livy can see or hear. Livy tries to push back against Violas relentless judgment, but nothing seems to work until she strikes up new friendships at school. Livy hopes that Violas days are numbered. But when tensions arise both at home and at school, Viola rears her head stronger than ever. Only when Livy learns how to ask for help and face her anxiety does she finally figure out living with Viola.

Rosena Fung draws on her own early experiences with anxiety and the pressures of growing up as the child of Chinese immigrant parents to craft a charming, deeply personal story that combines the poignancy of Raina TelgemeiersGutswith the wacky humor ofLumberjanes. Exuberant, colorful art brings Livys rich imaginative worldfilled with everything from sentient dumplings to flying unicornsto life on the page.