Timid

This semi autobiographical graphic novel features 12 year old Cecil, a bit of a dreamer who immerses himself in creating and drawing cartoons. When he moves with his family from rural Florida to Boston, he is apprehensive about how he will fit in, especially as his family have different expectations of him that he feels he needs to fulfil. His father wants Cecil to stand-up for himself by learning to fight, while his sister expects him to make friends with other black students rather than with his white classmates.

Cecil learns for himself who makes a good friend, and how to stand up for himself and to be proud of his own identity, not just at school, but also within his family.

Although the principles of being true to yourself, needing to feel accepted and wanting to please others are themes that are universal and easily translatable into different cultures, I think this book would feel a little alien to a New Zealand readership because it is written from such a distinctly American experience. Having said that, it is a worthwhile read and one that I would recommend to readers 12 years old and above.