I think a lot of children can relate to this book. Eva bends over backwards to please her Mom and fit in with the other girls. But Eva is a be your own thing kind of girl. Try as she might it just makes her feel weird and invisible. She has a good friend but wants to fit into the girl group who are trendy and gossipy. I think everyone young and old has gone through this in school. With the help of her friend and Mom Eva realizes that it is okay to be different and that is what makes you who you are. You can still be polite but do not have to be good friends. I really liked the illustrations in this book as they were colorful and inviting. Also the different fonts where a good addition. This is a good book for anyone 7 and up and really helps to open up dialog between parents and children.

Embarking on Eva's journey in this compelling chapter book is like navigating the complex maze of middle school insecurities, where fitting in feels like an elusive quest. As I followed Eva through the pages, I found echoes of my own middle school misfit moments, making it a relatable and heartwarming read.

Eva, our protagonist, grapples with the universal struggle of longing to be seen and heard while harboring the fear of being labeled as 'weird.' Licate skillfully captures the essence of middle school dynamics, where the quest for acceptance and understanding one's identity takes center stage. Eva's artistic inclinations and unique fashion sense paint a canvas of individuality, offering a refreshing take on embracing one's quirks.

The narrative unfolds with a genuine exploration of Eva's internal conflicts, touching upon the nuanced terrain of self-worth. Licate weaves a tale that is both poignant and uplifting, emphasizing the importance of parental love and the solace found in true friendships during the tumultuous middle school years.

The illustrations complement the narrative, adding visual depth to Eva's world. The expressive visuals capture the emotional spectrum of middle school experiences, enhancing the reader's connection with the characters. The artistic elements contribute to the overall appeal of the book, creating an immersive reading experience.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to address the multifaceted nature of 'weirdness.' It challenges conventional norms, encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness rather than conforming to societal expectations. The story serves as a gentle reminder that everyone's journey to self-discovery is a maze, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected treasures.

While "Am I Weird?" navigates the complexities of middle school with finesse, there were moments when I wished for a more nuanced exploration of certain themes. However, the overall narrative captures the essence of the middle school experience, offering valuable insights and fostering empathy.

This is a delightful journey that resonates with anyone who has felt the pangs of being a middle school misfit. It speaks to the heart, encouraging readers to celebrate their quirks and navigate the maze of adolescence with courage and authenticity.

I really enjoyed this book. I was initially drawn in by the fun illustration of Eva on the front cover but after finishing the book, I came to realize I loved her character just as much. This is a great coming of age story about trying to fit in but also wanting to stay true to ones self. I can never have enough of these types of books to recommend to kids and teens at the library. Will definitely recommend!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Great kids book with an important message for kids, and explained really well!

A children's book to help with those feelings of being different. This book goes into the feelings of the child who feels weird because she is different than her peers. And it concludes with her understanding she isn't weird just different and everyone is different.

This book is about Eva, a middle grade girl, who is feeling left out of her old group of friends. They dress differently than her, they're interested in different hobbies than her, and she is afraid she will disappoint her mother if she stops being friends with them. At first I thought this book was pushing the weird narrative of "I'm not like other girls" but it is not. Eva is becoming more herself, she is becoming more artsy, and funky. However, she is confused as to why that means the relationships must change. She is feeling ignored, invisible, and eventually just plain weird. This is a very good book about how it can be uncomfortable for kids to find themselves. In the end, with the help of a good support system and communication, they can grow comfortable with who they really are.

Thank you NetGalley and Boys Town Press for the the e-ARC.

Am I Weird is a book about trying to fit in at school in your middle years.  Although I am now an adult, this was a tough time for me too so I really related with Eva.  There is a group of girls at school that Eva tries to talk to, and while they do include her in activities and sleepovers, they tend to talk over her and ignore her and she doesn't like it.  She wonders if this is because she is a weirdo.  She does have one best friend, who tells her that she is not a weirdo and after talking to her parents they no longer to try force her to be included in the friend group.  I think this is important - find your group (even if it is just one other person) and do your own thing.  That is what makes you special.  It can be hard to avoid and ignore the mean girls - but you do you and you'll end up ok in the end.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

I can't send this to my kindle and the file isn't opening on my phone so therefore I'm unable to give a rating. I will give a neutral rating instead.

I really enjoyed this book and Eva is a fabulous character!

The book is well written, easy to follow and the illustrations are perfect they add so much extra to the story and really bring the book to life – the book has a wonderful focus and this is a book covers a question that a lot of children will think at some point.

I love that the book has a “be true to yourself” vibe and the book deals with kindness and compassion too and encourages the reader to be yourself, whoever that may be!

It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended – loved it!!

Am I weird? That's what Eva is wondering as she navigates the world of middle school friendships . Licate's book sets the stage to have critical conversations with kids as readers learn that it's okay not to be exactly the same as everyone else. It is a must have book for schools, especially with the changes in school structures as a result of COVID-19. Now more than ever, this is the type of book that kids will need to help answer questions about the importance of being themselves and having the courage to be un-apologetically authentic and true to their own heart.

Thank you Boys Town Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

This book contains good lessons on how the world views you and how you view yourself. I think it has important messages for teenagers.

Am I Weird?
A book about finding your place when you feel like you don't fit in
by Jennifer Licate
Boys Town Press
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | Self-Help
Pub Date 12 Jan 2021



I am reviewing a copy f Am I Weird through Boys Town Press and Netgalley:


Eva is insecure, she feels like a middle school misfit. She longs to be invited to parties and included in the sleepovers but feels invisible and ignored. Could it be because she’s artsy, and her fashion tastes are peculiar? Is her niceness mistaken for boringness? Or is she an actual weirdo?




Eva finds herself questioning everything about who she is, can the love of her parents and the wisdom of a loyal friend help her regain a sense of self-worth?




Am I Weird is a compelling chapter book that reminds the readers it’s okay to be different.


I give Am I Weird five out of five star!



Happy Reading!

Loved reading it! A perfect book for children dealing with social anxiety. We often tend to give more importance to what people think about us and try hard to fit in but this book clearly depicts that you don't need others approval to live your life happily. You be yourself and it doesn't matter if people like you or not. Just don't lose yourself while trying hard to impress others.

Am I Weird?

My motto is, “If you’re not weird, you’re boring.” But I’m pretty sure I didn’t believe that when I was in middle school. Being a teenage girl is hard! And as a mother of one now, I think this book is an excellent tool for having a discussion with my daughter about fitting in and being yourself. Even if you can’t relate to every part of the character’s experience, it is a great starting point to talk about what it’s like when you don’t feel like you belong.
I love the illustrations, and I like the first person point of view – showing how we can overthink things when we get stuck in our head.
This is a book I would love to donate to a middle school library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Great topic of discussion for middle schoolers, this book helps to identify and sort out many feelings that children those ages have. The illustrations were brilliant and the story flowed naturally while highlighting important topics.

I really liked Am I Weird by Jennifer Licate, and the series of books appear to be a great collection of stories. The author does a great job of making the characters relatable with a good, solid message. I wish I had books like this growing up! The book has great illustrations.

This book is a useful resource for libraries, schools, counseling, and parents. This would also be a great resource to read aloud in a group setting.

#AmIWeird #NetGalley

I enjoyed how this book drives home the idea that being different is a strength and not something to be ashamed of. Loving your unique self is what counts. Another great book from the Navigating Friendship series by Jennifer Licate. Love it!

*Thanks to Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for this Ebook in exchange for my honest review