Sweet, serious, and humorous, this tackles a common problem for young teens - severe acne. It covers the treatments as well as the self-esteem issues. Additionally, in an almost passing fashion, this also describes the main character's discovery of asexuality as an actual thing that makes sense to him and how he feels.

A-OK by Jarad Green is a semi-autobiographical book that takes place in the span of one year, Jay’s last year in middle school. He has to deal with his skin issues, changing friendships, and his sexuality. Jay’s journey with acne and the emotions that stem from treating it was handled very well. It was both realistic and relatable. I think this is a good story to recommend to middle grade readers who may be suffering self esteem issues.

A-OK also gives us an asexual middle grade protagonist! Although I am happy there is asexual representation in children’s literature, it seemed like it was kind of an afterthought in the story. I would have liked to have had the book dedicate a little more time to Jay realizing he may be asexual. He spent so much time researching about his acne, but hardly any time reading and learning more about asexuality, which was a little disappointing.

This simple, semi-autobiographical graphic novel covers the ups and downs of the main character's school year. The story focuses on his struggles with acne and various medications to deal with it, his shifting and changing old and new friendships, and his gradual understanding of his asexual identity. In the note at the back, the author writes about his own experience, and how even though his lack of sexual attraction isn't necessarily a static identity, it has been his overall experience in life. I think that he addressed the dynamics of this well, and I also appreciate his sensitive portrayal of boys' self-esteem issues related to body image.

However, even though this book has great elements, I never felt like it fully came together as a compelling story. It is very episodic in nature, and even though the repetitive elements (such as multiple trips to the doctor for acne) are representative of life, I wished that there was a stronger, more streamlined story arc. The book will be relatable for many kids in middle school regardless whether they connect with the specifics of the character's struggles or not, and I'm sure that many adults will enjoy this as well, but it wasn't everything that it could have been.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel! I felt it really grasped the trials and tribulations of early teenage-hood. Jay, who begins the story with just a simple battle of acne, progresses with new battles and journeys of old and new friendships, romantic relationships (in Jay's case, figuring out his asexuality), and academics.

I overall thought this books was well written. I will definitely be requesting this book for my library.

Fans of The babysitter graphic novels or the Friends graphic novels will enjoy this book. Jay is the main character. He is in 8th and has acne. This book follows Jay throughout his last year in middle school. The characters felt real and Jay’s anxieties were normal for that age group.

This was a great exploration of what it means to come of age in a body that doesn't quite fit into typical beauty standards, or even the "normal" sexualities. I appreciated that most of the emphasis was on Jay's experience with acne and taking medications at a young age -- that's a difficult experience to go through, I know, and it's nice to give younger audiences an example of how that life can be. I also liked that the asexual thing was still kind of fluid and undefined, and that was okay. Jay didn't have to figure it out right then and there (nor did he suddenly meet someone and get "cured" as is sometimes illustrated, and honestly kind of gross).

Wonderful coming of age story for those struggling with living their truth and being seen for who they are.

Graphic novel treatment of one boy’s middle school experience with intractable acne. Over the course of a year, 8th grader, Jay, tries multiple interventions to deal with his acne, while coping with bullying and relationship challenges as friendships evolve. There is no quick fix, and the side effects of medications is part of the difficulty Jay faces, all along just wanting his old self back. A sub-plot introducing asexuality adds to the confusion of identity. Diverse characters with their own personal struggles round out the cast. The illustrations are clean and crisp, and there is plenty of text to carry the story. A very good, realistic presentation of a common ailment.

This simple cover leads to hidden depths in this graphic novel about the ups and downs and stresses of eight grade. While the main problem our protagonist thinks he’s facing is his sudden acne after years of clear skin, there’s much more to it. Changes in school, among his friend group, and in his social circles leave Jarad feeling completely lost. But he’s never alone, and his journey is hopeful and empowering. I especially loved the brief exploration of asexuality as there’s so little rep for this as it is, and I think so many kids can identify with the struggles of figuring out your labels. A-Okay gets an A plus from me!

This graphic novel is excellent for a middle grades audience. It is written in an accessible format and is a quick but powerful read. It tells his journey to deal with breakouts on his face, use of a strong medication to help the breakouts and side effects of the medication. It shows the real impact of acne on self-esteem. He is also realizing he doesn't have crushes on boys or girls and discovers his asexuality. It is written in a way that truly make is understandable for young readers.

A-Okay is a graphic novel that chronicle's Jay's 8th grade school year. During the year, he struggles with acne and tries different treatments. He also is navigating old and new friendships. He has insecurities with both. Jay also is trying to understand his neutral feelings to classmates who are showing an interest in him. This graphic novel tackles a lot of topics. I thought the illustrations were done well and complimented the text.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute graphic novel that would be relatable to any kid suffering from acne and the side effects of taking medication for its treatment. This was an interesting topic to explore in a book that I haven't seen done before. There is also asexual representation as a subplot. My students love graphic novels, and I think they would enjoy reading about Jay's experiences exploring his identity and gaining back his confidence about his appearance.

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, for the opportunity to read an arc version of this book!

This text will be very relatable for many young high schoolers/older middle-grade students. Jay is about to start his 8th grade year, but is feeling very self-conscious because of his acne. HOWEVER, he is looking forward to the opportunity to take honors classes and art. There are moments of humor and a light-hearted approach to what it feels like to grow up, so students will likely find this book more approachable instead of solely being about self-image. That being said, there are moments of bullying--but this can also be used to support empathy in students. They will have the opportunity to see dialogue or actions they may have participated in, and the impact the actions have on others. There is also a bit of self-reflection about sexuality and maturity--recommend for many students/classrooms!

ACK I cannot give this graphic novel enough praise!! I don't think I've ever seen asexuality written into a book for junior high students, and the main character to boot! I also loved the way the main character dealt with his insecurities surrounding his acne by making himself feel confident in other ways. I can see that healthy mindset applying to more than just feeling insecure about acne, so it will be a great comfort to kids in so many ways!

Over all, this book was good. I liked the storytelling, the art style matched the story and the telling. There was just one thing that kind of bothered me.
The author is basically telling a story about the horrors of acne. So, the subplot around being asexual seemed...forced. I know this is a fictionalization of the author's own experiences, but over all...it felt like it was just trying to check a box to be a diversity read. It really *isn't* a book about asexuality, friend. It's about a kid with horrible acne and the steps he takes to get clearer skin to deal with his anxiety around the bullying.

Also, the pop culture references make the story feel dated. Again, I know this is the author's experience, but I think making them more relevant as it is otherwise a fictionalized account, would make it easier for today's youth to connect. But, maybe that's just me.

A-Okay follows Jay through eighth grade where he tangles with a number of common teen and pre-teen issues including acne, learning to like himself, crushes (on him), his own sexuality (he thinks he may be ace), and changing relationships with friends. There's sort of a lot happening in the book so the central story is somewhat hard to define. It may be best thought of as a well illustrated and engaging insight into contemporary middle school students, rather than a traditional "story."

This is an awesome book for the middle school set! My daughter read it and loved it! I enjoyed it as well and felt like it was so honest and relatable to everyone. It was also just enjoyable to read and kids will definitely love the graphic/comic/cartoon style of art/storytelling.
Will definitely be getting this for my middle grade classes.

I can't wait to recommend this to students! Jay's struggles are relatable to everyone, and his inner narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Kudos to Jarad Greene for capturing the painful awkwardness around appearances and relationships and understanding ourselves. Even as his protagonist struggles, Greene gives him moments of glory and hope - so much hope!

Really sweet, relatable story. I enjoyed reading Jay's journey and was sad when it ended. I wanted to follow him into high school! Overall, this story is sure to win over kids with its cartoony style and realistic portrayal of junior high. #netgalley

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jared Greene's A-Okay offers a look into what it's like to grow up in suburban Florida while dealing with changes during adolescence. The main character, Jay, has just started eigth grade, and readers follow him as he navigates acne and changing social situations.

The story flows well, and the Greene's art is colorful and lively.