Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1) by SVETLANA CHMAKOVA

Middle school is a minefield of social awkwardness, self-discovery, and the desperate need to fit in. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, struggled with friendships, or just wanted to disappear into the background, Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova will feel like a warm hug—or at least a knowing nod.

This graphic novel, the first in the Berrybrook Middle School series, is a masterclass in capturing the anxieties and triumphs of adolescence. With expressive artwork, authentic dialogue, and a protagonist who feels painfully real, Awkward is a must-read for middle-grade readers, educators, and even adults who remember the cringe-worthy days of their youth.

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Peppi Torres just wants to survive seventh grade without drawing attention to herself. But on her first day at Berrybrook Middle School, she trips, spills her books, and—worst of all—shoves away a boy who tries to help her. That boy, Jaime Thompson, becomes the quiet, science-loving outcast she accidentally made an enemy.

Now, Peppi is stuck between her desire to stay invisible and her growing guilt over how she treated Jaime. To make matters worse, she’s joined the art club, which is locked in a fierce rivalry with the science club (Jaime’s domain). As tensions rise between the clubs, Peppi must decide whether to keep hiding or finally stand up for herself—and maybe even apologize.

Without giving away major spoilers, the story unfolds with humor, heart, and a refreshingly realistic take on middle-school dynamics.

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Peppi is the epitome of an introverted kid trying to navigate social expectations. Her internal monologue is so relatable—she overthinks every interaction, fears judgment, and just wants to blend in. What makes her compelling is her gradual growth. She starts as someone who avoids conflict at all costs but slowly learns that speaking up (and owning mistakes) is part of growing up.

Jaime is the kind of character who doesn’t say much but notices everything. He’s smart, kind, and unfairly labeled as "weird" because of his love for science. His friendship with Peppi develops organically, and their dynamic is one of the book’s strongest elements.

From the art club’s enthusiastic members to the science club’s competitive leader, every side character feels distinct and realistic. Chmakova avoids stereotypes, instead crafting personalities that reflect the diverse social landscape of middle school.

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Chmakova’s artwork is expressive, colorful, and packed with subtle details that enhance the storytelling. The facial expressions alone convey so much emotion—Peppi’s wide-eyed panic, Jaime’s quiet smiles, the exaggerated drama of hallway gossip.

The dialogue is snappy and authentic, never feeling forced or overly "teachy." The pacing is excellent, balancing humor, tension, and quieter character moments.

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Peppi’s journey is about overcoming the fear of judgment. Many kids (and adults!) will relate to her struggle between wanting to be liked and staying true to herself.

The book explores how one awkward moment can shape relationships—but also how redemption is possible.

The rivalry between clubs mirrors real-life cliques, showing how arbitrary divisions can be.

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As someone who was Peppi in middle school (minus the artistic talent), this book hit hard in the best way. It’s rare to find a story that captures social anxiety without being patronizing. I laughed, cringed, and even teared up at moments that felt too real.

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Fans of Smile by Raina Telgemeier or New Kid by Jerry Craft will love Awkward. It shares their blend of humor, heart, and sharp social commentary. However, Chmakova’s focus on introverted protagonists sets it apart.

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✅ Authentic voice – Peppi’s inner thoughts are spot-on.
✅ Beautiful artwork – Expressive, dynamic, and full of personality.
✅ Nuanced friendships – No easy fixes, just realistic growth.

❌ Some side characters could be fleshed out more – A few feel underdeveloped.
❌ The ending wraps up a bit quickly – I wanted a little more closure on certain threads.

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• Middle-grade readers (ages 9-13) – Especially those who feel like outsiders.
• Educators & parents – Great for discussions on empathy and social dynamics.
• Graphic novel lovers – A standout in the genre.

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"I just want to be invisible. But I also want to be seen." – Peppi

This line perfectly encapsulates the book’s central conflict.

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Awkward is a triumph—funny, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. Whether you’re a middle-schooler navigating social hierarchies or an adult looking back on those turbulent years, this book will resonate.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

• Have you ever had an awkward moment that haunted you? How did you move past it?
• Which character did you relate to the most?
• Do you think the rivalry between clubs was realistic?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 📚💬

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