Dear Jackie
Jessixa Bagley, illus. by Aaron Bagley. Simon & Schuster, $24.99 hardcover (288p) ISBN 978-1-5344-9658-3; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-5344-9657-6
Though childhood best friends Jackie and Milo—who were born on the same day at the same hospital—are dreading entering middle school, they’re comforted by the fact that they’ll have each other. Once the school year begins, however, Jackie struggles to maintain their dynamic as Milo opts to bond with his new soccer teammates. On top of feeling lonely, Jackie endures cruel critiques from her peers about her appearance: Milo’s teammates disparage her for dressing “like a dude,” while female classmates encourage Jackie to change up her style so “at least people would know you’re a girl.” She resolves to give herself a makeover for picture day, but when students ridicule her visible body hair—and Milo joins in the jeering—things begin to go downhill for the once-close besties. Slice-of-life vignettes by the Bagleys (Duel) portray Jackie’s grappling with issues surrounding puberty, body image, and shifting relationships; glimpses into Milo’s own challenges navigating toxic male environments deepens the graphic novel’s authentic presentation of kids in social transition. Characters are depicted with varying skin tones. Ages 8–12. Agent: Alexandra Penfold, Upstart Crow Literary. (Sept.)
Details
Reviewed on: 06/26/2025
Genre: Children's
Paperback - 288 pages - 978-1-5344-9657-6