Timid: A Graphic Novel

Cecil has friends and a life in Florida, but his parents decide to move to Boston, where they lived when Cecil was much younger. Unfortunately, Cecil is rather shy and not one to make the first move. When he shows up to lunch, he wants to befriend the other Black kids, but feels like he missed his chance and joins a White kid, which just makes him worry about being an Oreo.

Classmates discover his cartooning ability, and he is asked to make a couple drawings. While his dad thinks that Cecil should plan on a more reliable career, Cecil really wants to become a cartoonist and jumps on these opportunities to work his craft. When one of his images lands him in hot water with the principal, he has to figure out how to speak up, or take the punishment.

Many readers will resonate with Cecil, who hesitates to make friends and talk to girls. The art is colorful, but the students look much older than middle school. This will be good for readers who like graphic novels, but it doesn’t really stand out from the rest.