Middle schooler Mia is autistic—and a secret viral pop sensation.
Mia, a 12-year-old White girl, struggles to fit in at school. Mia would be happy to just be herself, stims and all, but the other students have trouble understanding her and even bully her, and her mother is full of strategies to help her attempt to mask her autism. Unbeknownst to anyone but her best friend, Charlie, who is Black and presents as nonbinary, Mia posts music videos online under the pseudonym Elle-Q. Coincidentally, one of her biggest fans is also one of her biggest real-life bullies, Laura. This graphic novel by an autistic author/illustrator is a loving depiction of one young person’s experience of autism. Though she may struggle with some of her emotions, Mia does not suffer because of her autism. Rather than a fix, she needs acceptance and accommodation. The novel is also kind to the other characters, touching upon their internal lives and what leads them to their ableist behavior. As Mia grows and begins to self-advocate, most of the other characters also grow and at least begin to accept Mia for who she is. Despite being a vehicle for these important lessons, the story doesn’t feel serious or preachy. The full-color art is a bit flat but nevertheless cute and expressive, and the panels are easy to follow.
A fun, sweet story about being oneself.
(Graphic fiction. 10-13)