Discover the relatable and contemporary graphic novels by Kathryn Ormsbee.

Don’t miss these fun Middle-Grade graphic novels from Random House Graphic that are perfect for your tweens (first crushes!): Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee and illustrated by Molly Brooks. Turning twelve means big changes for Katie — including her first bra, first time babysitting, and a first crush that she knows not everyone will approve of. From the creators of the acclaimed graphic novel Growing Pangs comes another pitch-perfect, coming-of-age companion novel, set in the same beloved universe. In Growing Pangs, Katie has always felt different. Being homeschooled, having freckles, and crooked teeth contribute to this feeling.But none of these things matter to Kacey. They’re best friends forever—just like their necklaces say. But when they go to summer camp, Kacey starts acting weird.

Fans of Heartstopper and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will delight in this girl-driven and memoir-esque graphic novel inspired by author Kathryn Ormsbee’s own tween experiences — from playing Duffy in Annie and starting her first babysitting job, to getting her first crush on a girl.

So if you’re ready to win this set of Graphic Novels — Growing Pangs and Turning Twelve, enter on the rafflecopter below! Buy Turning Twelve here!

About Turning Twelve:

What if a friend…is more than a friend?
Katie can’t wait to turn twelve–pool parties! babysitting! friends! But sometimes it feels like there’s so much new stuff she can barely keep up. First Job? (Yes!) Unfair dress codes? (No way!) Makeup (Okay?!) Shaving? (Uh…!)Maybe growing up isn’t as much fun as she had expected. But one thing does seem right–her new friend, Grace. Could Katie have a crush on another girl? Katie knows not everyone around her will approve…which is kind of scary. She might not be ready to tell anyone yet, and that’s fine…but can Katie stay true to herself and embrace the person she’s growing up to be?

About Growing Pangs:

Katie’s always felt different. She’s homeschooled, she has freckles, and her teeth are really crooked. But none of these things matter to Kacey. They’re best friends forever—just like their necklaces say. But when they go to summer camp, Kacey starts acting weird. What happened to the “forever”? And when Katie gets home, she can’t stop worrying. About getting braces. About 6th grade. About friends. She knows tapping three times or opening and closing a drawer won’t make everything better . . . but sometimes it helps stop the worrying. Is something wrong with her? And will anyone want to be friends with her if they find out?

About the Author

Kathryn (K.E.) Ormsbee is the author of several acclaimed books for kids, including Candidly Cline (A 2023 ALA Rainbow Book List Book). She was born and raised in Kentucky and now lives in Austin, Texas with her wife and their dog.

About the Illustrator

Molly Brooks is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed Sanity & Tallulah graphic novel series, as well as the illustrator of Flying Machines and many other short comics. Molly grew up in Tennessee and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife and cats.

Praise for Turning Twelve

★ “Katie is just the sort of lively, inquisitive friend that a 12-year-old might yearn for. With its exhilarating combination of prose and illustrations, Turning Twelve will make readers clamor for more of Katie’s adventures.”

—BookPage, starred review

“Twelve cheers for TURNING TWELVE! Readers will root for Katie as she navigates seventh grade and stays true to her own heart.”

—Megan Wagner Lloyd, author of Allergic

Praise for Growing Pangs

★ “The story stays true to this child’s experience, and the art… gives equal attention to the high points of Katie’s life while skillfully depicting her lows.”
—Booklist, starred review

“Eminently relatable for middle schoolers, taking the shame out of OCD and anxiety.”
—NPR