Super cute graphic novel for middle graders about friendships and finding one's identity. Illustrations were bright and supported the text well.

This was a fun graphic novel. I loved the bright colors and artwork style. At times, I felt like the story got a little bit muddled. But overall I think this was a wonderful book about accepting yourself and others and pushing yourself to try to do new things while recognizing that others may go at a different pace. I think readers that enjoy Reina Telgemeier, Kayla Miller, Shannon Hale and the like will enjoy this new series.

It’s picture day at Brinkley Middle School! Olivia “Viv” Sullivan is determined not to fade into the background in the hand knitted cardigan and boring braid that her mother wants her to wear. She wants a look that’s cool, bold, and true to herself – while also setting her apart from the many other Olivias in her grade. After all, that’s what Viv’s favorite influencer, Quinn Sparks, would recommend! To that end, Viv chops off her braid in the school bathroom. She’s finally ready for her close up (and quite pleased with her new look), but her mom is apoplectic and whisks her off to the salon for a stylist to repair the DIY chop. With newfound confidence, Viv realizes that she has a knack for helping other students stand out from the crowd, from a new Conservation Club promotion to a Halloween Dance proposal. Along the way, though, she neglects her two best friends and their preparations for the upcoming Tengu Con. In helping others to solve their problems, Viv creates some of her own, and must figure out her true priorities to move forward. Sarah Sax’s energetic, digitally created artwork in a variety of panel layouts keeps the pace rolling briskly along, and a wonderfully diverse group of characters is represented. With elements of influencer culture, individuality, and friendship, Picture Day has something for almost everyone!

This is a cute new graphic novel and an easy recommendation for readers who like Raina or BSC or Roller Girl or other such comics. Not groundbreaking, but solid.

This was a great graphic novel for middle grade readers. Many students will be able to identify with not feeling like they fit in and wanting to stand out and be different and unique, especially in today's world of social media likes and follows. Viv's story is one that will resonate with kids and was even meaningful to me, the adult reader! Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

I loved the idea of this collection and feel that the target audience will adore it! Unfortunately, I found a little missing in terms of pacing and thematic impact.

Every 7th grader dislikes picture day and that includes Viv. Viv marches to her drum and she is forced to wear her braid which disappionts her. This braid made her blend into the crowd and she wanted to be unique. Viv decided to fix the braid and she cut it off.

The panels tell most of the story and a great read for a middle grade reader.

Thank you Sarah sex, Knopf book, and NetGalley with the oppurtunity to read this book.

Since Olivia is one of at least seven Olivias in her grade, she decides to use her middle name Viv so she stands out in middle school. In keeping with her goal to stand out, she cuts her in a drastic cut on picture day and strives to tell her truthy. However, Viv has failed to take into account her best friends and their truths. After failing epically at the fall dance, Viv has to take a good look at herself and what she wants, and who her true friends are.

Viv gets so caught up with striving for popularity and becoming a social media influencer that she forgets what's really important in this fun graphic novel for the middle school set. Looks like a great beginning to a promising new series for young people.

Viv (not Olivia) is tired of the same old thing. She’s tired of the braid she wears everyday and the sweaters her mom gives her to wear for picture day. She wants something different, so right before she gets her picture made, she chops off her braid while someone films it in the bathroom at school. She is so excited with herself, but her friends and her mom start to worry about her. Other people on school are seeking out Viv and her help with parades, dance proposals, and other big events. Viv loves the attention and loves helping people, but she starts to leave her best friends Milo and Allison behind. She has to figure out how to be a good friend and how to be true to herself at the same time. Picture Day was a very accurate look at middle school and how much social media plays a part in the lives of teenagers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I’m a huge fan of graphic novels but must admit, this is my first go with a middle grade graphic novel. I absolutely adored it! The book is sturdy and feels good in my hand. The pages are thicker than normal and filled with the most awesome graphics ever. The story has a great theme and definitely keeps attention with the brilliant illustrations. I simply loved everything about this creative and timely story.

In Sarah Sax's graphic novel, "Picture Day," readers are introduced to Viv, a seventh-grader eagerly preparing for the much-anticipated picture day at her middle school. Feeling overlooked and wanting to stand out, Viv decides to make a drastic change to her hair right before getting her picture taken, setting in motion a series of events that not only changes her own life but also provide valuable insights into the world of trendsetting. Viv tries to help others find their voice through her new-found influencer status, but in the process, she loses sight of her values, especially the importance of friendship. Sarah Sax's graphic novel, Picture Day, is a fun and captivating read with its relatable main character who yearns for recognition and individuality in a world where she often feels invisible.

Reading Picture Day brought back memories of my own middle school experiences and the never-ending quest to stand out among my peers. I remember trying to make bold choices with my appearance to grab attention but quickly discovered that it was a fleeting and superficial way to gain popularity. I realized at a young age that changing myself for others was not the path to true happiness and acceptance, but being yourself and staying true to your values is. Overall, I enjoyed reading Picture Day, not only for the storyline but for the life lessons one can learn about valuing your true self. Sarah Sax did an incredible job portraying real life adolescent scenarios through her storytelling and beautiful illustrations. I give this graphic novel a rating of 5 stars!

I LOVED this book! Sarah Sax is an illustrator to watch for sure. I can see her being as popular with students as Raina Telgemeier and Dav Pilkey. I am planning to write a more formal review of Picture Day with my 10-year old niece in the coming days. She just got her copy, so I am waiting for her to review it. Once it's ready, both her review and mine will post to my librarian blog.

In the meantime, I posted a YouTube link where I talk about Picture Day. The review for Picture Day begins at 10:20 on the video.

This Graphic Novel was everything as it reminded me of my own Picture day when I was at School and it literally brought back memories for me.

I loved the main character of Viv who naturally wanted to stand out but it never seemed to happen until she took drastic action but at what cost?

I loved the art style and how Sarah managed to use this wonderful graphic novel to discuss Social Media and how it can be positive or negative.

For all the above reasons I am giving Picture Day 4 stars.

Such a cute graphic novel. I loved the illustration style and panel variety. Picture Day does a wonderful job highlighting those awkward middle school years that balance the desire for external praise and attention and the drive to find and embrace your own strength and personality traits. I would definitely add this to my classroom library.

This graphic novel was really cute! Seventh grade is such a transition point in our lives and it was great getting to read about Viv’s experiences. Sometimes you just want to stand out and do something different, which I’d definitely say Viv did when she cut her hair on a live stream!

My seventh grade experience was different than Viv’s (i.e. not even cell phones were much of a thing at that point in my life) so it was fun to see the social media aspects and how quickly it took off. She went from feeling like just another girl with a boring braid to the “it” girl! Everyone wanted her to help them stand out but she soon realizes that you can’t just assume everyone wants it.

I thought the friendship between Viv, Milo, and Al was well developed. I felt that their reaction to her sudden popularity was realistic to how young people would respond to the same or similar situation.

The illustrations were fantastic and I did pick up the audiobook to listen along. The full-cast audio really brough the story and graphics to life. I recommend either format! Or just get them both!

*Thank you to NetGalley and TBRBeyond Tours for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review.*

I really loved this graphic novel. Viv was a really relatable character. It's considered middle grade and it's a nice introduction to kids and the impact that social media have on them. I really loved it. The illustrations are really beautiful. I can't wait to read anything else by Sarah Sax. I highly suggest this book.

This was a very adorable and relatable graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Shannon Hale and Raina Telgemeier. I loved how it tackled issues of social media and fitting in in middle school. I loved Viv as a character and I cannot wait to read more books from Sarah Sax.

Really good! A story about the desire to stand out, and balancing popularity with maintaining existing friendships. Very cute and kind!

This is a cute story that is relevant to today’s middle schoolers. Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love it!