Operatic

Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels like an outsider or is struggling to find a voice amidst the loud, often harsh social dynamics of junior high. Operatic follows Charlie, a young girl navigating the messy transition of adolescence, including unrequited crushes and the sting of peer exclusion. While her classmates are focused on being cool, Charlie discovers a profound connection to the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. This graphic novel beautifully validates the experience of having deep, unconventional interests and shows how art can provide a sanctuary. It is a gentle, sophisticated choice for ages 10 to 14, offering a roadmap for transforming loneliness into creative self-expression and finding strength in one's own unique frequency.