Pizza Face

Rex Ogle's 'Pizza Face' is a poignant and humorous graphic novel that tackles the often-uncomfortable realities of middle school adolescence. It follows Rex, a 'late bloomer' grappling with puberty, body image issues, and the social pressures of school, including bullying. The narrative also touches on the challenges of growing up in a low-income family, adding layers of realism and empathy. This book is an excellent resource for parents seeking to normalize the physical and emotional changes of puberty, open conversations about self-esteem, and discuss resilience in the face of social difficulties. The graphic novel format makes it accessible and engaging for young readers.

Late bloomer Rex navigates a low-income family, bullies, sports, and middle school, all while learning to have confidence with a body that refuses to stop changing.