Short & Skinny

A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling insecure about their size or body, especially as they enter middle school. This graphic novel memoir follows the author's own hilarious 7th-grade summer, when he was short, skinny, and tired of being picked on. He orders a muscle-building program from a comic book ad, leading to an unexpected adventure with his best friend hunting a local monster. Through humor and exaggerated action, the story explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and finding your own kind of bravery. It’s an excellent choice for reluctant readers, offering a lighthearted yet meaningful way to talk about body image and confidence.