Parents' Guide to
Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom: Frazzled, Book 1
Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl conquers middle school worries in fun graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Abbie Wu is FRAZZLED. She's stuck in the middle and knotted up with anxiety. She doesn't fit in at home, with her adorable sister, accomplished brother, and unflappable mom. She doesn't fit in at school, where her friends are pursuing new interests. But Abbie doesn't have a "thing" yet, and the pressure to choose is more than she can handle. The only thing she's looking forward to is lunch. But even that goes south when Abbie realizes only eighth-graders get the "real" food -- burgers, pizza, and chicken nuggets. Bringing lunch isn't much help, since there's always something she hates. Her peers, she notices, feel the same way. Soon Abbie's leading an underground lunch swap and thinking leadership just might be one of her "things."
Is It Any Good?
A winningly neurotic heroine, charming artwork, and a message about learning to take risks make this story about conquering middle school worries a fun read for anyone feeling stuck in "the Middles." Booki Vivat's debut, Frazzled, is a fresh and funny standout in the crowded field of graphic novels about the awkwardness of middle school.
Abbie is an especially sensitive tween, and Vivat portrays her tendency to be overly dramatic with good-natured humor. Plentiful black-and-white illustrations show Abbie's runaway imagination: A tidal wave of back-to-school paperwork looms over her at the beach, her mother traps her in a bakery display case to talk about school, and her friends drift away from her, suspended from balloons. Honest, chatty Abbie is a perfect ally for kids trying to find their own way through the Middles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Abbie's difficulty choosing an elective in Frazzled. Do you find choices exciting or overwhelming?
Do you feel pressure to have a "thing"? Do you worry following one interest might mean you'll miss out on something else?
Have you ever been surprised by your own courage, the way Abbie is?
Book Details
- Author: Booki Vivat
- Illustrator: Bookie Vivat
- Genre: Emotions
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models , Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date: September 27, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 240
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: February 8, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate