Weirdo by tony weaver jr.

Illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo
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Tony is constantly the new kid at school, having made many transfers, but this latest school is proving to be even more challenging with a more than fair share of bullies pointing out every eccentricity Tony has and posting much of it to social media. It becomes too much for Tony to handle - the bullies suck all of the joy and light from his days until he's ready to give up completely. His parents begin having him go to therapy, and he switches schools yet again to one where most students are more accepting and there are fewer bullies. Tony finds a home with the Literature Club and even finds his voice again as a champion for others with their own bullies and in their self-expression.

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In this autobiographically inspired story, Weaver’s honest and sometimes heartbreaking journey with his mental health is inspiring and brutally honest in a way that will connect with victims of bullying but is also the story that bullies need to read to understand how damaging their actions can be. Some of it is a simple bystander effect or share on social media, all the way to the most hurtful of what Weaver went through, and this story scratches the surface of what some of our students experience today with online bullying. The trauma that Weaver experienced is explained delicately and compassionately so as not to pass along the trauma to the reader, but to invite empathy and understanding. This title deserves a place in every Anti-Bullying campaign, every Cyberbullying Awareness week, and a home amongst library shelves where patrons need a weird friend who will understand what they're going through. 

Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 5-7

Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
ISBN: 9781250772879 (Paperback)

​Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: Elementary School, Suitability: Middle School, Graphic Nonfiction, Memoir, Mental Health, Friendship, School Life, ​First Second