Living with Viola

Annick Press

Heartbreakingly honest and quietly funny, this graphic novel from a debut creator is a refreshingly real exploration of mental health, cultural differences, and the trials of middle school.

Livy is already having trouble fitting in as the new girl at school--and then there's Viola. Viola is Livy's anxiety brought to life, a shadowy twin that only Livy can see or hear. Livy tries to push back against Viola's relentless judgment, but nothing seems to work until she strikes up new friendships at school. Livy hopes that Viola's days are numbered. But when tensions arise both at home and at school, Viola rears her head stronger than ever. Only when Livy learns how to ask for help and face her anxiety does she finally figure out living with Viola.

“Elevates the graphic novel genre with its heartfelt focus on mental health and immigrant experiences.” -Kirkus, starred review

“This deeply moving graphic novel will shake middle grade readers to the core and have them rooting for Livy. An essential purchase that illuminates the mental health issues with which many young people grapple." -School Library Journal, starred review

"... the exceptionally poignant moments that arise from her work navigating her anxiety reinforce the importance of asking for help for any reader. " -Publisher’s Weekly, starred review

"...triumphant... The book handles a sensitive topic in a gentle but realistic way, proffering important insights about a silent, often difficult to detect mental health issue. Living with Viola is an outstanding graphic novel." -Foreword Reviews, starred review

“Living with Viola is a major middle-grade graphic novel debut that explores Fung’s weighty themes deftly and with nuance. This is a wonderful book that young readers and grown-up graphic novel aficionados will both appreciate and love.” -Quill & Quire, starred review

New York Public Library Best Books of 2021 / New York Public Library Vibrant Voices Titles for Kids / Jean Little First-Novel Award finalist, Canadian Children’s Book Centre / Doug Wright Awards shortlisted finalist / Loan Stars Jr. Top Pick September and October 2021 / Canadian Children’s Book Centre December Reading List: Favourite Books of the Year 2021 / School Library Journal Best Books of 2021 / Ontario Library Association Best Bets 2021 / Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List / Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2021 / Virginia Library Association: Graphic Novel Diversity Award Honor Book