Pizza Face
by Rex Ogle; illus. by Dave Valeza; color by Ash Szymanik
Intermediate, Middle School    Graphix/Scholastic    224 pp.
7/24    9781338575040    $24.99
Paper ed.  9781338574999    $12.99
e-book ed.  9781338575019    $12.99

“Heck, I start seventh grade next week. I’m practically a man,” proclaims Rex (Four Eyes, rev. 7/23), but he wakes up on the first day of school with a pimple “bigger than a planet” on his forehead, and thus begins his descent into middle-school hell. Soon, classmates are calling him Zit-head, Cyclops, and Pizza Face. And when the girls realize he’s the youngest and smallest student in the class: “You’re like our wittle baby.” This sequel, also loosely based on Ogle’s experiences, is just as endearing and engaging as the first book. Rex is a likable and relatable character; his trials with puberty and middle school ring true. He is picked last in gym class, sweats and smells, has mood swings, and says dumb things to girls that get him ostracized. The graphic novel format is perfect for such a character-based story. For instance, bully Victor is humanized in just a few panels that portray how his cruel behavior is learned from his father. Rex’s abuela is back, too, to offer much-needed advice and help. Despite the tormenting and name-calling Rex deals with, these books are all about a strong family and good friends who support Rex when they can and stand up to him when they must.

From the ">September/October 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.