Weirdo (graphic novel)
| Weirdo | |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 2024 |
| Page count | 320 pages |
| Publisher | First Second |
| Creative team | |
| Writer | Tony Weaver Jr. |
| Artists | Jes and Cin Wibowo |
| ISBN | 9781250772879 |
Weirdo is a 2024 graphic novel memoir written by Tony Weaver Jr. and illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo. It received widely positive reception, including being nominated for the 2025 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.
Plot
The book covers Weaver's experiences as a 11-year-old boy. After severe bullying from his peers, Weaver attempts suicide. The book follows Weaver's recovery, finding a community, and embracing being himself.[1][2]
Background
In interviews, Weaver discussed a desire to raise awareness about mental health issues and to bring positive representation of Black children and other people of color into graphic novels as inspirations for the work.[3][4][5][6]
Reception
The book was given starred reviews by Kirkus Reviews[1], Publishers Weekly[2], and the School Library Journal.[7] Publishers Weekly noted the shift from full color to black and white to back to color to symbolize Weaver's struggles and eventual recovery, and said the book "culminates in a touching story of belonging, in which Weaver realistically depicts the many small steps required to becoming one’s own hero."[2]
The Stanford Daily also positively reviewed the book.[8]
| Year | Award/Honor | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Great Graphic Novels for Teens | Included | [9] |
| 2025 | Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids | Finalist | [10][11] |
| Harvey Award for Best Children's Book | Finalist | [12] | |
| Libby Book Award Middle Grade Book | Runner-up | [13] | |
| 2024 | Publishers Weekly Best Middle Grade Books of the Year | Included | [14] |
| School Library Journal Best Graphic Novels | Included | [15] | |
| New York Public Library Best Books for Kids | Included | [16] | |
| Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table - Best Graphic Novels for Children | Included | [17] |
Sequel
A sequel is planned to release in Spring 2027, with a focus on the effects of standardized testing.[18][19][20]
See also
- Lunar Boy - graphic novel by Jes and Cin Wibowo.
References
- 1 2 WEIRDO | Kirkus Reviews.
- 1 2 3 "Weirdo by Tony Weaver". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "How Tony Weaver Jr. Turned His 'Weirdo' Story Into a Movement—and a Must-Read Bestseller". Los Angeles Sentinel. 2025-03-05. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
- ↑ "Graphic novel memoir 'Weirdo' is 'the nerdy kid's' guide for self-love and confidence". Texas Standard. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ Ramirez |, Amanda. "Q & A with Tony Weaver Jr". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ Powell, Nancy (2024-08-19). "Interview and Exclusive Preview: The WEIRDO manifesto to improving mental health". The Beat. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ Tony, Weaver. "Weirdo". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Tony Weaver Jr.'s 'Weirdo' ushers in the hero's mental health journey". 2024-10-06. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ Milburn, Rachel (2026-02-12). "2026 Great Graphic Novels for Teens". The Hub. Retrieved 2026-08-07.
- ↑ Zalben, Alex (2025-07-26). "Eisner Awards 2025: See The Full Winners List". Comic Book Club. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ Powell, Nancy (2025-07-26). "SDCC '25: For Tony Weaver Jr., an Eisner nom is a win for mental health". The Beat. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Harvey Awards Unveil 2025 Nominees". www.harveyawards.com. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
- ↑ "The winners of the 2025 Libby Book Awards". Libby Life: Blog, Podcast, Book Clubs & More. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
- ↑ "Best Books 2024: Publishers Weekly Publishers Weekly". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2026-08-01.
- ↑ Tran, Jasmine Amiri, Angie Jameson, Rosemary Kiladitis, Andrea Lipinski, Allison. "Best Graphic Novels 2024 | SLJ Best Books". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Best Books for Kids 2024". www.nypl.org. Retrieved 2026-08-25.
- ↑ "2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List | Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table". www.ala.org. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
- ↑ Lodge |, Sally. "Unlocking One's Inner Hero: PW Talks with Tony Weaver Jr". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "Why Tony Weaver Jr. Wants Everyone To Embrace Being a 'Weirdo'". TODAY.com. 2025-08-21. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
- ↑ "How Tony Weaver Jr. Turned His 'Weirdo' Story Into a Movement—and a Must-Read Bestseller". Los Angeles Sentinel. 2025-03-05. Retrieved 2026-07-24.