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A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel
Perfect for fans of Jeff Kinney and Terri Libensen, A Kid Like Me is a timely exploration about finding your place in the ever-evolving social landscape that is middle school, written and illustrated by award-winning graphic novelist Norm Feuti.
Ethan doesn’t want to stand out, he just wants to fit in. But fitting in is tough when your peers call out your ancient cell phone, busted backpack, and discount clothing. To make matters worse, his best friend, Ricky, insists on hanging out with a group of guys who just don’t get him . . . they’re more interested in playing pranks than playing his favorite card game Bio Battle. Things start looking up, though, when Ethan befriends Aiden, a new kid in school, but it’s only matter of time before even that goes sideways.
Can Ethan figure out where he belongs without forgetting who he is and who he wants to be?
Ethan doesn’t want to stand out, he just wants to fit in. But fitting in is tough when your peers call out your ancient cell phone, busted backpack, and discount clothing. To make matters worse, his best friend, Ricky, insists on hanging out with a group of guys who just don’t get him . . . they’re more interested in playing pranks than playing his favorite card game Bio Battle. Things start looking up, though, when Ethan befriends Aiden, a new kid in school, but it’s only matter of time before even that goes sideways.
Can Ethan figure out where he belongs without forgetting who he is and who he wants to be?
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2026
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4277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2025
This is a story about Ethan starting middle school and trying to make new friends while maintaining his childhood friendship with Ricky. He's wants to fit in but has clothes from the thrift shop and an old flip phone while all his classmates have the latest and greatest technology. He struggles to relate to others and is embarrassed by his living situation and teased about it. Slowly he starts to make new friends through a card game Bio Battle and Ethan and Ricky who drifted apart find a way to stay friends in this new environment.
October 28, 2025
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ethan and Ricky live in the Millbrook Estates trailer park, and are apprehensive about starting middle school, since some kids from other parts of town make fun of them as being from "Mill-broke". Ethan's parents are divorced, and his father in Florida doesn't pay child support, so his mother does struggle to provide for him on her salary from the Big Box discount store. He's on free lunch, gets him back pack and clothing from the thrift store, and has an embarrassing flip phone. Ricky, whose noncustodial father at least lives in town, is slightly better off, and is trying to hang out with more well-to-do kids like Dillon. Ethan doesn't like the way Dillon treats him, but does make friends with Aiden and Briana after working with them on a writing assignment and finding out that they share a love of the vintage card game Bio Battle. It's bad enough that Ethan has to deal with his shoes falling apart (and wearing his mom's unisex ones to school!) and racking up a $26 lunch fee, but when he starts fighting frequently with Ricky, it's hard, especially since his mother relies on him going to Ricky's house when she has to work. His friendship with Aiden is a bright spot, even though Aiden is having to struggle through his own's parents' divorce. Eventually, he and Ricky come to an understanding and realize that they should be on the same side!
Strengths: While the vast majority of graphic novels are memoirs of the difficult life that women artists had as children, there are not nearly as many written by men, so it was good to see this updated and fictionalized account of Feuti's upbringing. The artwork is clear and fun to look at, and I loved the details like the mailboxes at the trailer park. It was a good idea to set this story in the present day with all of the students so invested in their phones, especially since Ethan was so embarrassed about his "retro" flip one. There are just not enough books about the friend drama that boys have to deal with, and it is really quite a different dynamic that the relationships and drama that girls have. I loved Ethan's mom, and appreciated all of the details about back packs and shoes falling apart! My daughter lost the sole of her shoe trick or treating one Halloween, but luckily had very understanding friends! I will definitely purchase a prebound copy of this, and might just have to buy two!
Weaknesses: There were a lot of characters, which is completely realistic, but I struggled to remember the names of all of the classmates Ethan has.
What I really think: This is more along the lines of Tatulli's Short and Skinny or Varner's Dog Trouble than Ogle's Four Eyes or Page's Extra Large. Now, could we possibly get some graphic novels that are a little more upbeat? Still, I did enjoy this one a lot.
Ethan and Ricky live in the Millbrook Estates trailer park, and are apprehensive about starting middle school, since some kids from other parts of town make fun of them as being from "Mill-broke". Ethan's parents are divorced, and his father in Florida doesn't pay child support, so his mother does struggle to provide for him on her salary from the Big Box discount store. He's on free lunch, gets him back pack and clothing from the thrift store, and has an embarrassing flip phone. Ricky, whose noncustodial father at least lives in town, is slightly better off, and is trying to hang out with more well-to-do kids like Dillon. Ethan doesn't like the way Dillon treats him, but does make friends with Aiden and Briana after working with them on a writing assignment and finding out that they share a love of the vintage card game Bio Battle. It's bad enough that Ethan has to deal with his shoes falling apart (and wearing his mom's unisex ones to school!) and racking up a $26 lunch fee, but when he starts fighting frequently with Ricky, it's hard, especially since his mother relies on him going to Ricky's house when she has to work. His friendship with Aiden is a bright spot, even though Aiden is having to struggle through his own's parents' divorce. Eventually, he and Ricky come to an understanding and realize that they should be on the same side!
Strengths: While the vast majority of graphic novels are memoirs of the difficult life that women artists had as children, there are not nearly as many written by men, so it was good to see this updated and fictionalized account of Feuti's upbringing. The artwork is clear and fun to look at, and I loved the details like the mailboxes at the trailer park. It was a good idea to set this story in the present day with all of the students so invested in their phones, especially since Ethan was so embarrassed about his "retro" flip one. There are just not enough books about the friend drama that boys have to deal with, and it is really quite a different dynamic that the relationships and drama that girls have. I loved Ethan's mom, and appreciated all of the details about back packs and shoes falling apart! My daughter lost the sole of her shoe trick or treating one Halloween, but luckily had very understanding friends! I will definitely purchase a prebound copy of this, and might just have to buy two!
Weaknesses: There were a lot of characters, which is completely realistic, but I struggled to remember the names of all of the classmates Ethan has.
What I really think: This is more along the lines of Tatulli's Short and Skinny or Varner's Dog Trouble than Ogle's Four Eyes or Page's Extra Large. Now, could we possibly get some graphic novels that are a little more upbeat? Still, I did enjoy this one a lot.
Review of advance copy
It's another middle grade graphic novel that features a character whose name is not the same as the author's but might as well should be since it's largely borrowed from the author's life. Feuti was a kid whose mom worked a lower-paying job at a box store raising him and trying to better herself as a divorcee giving Ethan/Norm as much as she could but that means a flip phone rather than a smartphone, basic sneakers rather than name brand sneakers, and repairing his backpack rather than running out to get him a new one. They live in a trailer on the "uncool" side of town. He has a good friend who also lives in the trailer park but seams are starting to bust between his friend as they branch out at school and in finding new friends end up finding different friends and have the classic push and pull between each other- Ricky's friends make fun of Ethan. Ethan tolerates it but decides it's not worth it and makes different friends with his interests, however there's some awkwardness in their interactions until they learn to understand each other more.
A lot has to do with wealth and class and it feels authentically the conversations middle schoolers would have-thinking certain people are rich because they're snotty or that someone lives in a certain area that that means they're "criminals". It also shows experiences like free lunch with a pin code but Ethan thinks that even the extra snacks are free too, until his mom gets a bill in the mail. Or divorced parents. And fashion/clothing but also finding your people.
It's a realistic memoir that fits with others like Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel, The New Girl, and The Tryout.
A lot has to do with wealth and class and it feels authentically the conversations middle schoolers would have-thinking certain people are rich because they're snotty or that someone lives in a certain area that that means they're "criminals". It also shows experiences like free lunch with a pin code but Ethan thinks that even the extra snacks are free too, until his mom gets a bill in the mail. Or divorced parents. And fashion/clothing but also finding your people.
It's a realistic memoir that fits with others like Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel, The New Girl, and The Tryout.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti
Review: 4 stars
This middle school graphic novel story depicts Ethan and his friend, Ricky who lives in Millbrook Estates trailer park and are about to be starting middle school. Ethan’s parents are divorced with him and his father lives in Florida with no contact with Ethan while his mum struggles to make ends meet with her job at a discount store. Ethan gets his clothes from the discount store, the thrift stores or yard sales and a retro flip phone because his mum can’t afford the smartphone in today’s society.
At the start of school, Ricky befriends Dillon, a wealthy kid who likes to make fun of Ethan much to his dismay…Over time, Ethan decided to cut his losses with that group and makes new friends with Briana, Aiden and Lucas where they bonded over their love of Bio Battle card games.
The themes tackled here are growing pains of middle school, friendships, overprotective and supportive parents and going through a divorce. The book also tackles economic topics such as wealth and class. Based on the author’s note, it’s reminiscent of his childhood and growing up needing welfare support akin to a memoir of sorts.
The artwork is clean and fun to look at. The details the author adds to the book such as the depiction of teens and their cellphones are perfect! The introduction of multiple characters touching on new and old friendships makes this book a solid read.
Thanks to FrenzyBooks, I received the physical arc in black and white but the published version will be in color!
Review: 4 stars
This middle school graphic novel story depicts Ethan and his friend, Ricky who lives in Millbrook Estates trailer park and are about to be starting middle school. Ethan’s parents are divorced with him and his father lives in Florida with no contact with Ethan while his mum struggles to make ends meet with her job at a discount store. Ethan gets his clothes from the discount store, the thrift stores or yard sales and a retro flip phone because his mum can’t afford the smartphone in today’s society.
At the start of school, Ricky befriends Dillon, a wealthy kid who likes to make fun of Ethan much to his dismay…Over time, Ethan decided to cut his losses with that group and makes new friends with Briana, Aiden and Lucas where they bonded over their love of Bio Battle card games.
The themes tackled here are growing pains of middle school, friendships, overprotective and supportive parents and going through a divorce. The book also tackles economic topics such as wealth and class. Based on the author’s note, it’s reminiscent of his childhood and growing up needing welfare support akin to a memoir of sorts.
The artwork is clean and fun to look at. The details the author adds to the book such as the depiction of teens and their cellphones are perfect! The introduction of multiple characters touching on new and old friendships makes this book a solid read.
Thanks to FrenzyBooks, I received the physical arc in black and white but the published version will be in color!
March 2, 2026
I received this book in a give away for my honest review.
My son's review may mean more than mine. He absolutely loved it! He has read it over and over again.
Here is my review:
Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti is one of those stories that feels like a warm, comforting conversation with a wise, empathetic friend. Set in the sometimes awkward, often confusing world of middle school, it follows Ethan — a kid who just wants to fit in, not stand out — but keeps getting reminded by classmates of his thrift-store clothes, flip phone, and busted backpack that he’s “different.”
Feuti’s art is expressive and inviting, with clean, thoughtful panels that make Ethan’s world feel real and lived-in — from the trailer park mailboxes to the nervousness of a first day. What’s especially lovely is how honest this book is about friendship: the way old friendships evolve, the sting of being judged, and the joy of finding people who get you. When Ethan bonds with new friends over the card game Bio Battle, it’s both funny and heartfelt — a reminder that common interests can become the foundations of something meaningful.
What really makes this book special, and what many Goodreads reviewers have praised, is the authenticity of Ethan’s emotional journey. The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics like economic hardship, class stigma, or family struggles — yet it treats them with tenderness and respect, not pity. You laugh with Ethan, wince with him, and triumph with him. It’s the kind of middle-grade graphic novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Heartwarming, relatable, and beautifully illustrated, Kid Like Me is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite belong — and a reminder that finding your people is one of the best adventures there is.
My son's review may mean more than mine. He absolutely loved it! He has read it over and over again.
Here is my review:
Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti is one of those stories that feels like a warm, comforting conversation with a wise, empathetic friend. Set in the sometimes awkward, often confusing world of middle school, it follows Ethan — a kid who just wants to fit in, not stand out — but keeps getting reminded by classmates of his thrift-store clothes, flip phone, and busted backpack that he’s “different.”
Feuti’s art is expressive and inviting, with clean, thoughtful panels that make Ethan’s world feel real and lived-in — from the trailer park mailboxes to the nervousness of a first day. What’s especially lovely is how honest this book is about friendship: the way old friendships evolve, the sting of being judged, and the joy of finding people who get you. When Ethan bonds with new friends over the card game Bio Battle, it’s both funny and heartfelt — a reminder that common interests can become the foundations of something meaningful.
What really makes this book special, and what many Goodreads reviewers have praised, is the authenticity of Ethan’s emotional journey. The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics like economic hardship, class stigma, or family struggles — yet it treats them with tenderness and respect, not pity. You laugh with Ethan, wince with him, and triumph with him. It’s the kind of middle-grade graphic novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Heartwarming, relatable, and beautifully illustrated, Kid Like Me is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite belong — and a reminder that finding your people is one of the best adventures there is.
March 22, 2026
Ethan and his best friend Ricky are starting muddle school. They each live with their moms. Ricky sees his dad every other week, Ethan barely remembers his dad. Ethan bought a huge collection of the game Bo Battle and can’t wait to play but Ricky finds it complicated and boring. Once school starts Ricky assembles a group of friends who are into pro wrestling but don’t treat Ethan too well. One example is they played a hide and seek type of fame while at one of the boy’s house, but pranked Ethan by not even trying to find him. Ethan gets a flip phone and is super embarrassed to be seen using it, until an 8th grader compliments it and calls him Retro. Ethan joins the Bio Battle after school club and makes friends that he has fun with, but finds out that one of the moms is reluctant to let her son Aidan visit Ethan’s house because of where he lives.
The many kids who reread Raina Telgemeier books will love this.
The many kids who reread Raina Telgemeier books will love this.
March 26, 2026
A Kid Like Me is a hot-off-the-press and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel that explores friendship, identity, and socioeconomic differences with honesty and humor. I purchased it last week at my school's bookfair and will be recommending it to my middle school students!
Having enjoyed Norm’s earlier series like Hedgehog and Ali and Beak, I loved seeing how he leveled up for middle grade readers here. The transition to middle school and the search for belonging feel authentic, the illustrations are engaging, and the dialogue gives each character a strong personality. Current slang keeps it fresh without overdoing it, making the story enjoyable for both kids and adults.
A thoughtful, relatable, coming-of-age story that will resonate with many readers. 5/5 stars!
Having enjoyed Norm’s earlier series like Hedgehog and Ali and Beak, I loved seeing how he leveled up for middle grade readers here. The transition to middle school and the search for belonging feel authentic, the illustrations are engaging, and the dialogue gives each character a strong personality. Current slang keeps it fresh without overdoing it, making the story enjoyable for both kids and adults.
A thoughtful, relatable, coming-of-age story that will resonate with many readers. 5/5 stars!
February 9, 2026
Ethan is worried about the new school year when he finds out his longtime friend Ricky won't be in any of his classes. What if he doesn't know anyone? What if he doesn't fit in? It's hard enough being the poor kid when you have friends, but when you have no one? But, when he discovers a club for the card game Bio Battle, his newest obsession--it looks like things are looking up. There's a kid there named Aiden who's really nice and feels like he could be a real friend--especially since Ricky has started hanging with a crowd Ethan doesn't like at all. But, just when things start to go right, they take a turn for the worse. Will Ethan ever figure out how to balance old friendships and new?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
*Received ARC in an Instagram giveaway from publisher*
I really liked this graphic novel! It really looks at poverty and the stigma that comes with it. I like how our MC is navigating middle school and how hard it is to maintain and find new friendship when life is changing so quickly. It was I feel like many kids can relate too. I liked the illustrations and will be looking forward to when it's in full color. I will be adding this to my school library! Great read!
I really liked this graphic novel! It really looks at poverty and the stigma that comes with it. I like how our MC is navigating middle school and how hard it is to maintain and find new friendship when life is changing so quickly. It was I feel like many kids can relate too. I liked the illustrations and will be looking forward to when it's in full color. I will be adding this to my school library! Great read!
March 16, 2026
A realistic story about Ethan, a lower class kid, who is stating middle school in a richer area, drifting apart from his old friend Ricky, and trying to make new friends while dealing with having old clothes and a flip phone which makes him feel like he doesn't fit in with his new school. It tackled things in a grounded way without exaggeration which I appreciate. I still wish there were more graphic novels with male main characters that felt a bit more upbeat though in tone.
March 1, 2026
I appreciate that this is trying to tackle classism in schools and socially. The art is very similar to Jerry Craft’s style. I think the ending was kind of abrupt and the one friend seems toxic. He didn’t stand up for his lifelong friend until his new friends accused him of stealing. It’s cute as a book, though.
February 13, 2026
Story based on author's own experiences. I liked this - aong the lines of Pizza Face and Tryouts. Middle schoolers (voices are authentic) trying to find their group. Deals with wealth, class, divorce, fitting in.
March 24, 2026
This is a story of a kid who is poor heading to middle school and wondering how he'll be received. He has to negotiate friendships with various types of people while trying to be accepted. I thought it was a great read that causes you to think about being supportive.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I like the way economic issues are dealt with frankly in this book based on Feuti’s upbringing. Kids who are into any sort of fandom like Pokémon or D&D will enjoy the Bio Battle part.
March 5, 2026
Awesome graphic novel about growing up and finding the courage to be yourself. Great Middle Grade read.
March 6, 2026
The illustrations were the best part of this book. They were vivid and seemed to jump off the page. I didn't think the dialogue fit the way kids really talk. It was good, and I would recommend it.
March 13, 2026
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews