Upper elementary and beginning middle school students will appreciate the message of working out problems with your friends and family. Readers of many ages will connect to Olive’s story. Readers will not only be hooked by the bright, colorful pictures and the anticipation of the talent show, but they’ll also root for Olive to find her place. Olive learns that it’s okay to share her problems with her aunt and other immediate family no matter how big or small. This story shows how important family and asking for help is. Aunt Molly knows just the thing to help Olive find inspiration for the show and helps her come up with a unique act. Her aunt knows what it’s like to feel left out and not part of the crowd, but she teaches Olive that it’s okay to feel like that. Olive lives with her mom and brother and loves spending time with her quirky Aunt Molly who has a streak of colored hair and lets Olive stay up late. Olive is able to accept herself and find her own interest that she clicks with through the help of her cool aunt. This book provides reassurance that even through times of change, it’s possible to keep your friends as you begin to change. Lots of kids going into middle school are worried about how much everything will start to change as they get older. Throughout the novel, Olive starts to see that you don’t have to give up friends just because you might be a little different. Kayla Miller so beautifully illustrates feeling out of place even though you’re with people you’re comfortable and familiar with. She starts to feel bad when she realizes she doesn’t have a best friend or one specific interest or hobby like the rest of the kids in her grade do.

She can see new movies with some friends and have sleepovers with another. Olive loves always having someone to hang out with. Olive is still in that magical time when kids have lots of friends–ones they know from after school activities, previous classes, their neighborhoods, and even family friends.

Olive feels so out of place when she realizes she doesn’t fit in anywhere. Olive starts to feel left out when everyone pairs up based on their shared activities, like cheerleading or interests, like a favorite band. Her fifth grade class is preparing for a talent show and everyone must participate somehow.

She doesn’t have a “clique” but rather has friends in many different social groups. Olive, a fifth grader, has lots of friends and interests. Kayla Miller’s middle grade graphic novel, Click, is all about finding that one special interest or group that you just “click” with.

Click by kayla miller