Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Playful, authentic, queer coming-of-age graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HOW IT ALL ENDS, Tara finds herself promoted from middle school to high school a year early—a situation she was not expecting! Thrust into new social groups, norms, and classrooms, she navigates coming-of-age scenarios with anxiety, humor, bravery, mistakes, help, and patience. Emma Hunsinger illustrates an engaging imaginative world where we get a sense of what it is like to be inside Tara's mind as she "Imagine(s) the possibilities."
Is It Any Good?
This sweet, tender portrayal of one girl's transition to high school is a must read for coming-of-age kiddos and their grown-ups. In How It All Ends Tara shines as a deeply feeling, courageous, and creative main character, surrounded by a nuanced cast of family and friends. Anxiety is depicted in clever and beautiful ways, without discounting the discomfort. With themes like learning to move with and through the unknown, discovering oneself, building and repairing relationships, and finding love in all its forms, this book empowers readers to be themselves—even when that feels scary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about anxiety in How It All Ends. Have you ever experienced anxiety when in a crowded place, or in your own mind when thinking of the future? What helps you most in those situations?
Tara shows courage when taking accountability for mistakes. When was the last time you apologized? What were you afraid would happen? What actually happened? What do you need from loved ones when repairing a situation?
What do the color changes in the illustrations mean to you? What colors would you choose to illustrate similar situations in your own life?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Emma Hunsinger
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : August 6, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate