Common Sense Media Review
Boy overcomes darkness to be his own hero in moving story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WEIRDO begins with 11-year-old Tony, who's autistic and highly imaginative, at home with caring parents who sometimes don't understand him but try. The story develops as Tony navigates more difficult social challenges at school, including bullies and an unkind teacher. As Tony struggles with not being able to show his true self, he experiences a personal darkness that leads to a scary choice. His family, close friends, and a therapist begin to help him and move him to another school. Here, Tony finds a more nurturing environment, finds new friends, and finds the courage to be himself, ask for help, and make a difference in his community.
Is It Any Good?
A very moving tale all the more moving when the author's note shares how this story is based on his own "core events." For a middle-grade graphic novel, this story astounds with its depth of narrative and images. Deeply honest in what is referenced—such as suicide—or shown in full color and emotion on the page (bullying, feelings of helplessness, and the warmth of friendship or a first crush), the author dips into the realities of his own experiences, whether dark or light, and then turns it into encouragement. This book celebrates everyone's own "weird" but will be especially impactful for young readers seeking the courage to be themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
-
Families can talk about how Tony turns the name Weirdo from a negative into a positive. The author says "everybody is weird" and to "use your weird wisely." What do you think this means?
In the story, Tony struggles with showing his true self. Why do you think Tony felt like he couldn't be himself around others? How did things get so dark and lonely for him? Who befriends him and helps him find his courage?
When the school announces they'll be closing down, how do Tony and his friends team up to try to save the school?
What do you think it means to be the hero of your own story?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrators : Jes Wibowo , Cin Wibowow
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : September 17, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 326
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 19, 2026
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