Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful graphic novel about bullied Latina teen.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In YAQUI DELGADO WANTS TO KICK YOUR ASS: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, Piddy Sanchez starts sophomore year at a new high school. She's a good student who used to like school. But she's missing her best friend, who moved to Long Island, and is having a hard time adjusting, even with the encouragement of her mom and their family friend Lila. Piddy finds out that another student, Yaqui Delgado, wants to kick her ass. She learns that Yaqui thinks she's stuck up because of the way she walks and her lighter skin. While dealing with the threat of bullying, Piddy's also trying to find out about the father she never met. As she struggles to connect with her mom and her friends, Piddy's grades start to fall. When Yaqui Delgado and her friends assault Piddy, she withdraws and isolates from those who love her. Will Piddy tell someone what really happened? Will she find her voice and the way back to herself?
Is It Any Good?
The realistic, gripping story of a Latina teenager's brutal experience with bullying is retold in this engaging graphic novel. In Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel, Piddy struggles with challenges that may resonate with many teens. These includes transitions like moves, new schools, and changes in friendships. Teens who experienced bullying will also relate to that aspect. The story is told primarily through the illustrations with minimal text. Mel Valentine Vargas has a strong story to adapt in Meg Medina's original, award-winning novel. Valentine Vargas uses a palette of blue, gray, black, and white and focuses more on characters than setting. The illustrations are powerful and sometimes heart-breaking, particularly in the assault scene, which may be difficult for some readers. The topic of bullying is as relevant as ever, particularly with the increased popularity and use of social media among teens. Readers may be frustrated by Piddy's delay in seeking help and will learn that it's always better to speak up sooner. The book is notable for the representation of a range of Latino characters. The storyline highlights the importance of speaking up for yourself and others along with compassion and empathy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullying in Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel. Why do you think Piddy waits so long to tell someone what's happening to her at school? How does that make things worse? Have you been bullied or witnessed bullying? What did you do?
Although Joey and Rob are not the closest relationships in Piddy's life, they understand each other in ways that some of her family and friends do not. How are Piddy and Rob empathetic toward each other at school? How does Joey show compassion and empathy to Piddy? Why are these important character strengths?
Piddy is a Latina of Cuban and Dominican descent. She says that she's not Latina enough for some of the people at her new school. What does she mean by that? Give examples of a variety of Latina characters in the book. How are they the same? How are they different?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick
- Publication date : September 5, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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