Guts: A Graphic Novel

Guts is an incredible graphic novel that tackles anxiety, fear, and growing up in such a real and compassionate way. I love how Raina Telgemeier uses honesty and humor to explain what anxiety feels like, especially for young readers who might struggle to put those feelings into words. The artwork is colorful and easy to follow, and the storytelling feels very genuine. It balances serious topics with light moments, so it never feels overwhelming. It teaches empathy and helps normalize conversations about mental health—something I really appreciate. This is a great book for kids who deal with stress or worry, and it’s equally helpful for parents and teachers who want to better understand what children may be going through. It’s relatable, heartfelt, and reassuring, reminding readers that they’re not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help. Highly recommended for classrooms, home libraries, and anyone who loves meaningful graphic novels. 💚✨📚

Cute book

A good story would recommend for kids it can help with your fears and how to cope with them and it’s funny

"Smile" es de esas trilogías que suelo recomendar tanto a adolescentes como a adultos. "Guts" es el tercer libro de la autobiografía que Raina Telgemeier nos tiene la confianza de compartir, donde habla sobre la salud mental en los menores de edad en una historia que puede ser leída por ellos.

In this third installment in Telgemeier's graphic memoir series of her childhood years, the topic is childhood anxiety. Taking us back to her 4th grade year, young Raina begins to be plagued by intense stomach cramping she cannot explain. While Raina in the story doesn't immediately make the connection, readers can easily see trigger situations that could possibly be the culprit --- Raina's worrying thoughts over troubles at home, school, her life in general, shifts in diet / levels of hunger / interest in food. Initially, Raina writes the whole situation off as just a matter of her picking up the stomach bug that's been going around. But little by little, we see the things that are really stressing Raina's mind. She's coming up against her first major school bully. She's asked to give an important oral presentation in class. Some of her female classmates are already starting to get their periods, which freaks her out a little. Her best friend is moving, changing schools, AND becoming friends with Raina's bully! To add to the stress, living arrangements get moved around when Raina's grandmother moves in and to make room, Raina is forced to share a room with her parents. (That would've been a nightmare for me growing up! I value my personal space too much.) Over time, Raina's food intake turns minimal, she develops insomnia and a phobia of vomiting (emetophobia). When she has a bad case of gas one night, she then develops a fear of what foods might trigger another incident, further adding to her developing eating disorder. Raina's parents decide to take her to a therapist. Raina's therapist teaches her breathing techniques to manage her anxiety. She also shows her an exercise which has Raina focus on her feet when she feels like the world around her is spinning. Little by little, Raina finds healthy coping mechanisms to help quiet her mind, finding much peace in drawing comics illustrating scenes going on around her. Guts offers up a platform for discussions of important matters that are seldom tackled straight on in middle grade reading material. But these discussions do need to happen! There are kids out there most definitely struggling, unsure of where to turn to for help or how to even start the conversation about it. So, props to Telgemeier for putting the topic out there for kids who need the representation and parents brave enough to hear them out. In addition to this trilogy of books, Telgemeier also published a separate Share Your Smile hardcover journal for young readers to write out their struggles and feelings within their own lives as they work through this series. In her acknowledgements page, Telgemeier gives shout-outs to author Shannon Hale and graphic novelist Vera Brosgol (Anya's Ghost). *Note: While the artwork itself is done by author Raina Telgemeier, the coloring process in SMILE is done by Braden Lamb.

My daughter doesn’t re-read books, but she does this book and the rest in the series. Give it a 10/10 for that!

My daughter loves this book series. Good amount of words to pics ratio to keep her intrigued.

I purchased this book for one of my students who loves all of the Raina Telgemier books. As a reading teacher, I'm always on the look out for books that peek my kid's interests and motivate them to want to read. Since we ordered the book a few days before it was released, we weren't exactly sure what it was about. Upon reading it, we discovered that the main character has many worries that lead her to have physical symptoms. As a selective mute, my student immediately connected to the story. When we made self-to-text connections, she explained that one thing they had in common was feeling nervous in school and seeing a therapist. How amazing that she can see herself reflected in a book! And a cool graphic novel! I feel like this story has shown her that it happens to lots of people and it can be overcome. My student is currently rereading the book, for the third time.

It's a great book! I can relate to it! I'd say its great for 6-12 year olds! I think a child won't understand if they're under 6 because its about anxiety! I've read it SO many times!!! 100000/10!

The writer really captures the feel of what it is to be a pre teenage girl. My 10 year old daughter loves all the books from this writer.

Letto in poco più di 1 ora. Mia figlia adora questa scrittrice. Read in just a bit more than 1 hour. My doughter really loves the author!

This book is really good my mum bought this for me and it was so worth totally recommend super good

so much good!