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Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel
Newbery Medalist Meg Medina returns to her powerful YA novel about school bullying with a dynamic graphic-novel edition adapted and illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas.
It’s the beginning of sophomore year, and Piedad “Piddy” Sanchez is having a hard time adjusting to her new high school. Things don’t get any easier when Piddy learns that Yaqui Delgado hates her and wants to kick her ass. Piddy doesn’t even know who Yaqui is, never mind what she’s done to piss her off. Rumor has it that Yaqui thinks Piddy is stuck-up, shakes her stuff when she walks, and isn’t Latina enough with her white skin, good grades, and no accent. And Yaqui isn’t kidding around, so Piddy better watch her back. At first, Piddy is more concerned with learning about the father she’s never met, navigating her rocky relationship with her mom, and staying in touch with her best friend, Mitzi. But when the harassment escalates, avoiding Yaqui and her gang takes over Piddy’s life. Is there any way for Piddy to survive without closing herself off from those who care about her—or running away? More relevant than ever a decade after its initial publication, Mel Valentine Vargas’s graphic novel adaptation of Meg Medina’s ultimately empowering story is poised to be discovered by a new generation of readers.
It’s the beginning of sophomore year, and Piedad “Piddy” Sanchez is having a hard time adjusting to her new high school. Things don’t get any easier when Piddy learns that Yaqui Delgado hates her and wants to kick her ass. Piddy doesn’t even know who Yaqui is, never mind what she’s done to piss her off. Rumor has it that Yaqui thinks Piddy is stuck-up, shakes her stuff when she walks, and isn’t Latina enough with her white skin, good grades, and no accent. And Yaqui isn’t kidding around, so Piddy better watch her back. At first, Piddy is more concerned with learning about the father she’s never met, navigating her rocky relationship with her mom, and staying in touch with her best friend, Mitzi. But when the harassment escalates, avoiding Yaqui and her gang takes over Piddy’s life. Is there any way for Piddy to survive without closing herself off from those who care about her—or running away? More relevant than ever a decade after its initial publication, Mel Valentine Vargas’s graphic novel adaptation of Meg Medina’s ultimately empowering story is poised to be discovered by a new generation of readers.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
12 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Mel Valentine Vargas
2 books4 followersMel is a Miami born, Chicago based, Latinx comic creator and illustrator. They work largely with digital media and have a BA in illustration from Columbia College Chicago.
Mel loves drawing minorities and art that their younger self needed while growing up, including hispanic main characters, non-binary characters, and bodies of all shapes.
Their work is largely inspired by LGBT, POC, and fem experiences, and is focused in graphic storytelling with themes that help highlight minority lifestyles. It is Mel's goal to ensure that their illustrations help people who are not often represented feel a little less alone and a lot more love.
Mel loves drawing minorities and art that their younger self needed while growing up, including hispanic main characters, non-binary characters, and bodies of all shapes.
Their work is largely inspired by LGBT, POC, and fem experiences, and is focused in graphic storytelling with themes that help highlight minority lifestyles. It is Mel's goal to ensure that their illustrations help people who are not often represented feel a little less alone and a lot more love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 22, 2023
We need more stories about school bullying and about the signs that a child or teen is suffering. Often, the victim is the one punished, which is just heartbreaking. This story resonated deeply with me.
May 1, 2025
I've never read the original novel, but this graphic novel adaptation, Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel by Meg Medina, Adapted and Illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas was gut wrenching. I was so mad and upset to see what Piddy was going through. One day I may have to try the original novel.
October 4, 2023
okay i was just bemoaning the inaccurate representation of bullying in teen graphic novels and then this one comes along and proves me wrong. excellent excellent story that does not pull punches and beautiful art
October 5, 2025
Very easy to read YA graphic novel about a high school girl navigating change, coping with the massive toll of bullying and learning to trust family and friends enough to ask for help.
October 28, 2024
(4.4)This was an awesome portrayal of a heroine who is coming of age in a world that is threatened by her very existence. She must face unforeseen challenges with unimaginable strength to discover true friendship and happiness.
December 4, 2024
These are important topics but I found it hard to get into this story and the characters. The art is decent but also feels...disjointed in a way-the outfits are sort of strange and don't seem to fit into any certain time period but aren't just "general" either. Figuring out people's personalities is sort of hard, too-most of them just sort of exist. I think a lot of this might stem from trying to adapt a book to a graphic novel-sometimes the passion and flow just doesn't come through.
September 13, 2024
Eh. A quick read for class, but nothing special at all. I’m absolutely going to forget everything about this by tomorrow. There’s not a single thing noteworthy about this, it’s just a standard YA novel that hits all the expected beats (moving school, new bully, fallout with friends, etc.)
October 9, 2023
Here again is Piddy, happy in a new apartment with her family, but entering a new school, and here is Yaqui Delgado bringing all the meanness to Piddy nearly the first day Piddy enters the school. All the sadness and trauma are there, starting with keeping her mother from knowing, using the support from others until it becomes too much and both adults and friends need to step in. Though it was as heartbreaking again as it was when I read the novel, Mel Valentine Vargas brings another look beyond the imagination of the things some young ones endure. Meg Medina's love and care for Piddy, however, continues to shine, hopefully showing those who read this one there is hope for better!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
November 4, 2023
Hundreds more Librarian's Perspective Reviews at MrsReaderPants.
I read the original version of this book way back in 2013, when the book first came out. The title grabbed my attention, and the story was captivating.
The Yaqui Delgado graphic novel version is also excellent, and I’m so happy to see Piddy’s story revived 10 years post-publication. This is a story that needs to be told. It is just as relevant in 2023 as it was in 2013.
WHAT I LIKED
The graphic novel follows the original book closely, including some direct quotes from the original. It’s been 10 years since I read the original, but I looked at quotations from the original on Goodreads, and some of them are directly quoted in the graphic novel, too.
One thing I noticed was that the graphic novel content seems a little more tame than the original. I had the original book in my middle school library, but the mature content was probably a little high for Grades 6-7. I think the graphic novel is just fine for Grade 7.
There are two kissing scenes. In one, Piddy has a hickey on her neck the next day. In the other, Piddy and the boy are lying down, and Piddy is shown in her bra.
In an assault scene involving Yaqui and her friends, Piddy’s shirt and bra are torn off, and a viral video ensues. Piddy’s skin is visible, but her breasts are strategically covered in the illustrations. I don’t remember any profanity beyond the word “ass,” which does get used frequently.
I love how realistic this form of bullying is. Yaqui Delgado has absolutely no reason to bully Piddy. Someone suggests Yaqui’s boyfriend may have looked at Piddy the wrong way, and maybe that set Yaqui off. Because Piddy never really knows for sure, the reader does not know, either.
I have worked in both middle and high school libraries, as well as teaching middle school. Bullying can be like this, where there is really no reason at all for it.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
This is a good graphic novel version of the original, but I have to say I prefer the depth of the original.
Some of the side stories get a bit lost in the graphic novel format. The domestic abuse situation at Piddy’s childhood friend Joey’s house is a bigger story in the novel. In the graphic novel, this storyline is covered in just a few pages.
The part with Piddy’s search to find out what happened to her father was also just a small part of the graphic novel. I remembered that part of the original pretty well, so it must have been a bigger story than was portrayed in the graphic novel.
DIVERSITY
Piddy, her mom, and Yaqui Delgado are Latina. Piddy’s father is Dominican. Family friend Lila cues Black. Love interest Joey is white.
THEMES
bullying, assault, fear, intimidation, domestic abuse, trouble at school, new kid in school, friendship, single mothers, teen conflict with parent
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Would adults like this book? YES, but I recommend reading the original book over the graphic novel.
Would I buy this for my high school library? YES, 100% and without reservations. The graphic novel version may spark some interest in the original book.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? YES, but with reservations. I had the original book in my Texas middle school (Grades 6-8). I booktalked it with 8th grade, and it did get checked out. Part of my booktalk was a warning about some mature content.
I never had anyone object to the book at my middle school, but you know your library and community. Check the mature content ratings below and see if it is right for your school. I included one of the assault images above for you to see how Piddy’s breasts are covered.
I do think the graphic novel is a bit tamer than the original book, so if you only get one for middle school, I recommend the graphic novel.
Would I buy this for my elementary school library? NO. This is definitely not an elementary book.
MATURE CONTENT
Booklist recommends Grades 7-10. SLJ recommends Grades 8+. Kirkus recommends Grades 9-12. I agree with Booklist on this one–I think the graphic novel is okay for most 7th graders.
Language: “ass” is in the title and appears frequently in the text; “skank” is written on a school desk; “loser” written on a school locker. I don’t remember any other profanity in the graphic novel.
Sexuality: some kissing; one kiss is horizontal with Piddy’s shirt off (she wears a bra)
Violence: Yaqui Delgado physically assaults Piddy once in the book. Her shirt and bra are torn off, but her breasts are covered. The fight is videoed and put online. Fear, intimidation, and threats happen frequently. A friend’s mother is assaulted by her husband and hospitalized.
Drugs/Alcohol: none
I read the original version of this book way back in 2013, when the book first came out. The title grabbed my attention, and the story was captivating.
The Yaqui Delgado graphic novel version is also excellent, and I’m so happy to see Piddy’s story revived 10 years post-publication. This is a story that needs to be told. It is just as relevant in 2023 as it was in 2013.
WHAT I LIKED
The graphic novel follows the original book closely, including some direct quotes from the original. It’s been 10 years since I read the original, but I looked at quotations from the original on Goodreads, and some of them are directly quoted in the graphic novel, too.
One thing I noticed was that the graphic novel content seems a little more tame than the original. I had the original book in my middle school library, but the mature content was probably a little high for Grades 6-7. I think the graphic novel is just fine for Grade 7.
There are two kissing scenes. In one, Piddy has a hickey on her neck the next day. In the other, Piddy and the boy are lying down, and Piddy is shown in her bra.
In an assault scene involving Yaqui and her friends, Piddy’s shirt and bra are torn off, and a viral video ensues. Piddy’s skin is visible, but her breasts are strategically covered in the illustrations. I don’t remember any profanity beyond the word “ass,” which does get used frequently.
I love how realistic this form of bullying is. Yaqui Delgado has absolutely no reason to bully Piddy. Someone suggests Yaqui’s boyfriend may have looked at Piddy the wrong way, and maybe that set Yaqui off. Because Piddy never really knows for sure, the reader does not know, either.
I have worked in both middle and high school libraries, as well as teaching middle school. Bullying can be like this, where there is really no reason at all for it.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
This is a good graphic novel version of the original, but I have to say I prefer the depth of the original.
Some of the side stories get a bit lost in the graphic novel format. The domestic abuse situation at Piddy’s childhood friend Joey’s house is a bigger story in the novel. In the graphic novel, this storyline is covered in just a few pages.
The part with Piddy’s search to find out what happened to her father was also just a small part of the graphic novel. I remembered that part of the original pretty well, so it must have been a bigger story than was portrayed in the graphic novel.
DIVERSITY
Piddy, her mom, and Yaqui Delgado are Latina. Piddy’s father is Dominican. Family friend Lila cues Black. Love interest Joey is white.
THEMES
bullying, assault, fear, intimidation, domestic abuse, trouble at school, new kid in school, friendship, single mothers, teen conflict with parent
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Would adults like this book? YES, but I recommend reading the original book over the graphic novel.
Would I buy this for my high school library? YES, 100% and without reservations. The graphic novel version may spark some interest in the original book.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? YES, but with reservations. I had the original book in my Texas middle school (Grades 6-8). I booktalked it with 8th grade, and it did get checked out. Part of my booktalk was a warning about some mature content.
I never had anyone object to the book at my middle school, but you know your library and community. Check the mature content ratings below and see if it is right for your school. I included one of the assault images above for you to see how Piddy’s breasts are covered.
I do think the graphic novel is a bit tamer than the original book, so if you only get one for middle school, I recommend the graphic novel.
Would I buy this for my elementary school library? NO. This is definitely not an elementary book.
MATURE CONTENT
Booklist recommends Grades 7-10. SLJ recommends Grades 8+. Kirkus recommends Grades 9-12. I agree with Booklist on this one–I think the graphic novel is okay for most 7th graders.
Language: “ass” is in the title and appears frequently in the text; “skank” is written on a school desk; “loser” written on a school locker. I don’t remember any other profanity in the graphic novel.
Sexuality: some kissing; one kiss is horizontal with Piddy’s shirt off (she wears a bra)
Violence: Yaqui Delgado physically assaults Piddy once in the book. Her shirt and bra are torn off, but her breasts are covered. The fight is videoed and put online. Fear, intimidation, and threats happen frequently. A friend’s mother is assaulted by her husband and hospitalized.
Drugs/Alcohol: none
July 1, 2023
My Rating: 4.5
Thank you Candlewick for providing an e-book copy through Edelweiss Plus.
Synopsis:
This is a graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning book of the same title. Piedad “Piddy” Sanchez is having a hard time adjusting to her new school. Her best friend, Mitzi, is at another school, and she is “not Latine enough” to hang with the Latine kids. What makes everything worse is that, apparently, Yaqui Delgado wants to kick her ass. First, Piddy doesn’t even know who Yaqui is. Second, Yaqui wants to fight because her boyfriend was looking at Piddy’s butt. Piddy doesn’t have time for this and focuses on her relationship with her mother and staying in touch with Mitzi. But Yaqui is dangerous. It starts small, from rumored threats to thrown chocolate milk, until the bullying escalates into groups of girls parking outside her family’s shop and stalking her on the streets. Piddy doesn’t know what to do, and starts to fail her classes, skip school, and bubble into herself, refusing to talk to anyone about her unfortunate life. But the harassment will never stop if she lets it continue. Can Yaqui find a way to fight back, or should she just try to survive, or even run away?
What I Liked: Everything. I’ve already read the story before, which gets a 5/5. The graphic novel version is always a pleasure to read because a) you get to see the characters in action b) the severity of some events are brought to light better in imagery compared to words. Mel Valentine Vargas, the illustrator, illustrates Piddy and her life in a simplistic style that is easy to follow. Characters have dynamic facial expressions, the action is well choreographed, and the two-toned color scheme makes readers focus on the characters/plot more than the art itself (this is a good thing for novel adaptations that focus on realism and interpersonal development). Overall, this is a great visual adaptation to an already amazing novel.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing
Who Would I Recommend This To: Teens who have read the book before, teens who like realistic graphic novels or who rather read the graphic novel than the book. In general, teens who want to read Latine protagonists, bullying, high school life, and overcoming real-life obstacles.
Review Date: July 1, 2023
Thank you Candlewick for providing an e-book copy through Edelweiss Plus.
Synopsis:
This is a graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning book of the same title. Piedad “Piddy” Sanchez is having a hard time adjusting to her new school. Her best friend, Mitzi, is at another school, and she is “not Latine enough” to hang with the Latine kids. What makes everything worse is that, apparently, Yaqui Delgado wants to kick her ass. First, Piddy doesn’t even know who Yaqui is. Second, Yaqui wants to fight because her boyfriend was looking at Piddy’s butt. Piddy doesn’t have time for this and focuses on her relationship with her mother and staying in touch with Mitzi. But Yaqui is dangerous. It starts small, from rumored threats to thrown chocolate milk, until the bullying escalates into groups of girls parking outside her family’s shop and stalking her on the streets. Piddy doesn’t know what to do, and starts to fail her classes, skip school, and bubble into herself, refusing to talk to anyone about her unfortunate life. But the harassment will never stop if she lets it continue. Can Yaqui find a way to fight back, or should she just try to survive, or even run away?
What I Liked: Everything. I’ve already read the story before, which gets a 5/5. The graphic novel version is always a pleasure to read because a) you get to see the characters in action b) the severity of some events are brought to light better in imagery compared to words. Mel Valentine Vargas, the illustrator, illustrates Piddy and her life in a simplistic style that is easy to follow. Characters have dynamic facial expressions, the action is well choreographed, and the two-toned color scheme makes readers focus on the characters/plot more than the art itself (this is a good thing for novel adaptations that focus on realism and interpersonal development). Overall, this is a great visual adaptation to an already amazing novel.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing
Who Would I Recommend This To: Teens who have read the book before, teens who like realistic graphic novels or who rather read the graphic novel than the book. In general, teens who want to read Latine protagonists, bullying, high school life, and overcoming real-life obstacles.
Review Date: July 1, 2023
July 31, 2023
Piddy Sanchez is having a hard time fitting into her new school. She's not Latine enough and struggles. To make matters worse a girl has it out for her and threatens to beat her up. Piddy doesn't understand why as she doesn't know this girl. When she's attacked and the abuse is shown on social media, Piddy is horrified and doesn't know what to do. Should she run away or fight back? All the while she feels her life is being destroyed over something she's powerless to stop.
What worked: Powerful story on bullying told in a graphic novel format. I read the book in print a few years back and strongly feel this version is needed now more than ever. Piddy's story brought up my own bullying incident in eighth grade. Like Piddy some girls told me 'You think you're all that", due to how I walked. I also got beat up and feared going back to school. I also missed a lot of school days and almost was held back a grade. In Piddy's case though the girls filmed the incident and posted it on social media for the whole school to see.
Piddy's experience is sure to resonate with other readers out there. Her mother and friends reach out to her during this difficult time. Piddy's fear is very real with confining to an adult. The pain, horror, and even anger, are shown in such a realistic way. Readers can't help but feel her pain.
The illustrations capture the pain, fear, and struggles Piddy goes through with first moving to a new school, having a good friend move away, and then being beaten up by a girl over something she doesn't understand. The art also does a great job of portraying the facial expressions of Piddy throughout.
Strong portrayal of a Latine teen and how she ends up overcoming the obstacles placed in front of her. Strongly recommend for book clubs and discussion groups on bullying.
What worked: Powerful story on bullying told in a graphic novel format. I read the book in print a few years back and strongly feel this version is needed now more than ever. Piddy's story brought up my own bullying incident in eighth grade. Like Piddy some girls told me 'You think you're all that", due to how I walked. I also got beat up and feared going back to school. I also missed a lot of school days and almost was held back a grade. In Piddy's case though the girls filmed the incident and posted it on social media for the whole school to see.
Piddy's experience is sure to resonate with other readers out there. Her mother and friends reach out to her during this difficult time. Piddy's fear is very real with confining to an adult. The pain, horror, and even anger, are shown in such a realistic way. Readers can't help but feel her pain.
The illustrations capture the pain, fear, and struggles Piddy goes through with first moving to a new school, having a good friend move away, and then being beaten up by a girl over something she doesn't understand. The art also does a great job of portraying the facial expressions of Piddy throughout.
Strong portrayal of a Latine teen and how she ends up overcoming the obstacles placed in front of her. Strongly recommend for book clubs and discussion groups on bullying.
September 4, 2023
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your *ss (graphic novel) by Meg Medina
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 0/3
Genres: YA contemporary fiction, graphic novel
Tropes: coming-of-age, bullying, single mom, Latinx representation
Piddy Sanchez switches to a new school and immediately she starts getting bullied by a girl named Yaqui Delgado. She doesn’t even know who Yaqui is, but the rumors say she thinks Piddy “shakes her stuff when she walks” and isn’t “Latin enough”.
Piddy is more concerned about finding out who her father is, keeping up with schoolwork while balancing a weekend job, and staying in touch with her best friend (from her previous school). But the harassment from Yaqui and her gang escalates and Piddy’s whole life gets disrupted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow, I can’t remember the last time I felt so many feelings for a character in a book. This concept of this book is so relatable; everyone has had someone in their life (most likely as a teen) who didn’t like them for some unknown reason. This book takes that to the extreme. Poor Piddy was an honor student who was just doing the best she could, and her life got wrecked by this bully.
I could also relate to the way she was harassed about her body due to developing faster than her classmates (which I’m sure others can also relate to). In general, she was just a super releasable character.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, and it’s the first 5⭐️ I’ve read in a while as well. If you like YA coming-of-age stories and graphic novels, definitely give this one a read.
Thank you to Storygram Tours and Candlewick Press for a copy of this to read ✨
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your *ss (graphic novel) by Meg Medina
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice level: 0/3
Genres: YA contemporary fiction, graphic novel
Tropes: coming-of-age, bullying, single mom, Latinx representation
Piddy Sanchez switches to a new school and immediately she starts getting bullied by a girl named Yaqui Delgado. She doesn’t even know who Yaqui is, but the rumors say she thinks Piddy “shakes her stuff when she walks” and isn’t “Latin enough”.
Piddy is more concerned about finding out who her father is, keeping up with schoolwork while balancing a weekend job, and staying in touch with her best friend (from her previous school). But the harassment from Yaqui and her gang escalates and Piddy’s whole life gets disrupted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow, I can’t remember the last time I felt so many feelings for a character in a book. This concept of this book is so relatable; everyone has had someone in their life (most likely as a teen) who didn’t like them for some unknown reason. This book takes that to the extreme. Poor Piddy was an honor student who was just doing the best she could, and her life got wrecked by this bully.
I could also relate to the way she was harassed about her body due to developing faster than her classmates (which I’m sure others can also relate to). In general, she was just a super releasable character.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel, and it’s the first 5⭐️ I’ve read in a while as well. If you like YA coming-of-age stories and graphic novels, definitely give this one a read.
Thank you to Storygram Tours and Candlewick Press for a copy of this to read ✨
October 4, 2023
This is a powerful YA novel about school bullying adapted as a graphic-novel edition from Meg Medina’s original novel and illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas. This is a very serious novel beginning with the text and enhanced with the dramatic greyish blue illustrations,
Piedad “Piddy” Sanchez is just beginning her sophomore year and is having a hard time adjusting to her new high school. For some reason, Yaqui Delgado hates her and wants to kick her ass. Piddy doesn’t even know who Yaqui is, never mind what she’s done to piss her off. Rumor has it that Yaqui thinks Piddy is stuck-up, and shakes her booty when she walks. She also accuses her of not being Latina enough with her white skin, good grades, and lack of accent. Yaqui means business and has a reputation, so Piddy better watch her back. Piddy has another issue and that is her concern with learning about the father she’s never met, along with navigating her rocky relationship with her mom, and staying in touch with the best friend she left behind, Mitzi.
Quickly, the harassment escalates, and trying to avoid Yaqui and her gang takes over Piddy’s life. Piddy is searching for a way to survive without hurting those who care about her, or running away?
Meg has given us an all-too-realistic novel, With a sympathetic heroine who is forced to decide who she really is.
Quickly, the harassment escalates, and trying to avoid Yaqui and her gang takes over Piddy’s life. Piddy is searching for a way to survive without hurting those who care about her, or running away?
Meg has given us an all-too-realistic novel, With a sympathetic heroine who is forced to decide who she really is.
March 31, 2024
Similar to Laurie Halse Anderson's "Speak" except this focuses on bullying. While I loved the title and the general idea for the story, I felt like it had some shortcomings. 1) Who is Lila to the main character? The mom's best friend or a family member? 2) I wish they would have developed Joey and Piddy's relationship more. 3) Why is Piddy silent for so long about the fact that some random girl wants to fight her/ why doesn't she try talking to Yaqui in the beginning before things got out of hand? 4) Piddy didn't even try to fight Yaqui, she just got her ass beat. 5) I feel like the ending negates what Lila stated earlier in the story. There is going to be Yaquis everywhere you go, so what is Piddy running away going to accomplish? 6) Yaqui should be in jail on assault charges, she should not be free to continue roaming the halls and possibly beating up other students. I don't know whether this makes the story more realistic or teaches kids that the only way to escape "bullys" is to run from them (I hate the term bully here. Yaqui is a criminal committed a criminal act that any adult would be in jail for).
November 29, 2023
WOW. I mean, just WOW. 2023 is the year I read so many incredible books, I can't even believe what's sitting on the shelves that people are actively trying to ban and take off the shelves.
This book is needed. Bullying, abuse, and neglect are as rampant and acceptable in schools and workplaces as ever, by our own bosses, teachers, their bosses who are deans and regional directors at these organizations that need to lead with grace, restorative reform, and attention, but they're so overwhelmed and crippled with fear, full of apathy, every adult kids and teens are supposed to rely on throw their hands up in the air: sorry, not sorry, out of my control, what do you want me to do?
I don't know what to say, this is what bullying looks like. Nobody wants to deal with it, so they don't.
Keep reading. Keep reaching to make change, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you, because nobody deserves to live in fear.
This book is needed. Bullying, abuse, and neglect are as rampant and acceptable in schools and workplaces as ever, by our own bosses, teachers, their bosses who are deans and regional directors at these organizations that need to lead with grace, restorative reform, and attention, but they're so overwhelmed and crippled with fear, full of apathy, every adult kids and teens are supposed to rely on throw their hands up in the air: sorry, not sorry, out of my control, what do you want me to do?
I don't know what to say, this is what bullying looks like. Nobody wants to deal with it, so they don't.
Keep reading. Keep reaching to make change, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you, because nobody deserves to live in fear.
May 7, 2024
For me there were gaps in the story that disrupted the readability and flow of the graphic novel. Scenes didn't move fluidly and it lacked some of the relational and character development to understand everything together. Having read the original and who frequently shares the book with students, I will certainly have the graphic novel version on the shelves but I think the better option is the original. However, there is value in the visuals of Piddy's frustrations and loneliness that move into the anger and fear she feels when Yaqui ends up jumping her.
Color choices worked to ground the violence and trauma she was experiencing. I simply wanted more depth for certain secondary characters like the friend who filed the anonymous report but also at times, more facetime with Piddy in the book.
Color choices worked to ground the violence and trauma she was experiencing. I simply wanted more depth for certain secondary characters like the friend who filed the anonymous report but also at times, more facetime with Piddy in the book.
June 5, 2024
Piddy Sanchez started her sophomore year a month late at a new high school. Yaqui Delgado doesn't know her, and she doesn't know Yaqui, but somehow Yaqui is out to get her, and Piddy is afraid. She has a lot going on outside of school as well, her relationship with her mother is volatile, so she doesn't confide in anyone, and she thinks telling school administration will only make things worse.
I enjoyed this graphic novel version of Meg Medina's Pura Belpre winning novel. Mel Valentine Vargas's blue and grey illustrations set a somber mood and bring the characters to life. There's a bunch of Spanish that isn't translated, but there's enough context around it that it isn't a problem. Piddy Sanchez is Dominican and Cuban.
I enjoyed this graphic novel version of Meg Medina's Pura Belpre winning novel. Mel Valentine Vargas's blue and grey illustrations set a somber mood and bring the characters to life. There's a bunch of Spanish that isn't translated, but there's enough context around it that it isn't a problem. Piddy Sanchez is Dominican and Cuban.
August 18, 2024
The graphic interpretation of Medina’s 2013 award-winning young adult novel, illustrator Mel Valentine Vargas retells the story of Piddy, a new student who faces bullying at school from a classmate who she hasn’t even met. As the bullying increases, it takes over Piddy’s life causing her grades to drop and leading her to lash out at those who she loves most. Piddy’s family and friends have no idea what is happening because Piddy, embarrassed by the unwanted attention the bullying creates, tries hard to keep them in the dark. Will Piddy find a way to take back her life before she loses everything? Find out in this quick read which is bound to inspire students to read the original tale as well.
March 11, 2025
This is a gut wrenching YA graphic novel about 15-year-old Piedad “Piddy” Sanchez experiencing bullying that turns into assault when she starts a new school. Piddy does not want to change schools. She doesn't want to be separated from her best friend Mitzi, but their apartment is a wreck, and Piddy's mom moves them both to a new nicer apartment in Queens. Almost immediately Piddy is told Yaqui Delgado wants to kick her ass. She has no idea who Yaqui is. But then the hallway tormenting begins and Piddy's grades plummet.
Piddy has a great support system with her aunt, and her single mom is trying, but her strictness sometimes makes her difficult to turn to.
I have not read the novel this graphic novel is adapted from, but this is a great read for high school and junior high kids.
Piddy has a great support system with her aunt, and her single mom is trying, but her strictness sometimes makes her difficult to turn to.
I have not read the novel this graphic novel is adapted from, but this is a great read for high school and junior high kids.
November 6, 2023
“You're going to make it so far from here that you'll think you dreamed this place up.”
This is a graphic novel adaptation of a ten year old YA novel about a high schooler facing unprovoked bullying at her new school. Not only is she dealing with the typical issues one faces while grappling with a new classmates and teachers and leaving her old friends, Piddy faces a perfect storm of turning sixteen, learning of her absent father’s scandalous activities, and raising the ire of a school bully.
While the art isn’t pretty, it does the job. Decent characterization; efficient pacing; great demonstrations of how support can come from unexpected places.
This is a graphic novel adaptation of a ten year old YA novel about a high schooler facing unprovoked bullying at her new school. Not only is she dealing with the typical issues one faces while grappling with a new classmates and teachers and leaving her old friends, Piddy faces a perfect storm of turning sixteen, learning of her absent father’s scandalous activities, and raising the ire of a school bully.
While the art isn’t pretty, it does the job. Decent characterization; efficient pacing; great demonstrations of how support can come from unexpected places.
October 20, 2023
This is actually a great adaptation of this book, even though it's been awhile since I read the original. I felt like the themes and the emotions still rang true throughout the story. At first, it felt like kind of a strange novel to adapt into a graphic novel, but the story actually worked really well in this context.
The art is wonderful, and I think this will reach a new generation of readers who need this story. Bullying is still very relevant to current teens, and there are a lot of them who will see themselves in Piddy's story.
The art is wonderful, and I think this will reach a new generation of readers who need this story. Bullying is still very relevant to current teens, and there are a lot of them who will see themselves in Piddy's story.
November 20, 2023
I will start by saying I haven't read the original novel yet, so I can't really speak to changes between the two. But I can say that I really liked this book and I hope that this new format will help even more readers find this story. This is a cruelly realistic story about bullying and about how dramatically it can change your life and what it feels like when you don't have anyone to turn to. Readers will empathize with Piddy and feel indignant towards Yaqui who is bullying a girl she doesn't know at all. A limited color palette makes this book feel extra cool.
Read
January 15, 2024The color palate shifted within panels a bunch of times and made it hard to follow along. Otherwise I did find the story enjoyable but wanted to know more about what was going on with Yaqui’s home life and thought too much trauma was revealed for it to fall to the side. A happy ending for Piddy and maybe that’s what a young reader who has been targeted by bullying needs. Still I wish Yaqui could have been a been given the chance to show what was happening in her life to trigger this kind of hate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
Reading 2024
Book 17: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel by Mel Valentine Vargas
On the Texas Maverick List for 2024. Scooped up a few off the list at the library. Texas friends might be familiar with the more popular Bluebonnet and Lone Star lists.
Synopsis: Newbery Medalist Meg Medina returns to her powerful YA novel about school bullying with a dynamic graphic-novel edition adapted and illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas.
Review: Love the title of this book, it is eye catching. The book is intense, lots of triggers. Definitely recommend. My rating 4.5⭐️.
Book 17: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel by Mel Valentine Vargas
On the Texas Maverick List for 2024. Scooped up a few off the list at the library. Texas friends might be familiar with the more popular Bluebonnet and Lone Star lists.
Synopsis: Newbery Medalist Meg Medina returns to her powerful YA novel about school bullying with a dynamic graphic-novel edition adapted and illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas.
Review: Love the title of this book, it is eye catching. The book is intense, lots of triggers. Definitely recommend. My rating 4.5⭐️.
April 9, 2024
I went to school with girls like Yaqui. They are so insecure that they think anyone looking at their man is after them. If their man looks at another girl, they want that girl and will leave them. They go after the girl instead of their man. I have seen them fight, just like in this book. The only difference is that when I was in school, there wouldn't have been a recording of the fight, but just rumors going around the school. This book hits home not just with today's generation, but also for older generations.
July 16, 2023
This was such a great YA graphic novel adaptation. I actually haven’t read the novel by @megmedinabooks but I feel like this did such a good job of sharing Piddy’s feelings, anger, frustration and more. I can’t wait to see the final artwork with color, as it will add to the story even more. The novel released in 2013–definitely ahead of its time, as these issues are still happening today.
CW: slut-shaming, bullying, domestic abuse, physical abuse, blood
CW: slut-shaming, bullying, domestic abuse, physical abuse, blood
November 25, 2023
I thought this book did a wonderful job of showing the violence that comes with bullying, especially in the graphic novel format. I didn't like that it seemed to have no outcome for Yaqui Delgado. Piddy was able to leave her situation, thankfully, as so many are forced to stay in schools where they are mercilessly bullied, but I also wanted to see some resolution fore Yaqui. I felt like I never really got to know the character and what made her into such a terrifying person.
January 22, 2024
I haven't read the longform book, but I'm putting it on my TBR after reading the graphic novel adaptation! This story is an important one, and I am so glad it exists. Putting it in graphic novel format makes the story even more accessible. The artwork uses a limited color palette but is successfully evocative of the deep and difficult emotions Piddy experiences throughout the story. Highly recommend, but know that it's a heavy topic for sensitive souls.
June 26, 2024
I haven't read the novel, but am curious how things were adapted. A lot of layers, some themes not as followed up as I would have liked. As an adult, I saw things that might not have been the main focus, but does fit in the overall idea of what is the main issue of things. Probably a 3.75 as there were things I was hoping for that didn't happen and/or things that happened that I didn't think needed to happen. But overall an interesting read that unfortunately is very true even today.
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