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Lizard Boy #2
The Most Perfect Summer Ever
Book two in this acclaimed graphic series explores intolerance through a relatable—and empowering—cast of middle-grade cryptids, immigrants, and outsiders.
In human disguise, the Lizk’t family of Elberon is now comfortably settled in Eagle Valley as the all-American Tomkins family. While his older sister is madly in love with her job and her perfect human boyfriend, Tommy Tomkins has new friends who understand what it means to be an outsider, especially Dung, whose family immigrated to America. When they find a treehouse in the woods, it seems like the perfect space where they can all be themselves—whether a Sasquatch, a girl made of snakes, or a robot from the future. And when they learn that Dung’s family will soon return to Vietnam, the friends vow to have the Most Perfect Summer Ever in his honor. But when Tommy’s face, the real one, turns up in an episode of Eagle Valley Paranormal, the hidden truth threatens to emerge, and a not-so-perfect Eagle Valley summer becomes a chance for a lizard boy to shine. Jonathan Hill’s graphic series captures the nuances of middle-grade life with energy, insight, and ample comic relief, proving that a united front—and sharing origin stories to keep the past alive—are a timeless antidote to intolerance.
In human disguise, the Lizk’t family of Elberon is now comfortably settled in Eagle Valley as the all-American Tomkins family. While his older sister is madly in love with her job and her perfect human boyfriend, Tommy Tomkins has new friends who understand what it means to be an outsider, especially Dung, whose family immigrated to America. When they find a treehouse in the woods, it seems like the perfect space where they can all be themselves—whether a Sasquatch, a girl made of snakes, or a robot from the future. And when they learn that Dung’s family will soon return to Vietnam, the friends vow to have the Most Perfect Summer Ever in his honor. But when Tommy’s face, the real one, turns up in an episode of Eagle Valley Paranormal, the hidden truth threatens to emerge, and a not-so-perfect Eagle Valley summer becomes a chance for a lizard boy to shine. Jonathan Hill’s graphic series captures the nuances of middle-grade life with energy, insight, and ample comic relief, proving that a united front—and sharing origin stories to keep the past alive—are a timeless antidote to intolerance.
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2025
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hill
8 books48 followersJonathan Hill is an Ignatz-nominated cartoonist, illustrator, and educator living in Portland, OR.
Some of his clients include the Viet Nam Literature Project, the Willamette Week, Fantagraphics Books, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Tor.com, Lion Forge, The Believer Magazine, and Powell's City of Books.
His first graphic novel, Americus, was published by First Second Books in Fall 2011. It was picked as an ABC New Voices 2011 title, nominated by the YALSA as a 2012 Best Graphic Novel for Teens, was a Fall 2011 Junior Library Guild Premier Selection.
In 2012 Americus won the NAIBA's Carla Cohen Free Speech award, becoming the first graphic novel to win the award. The first chapter of Americus was published in Papercutter #7 (Tugboat Press) and was nominated for the Best Short Story Ignatz Award in 2008.
His short story 'Jeremiah' was selected as part of the 2016 Society of Illustrators Comic and Cartoon Annual exhibit and publication.
His second graphic novel, Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate was also published by First Second in April 2019.
Jonathan also teaches comics and visual narrative for various organizations around Portland. He is an associate professor in the Illustration Department at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, teaches comics and has taught at The Oregon College of Art and Craft and through Literary Arts' Writers in the Schools Program.
He serves on the Board of Directors for Literary Arts as well as chairs the Youth Programs Advisory Council.
He is currently working on two graphic novels: Odessa, his first solo graphic novel, will be published by Oni Press 2020 and True Tales of a Seventh Grade Lizard Boy will be published by Walker Books in 2022.
Some of his clients include the Viet Nam Literature Project, the Willamette Week, Fantagraphics Books, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Tor.com, Lion Forge, The Believer Magazine, and Powell's City of Books.
His first graphic novel, Americus, was published by First Second Books in Fall 2011. It was picked as an ABC New Voices 2011 title, nominated by the YALSA as a 2012 Best Graphic Novel for Teens, was a Fall 2011 Junior Library Guild Premier Selection.
In 2012 Americus won the NAIBA's Carla Cohen Free Speech award, becoming the first graphic novel to win the award. The first chapter of Americus was published in Papercutter #7 (Tugboat Press) and was nominated for the Best Short Story Ignatz Award in 2008.
His short story 'Jeremiah' was selected as part of the 2016 Society of Illustrators Comic and Cartoon Annual exhibit and publication.
His second graphic novel, Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate was also published by First Second in April 2019.
Jonathan also teaches comics and visual narrative for various organizations around Portland. He is an associate professor in the Illustration Department at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, teaches comics and has taught at The Oregon College of Art and Craft and through Literary Arts' Writers in the Schools Program.
He serves on the Board of Directors for Literary Arts as well as chairs the Youth Programs Advisory Council.
He is currently working on two graphic novels: Odessa, his first solo graphic novel, will be published by Oni Press 2020 and True Tales of a Seventh Grade Lizard Boy will be published by Walker Books in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 1, 2025
A “perfect” sequel and with such heart. Very uplifting. Great job, Jonathan!
March 1, 2025
Review submitted to School Library Journal for publication in their upcoming SMS Fiction article.
August 19, 2025
Lovely sequel full of heart and community.
September 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
Readers who've already enjoyed Book 1 will likely warm up to this quicker than I did, but once I realized this wasn't just escapist (sub)urban fantasy, I was all in!
The Lizard Boy series revolves around the titular middle schooler, Tommy Tomkins, who fled with his mom and older sister Tiffany from the underground realm of Elberon. Assuming human guise, they settled in Eagle Valley, building new lives for themselves. Tommy eventually became close friends with five other kids, all of whom are outsiders for one reason or another. There's alt/hippie Scarlett, one of two humans in their group, along with the other human, Dung, whose family is from Vietnam. There's Sara the robot, Greg the Sasquatch, and Allie whose body is composed entirely of snakes. All of the non-humans pass easily as human, having learned how to shapeshift long ago.
Alas for the friends, Dung is about to move with his family back to Vietnam. Scarlett is particularly upset by this, and vows to make this last summer they all have together absolutely perfect. Things get off to a pretty good start when Greg shows the others the cool treehouse his older brothers built in the woods but have since outgrown. Using that as their headquarters, the friends plan the perfect summer shenanigans. Only trouble is, the outside world has a big way of intruding.
Whether it's Greg's grandpa's worsening dementia, Tiffany's love life woes, or the fearmongering of a vlogger for the Eagle Valley Paranormal, the kids have plenty of unavoidable problems to deal with. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, as each of these issues subtly serves as an introduction to deeper issues of acceptance and community.
I absolutely cried as each member of the group has to deal with the genuine emotional fallout of growing up, moving apart and learning how to keep and encourage the ties of friendship and community that are so vastly underrated in individualistic societies. And I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being an individual either! If anything, both this book and I agree that while there are definitely agreements and rules and laws in place to maintain civil society, noncomformity should absolutely be encouraged. People shouldn't be feared and shunned merely because of how they look or talk or where they're from. The healthiest communities are those that embrace the spirit of multiculturalism, because they can draw from more and various strengths, traditions and knowledge bases than insular ones can.
I wish this wasn't a message that needed to be repeated so often and so vehemently, but these are dark times for many of us. Books like this help remind readers, young and old, that everyone has feelings and families and backgrounds, and that the only people to be feared and subsequently shunned are those who try to make you fear and shun others by reducing them to beings who do not deserve empathy (or who try to tell you that empathy isn't real or, worse, a sin.) Plus, Lizard Boy #2 does it in a way that is super readable and super relatable to anyone who's ever had to move away from home, or had trouble fitting in, or had to hide who they really are in order to not make waves, even from the people who are supposed to love them the most. This is by far the best graphic novel for Middle Grade readers I've read so far this year, with charming art to accompany the powerful, meaningful story of friendship and acceptance.
Lizard Boy #2: The Most Perfect Summer Ever by Jonathan Hill was published April 8 2025 by Walker Books US and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
Readers who've already enjoyed Book 1 will likely warm up to this quicker than I did, but once I realized this wasn't just escapist (sub)urban fantasy, I was all in!
The Lizard Boy series revolves around the titular middle schooler, Tommy Tomkins, who fled with his mom and older sister Tiffany from the underground realm of Elberon. Assuming human guise, they settled in Eagle Valley, building new lives for themselves. Tommy eventually became close friends with five other kids, all of whom are outsiders for one reason or another. There's alt/hippie Scarlett, one of two humans in their group, along with the other human, Dung, whose family is from Vietnam. There's Sara the robot, Greg the Sasquatch, and Allie whose body is composed entirely of snakes. All of the non-humans pass easily as human, having learned how to shapeshift long ago.
Alas for the friends, Dung is about to move with his family back to Vietnam. Scarlett is particularly upset by this, and vows to make this last summer they all have together absolutely perfect. Things get off to a pretty good start when Greg shows the others the cool treehouse his older brothers built in the woods but have since outgrown. Using that as their headquarters, the friends plan the perfect summer shenanigans. Only trouble is, the outside world has a big way of intruding.
Whether it's Greg's grandpa's worsening dementia, Tiffany's love life woes, or the fearmongering of a vlogger for the Eagle Valley Paranormal, the kids have plenty of unavoidable problems to deal with. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, as each of these issues subtly serves as an introduction to deeper issues of acceptance and community.
I absolutely cried as each member of the group has to deal with the genuine emotional fallout of growing up, moving apart and learning how to keep and encourage the ties of friendship and community that are so vastly underrated in individualistic societies. And I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being an individual either! If anything, both this book and I agree that while there are definitely agreements and rules and laws in place to maintain civil society, noncomformity should absolutely be encouraged. People shouldn't be feared and shunned merely because of how they look or talk or where they're from. The healthiest communities are those that embrace the spirit of multiculturalism, because they can draw from more and various strengths, traditions and knowledge bases than insular ones can.
I wish this wasn't a message that needed to be repeated so often and so vehemently, but these are dark times for many of us. Books like this help remind readers, young and old, that everyone has feelings and families and backgrounds, and that the only people to be feared and subsequently shunned are those who try to make you fear and shun others by reducing them to beings who do not deserve empathy (or who try to tell you that empathy isn't real or, worse, a sin.) Plus, Lizard Boy #2 does it in a way that is super readable and super relatable to anyone who's ever had to move away from home, or had trouble fitting in, or had to hide who they really are in order to not make waves, even from the people who are supposed to love them the most. This is by far the best graphic novel for Middle Grade readers I've read so far this year, with charming art to accompany the powerful, meaningful story of friendship and acceptance.
Lizard Boy #2: The Most Perfect Summer Ever by Jonathan Hill was published April 8 2025 by Walker Books US and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
May 19, 2025
It’s finally vacation, and after a tumultuous 7th grade year, Tommy and his friends want to make it the most perfect summer ever, especially when they learn that Dung Tran and his family will soon be moving back to Vietnam now that their work investigating a mysterious sinkhole is concluded. Scarlett organizes a bucket list that includes pools, fairs, movies, and a baseball game. As they set out to check everything off the list, Greg surprises them with a tree house in the woods, which is a perfect secret headquarters for this group of kids. Four of them are nonhuman, and need a place where they can be comfortable in their own skin: Tommy is an alien in disguise, Allie has a body made of snakes, Sarah is a robot from the future, and Greg comes from a family of Sasquatches who can shift to human form. Greg’s grandfather appears to be struggling with the onset of dementia, and occasionally appears to the human residents of Eagle Valley in Sasquatch form. Many pass these glimpses off as bear sightings, but a local cryptozoologist posts videos to try to convince people of the existence of nonhumans; these videos and an unfortunate incident at Greg’s family’s restaurant spark fear and unrest throughout the town, but also serve as a catalyst for the nonhuman denizens to unite. While the older generation of the nonhumans prefer to stay hidden, kids like Tommy and Greg see that their greatest strength is tolerance and community
This is a terrific follow-up to Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy (2022), in which readers learned about how Tommy, Dung, and Scarlett arrived in Eagle Valley and became friends. That book really stood out in the way it felt realistic despite Tommy’s alien origins; this sequel definitely incorporates more science fiction elements with the inclusion of Allie, Sarah, and Greg, and the revelation that there is a whole network of nonhumans in the area that communicates with the help of gnomes. Even so, it maintains the essential themes of inclusivity and self-acceptance, and includes characters whose storylines evoke empathy. There are several subplots that will draw readers in, especially the one involving Greg’s family history and the continuing story of Tommy’s sister who is trying too hard to assimilate as human. The illustrations are done in easy-to-follow comic book panels, with lots of entertaining background details that warrant close inspection. Lizard Boy 2 is funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, with valuable messages about being a good friend and staying true to your roots. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
This is a terrific follow-up to Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy (2022), in which readers learned about how Tommy, Dung, and Scarlett arrived in Eagle Valley and became friends. That book really stood out in the way it felt realistic despite Tommy’s alien origins; this sequel definitely incorporates more science fiction elements with the inclusion of Allie, Sarah, and Greg, and the revelation that there is a whole network of nonhumans in the area that communicates with the help of gnomes. Even so, it maintains the essential themes of inclusivity and self-acceptance, and includes characters whose storylines evoke empathy. There are several subplots that will draw readers in, especially the one involving Greg’s family history and the continuing story of Tommy’s sister who is trying too hard to assimilate as human. The illustrations are done in easy-to-follow comic book panels, with lots of entertaining background details that warrant close inspection. Lizard Boy 2 is funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, with valuable messages about being a good friend and staying true to your roots. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
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June 14, 2025See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/lizard-boy...
LIZARD BOY 2: THE MOST PERFECT SUMMER EVER is a charming graphic novel about acceptance and friendship. Tommy and his friends are determined to have the best summer ever when they find out Dung, their friend from Vietnam, is going to have to return - but at the end of summer. They make a bucket list of all the must-dos and set to work.
However, Tommy's reveal has been picked up by a youtuber who is set on exposing him. Tommy worries over the repercussions of his actions and how this may play out for his family and friends, who also have their own identities/secrets - but maybe they shouldn't have to hide who they are.
What I loved: This was a really engaging and unique premise with some powerful themes. The story tackles ideas around acceptance and what that really means, as well as found family, friendship, community, and being true to yourself. These are all themes that will really resonate with middle grade readers who are likely finding their own footing in the world and may be feeling a bit different. The power of acceptance and finding your place shines through the story, in smaller circles like amongst friends but also in the broader community. Community also plays out as the reader sees the ways in which Tommy's mother gives back and in the way that they all come together for empowerment and support.
The characters are really compelling, and while Tommy is central, so are his friends, including a girl made of a bunch of snakes, a robot from the future, and a sasquatch. They are all a little different, but together, they have a found family-type relationship with lots of heart and support. Their characters' personalities are clear throughout the book, and they infuse serious moments with a bit of that heart and a touch of humor that helps to keep readers consumed.
The illustrations and use of color are great throughout, with really expressive characters and easy to follow speech bubbles. The chapter breaks work well to give natural stopping places for readers who may appreciate them. The images tell the story as much as the words, and they work together to present the story to the reader beautifully.
Final verdict: LIZARD BOY 2: THE MOST PERFECT SUMMER EVER is a heartfelt and charming graphic novel that will resonate with middle grade readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
LIZARD BOY 2: THE MOST PERFECT SUMMER EVER is a charming graphic novel about acceptance and friendship. Tommy and his friends are determined to have the best summer ever when they find out Dung, their friend from Vietnam, is going to have to return - but at the end of summer. They make a bucket list of all the must-dos and set to work.
However, Tommy's reveal has been picked up by a youtuber who is set on exposing him. Tommy worries over the repercussions of his actions and how this may play out for his family and friends, who also have their own identities/secrets - but maybe they shouldn't have to hide who they are.
What I loved: This was a really engaging and unique premise with some powerful themes. The story tackles ideas around acceptance and what that really means, as well as found family, friendship, community, and being true to yourself. These are all themes that will really resonate with middle grade readers who are likely finding their own footing in the world and may be feeling a bit different. The power of acceptance and finding your place shines through the story, in smaller circles like amongst friends but also in the broader community. Community also plays out as the reader sees the ways in which Tommy's mother gives back and in the way that they all come together for empowerment and support.
The characters are really compelling, and while Tommy is central, so are his friends, including a girl made of a bunch of snakes, a robot from the future, and a sasquatch. They are all a little different, but together, they have a found family-type relationship with lots of heart and support. Their characters' personalities are clear throughout the book, and they infuse serious moments with a bit of that heart and a touch of humor that helps to keep readers consumed.
The illustrations and use of color are great throughout, with really expressive characters and easy to follow speech bubbles. The chapter breaks work well to give natural stopping places for readers who may appreciate them. The images tell the story as much as the words, and they work together to present the story to the reader beautifully.
Final verdict: LIZARD BOY 2: THE MOST PERFECT SUMMER EVER is a heartfelt and charming graphic novel that will resonate with middle grade readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 17, 2025
Tommy has a secret. His family are actually lizard people trying to blend in with the human world. Tommy has to wear a human skin over his green lizard face.
It's difficult trying to fit in, but Tommy has other non-human friends who have the same struggles. One of his human friends, Dung, is a Vietnamese boy who is dealing with culture shock and trying to learn English. They bond over their differences, discovering that you don't have to be the same species to find something in common.
I loved this second graphic novel in the series! The plot is hilarious and emotional. I cried twice at some of the more emotional scenes! The characters are complex. Their stories are meaningful. The setting and background are interesting. And the storytelling style is superb!
Tommy and Dung's story really spoke to me because I grew up as a third-culture kid, never quite fitting in with either culture. Having to navigate two different languages and different customs for two cultures can be exhausting and wonderful and scary and rewarding. Tommy's story was mirrored in other characters' experiences too, and was deeply relatable.
Although Tommy and his friends are adjusting well to human life, they still wish they didn't have to hide their true natures. They wish they could be free to be themselves without fear. Although they realize that the human world isn't quite ready to accept lizard people, sasquatches, or cyborgs, they find a way to connect with their true heritage and support each other within their non-human community.
I loved Tommy's character development! Everyone feels like they don't fit in and don't know how to be their true selves. Tommy's inward journey led him on a path to find the courage to be real and vulnerable with the people around him, and then he encourages others to be brave and true as well.
The art is so fun and colorful! I love how emotional the artwork is. It really makes you feel strongly for Tommy and his friends.
To see any sensitive content in the book, check it out at the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/lizard...
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
It's difficult trying to fit in, but Tommy has other non-human friends who have the same struggles. One of his human friends, Dung, is a Vietnamese boy who is dealing with culture shock and trying to learn English. They bond over their differences, discovering that you don't have to be the same species to find something in common.
I loved this second graphic novel in the series! The plot is hilarious and emotional. I cried twice at some of the more emotional scenes! The characters are complex. Their stories are meaningful. The setting and background are interesting. And the storytelling style is superb!
Tommy and Dung's story really spoke to me because I grew up as a third-culture kid, never quite fitting in with either culture. Having to navigate two different languages and different customs for two cultures can be exhausting and wonderful and scary and rewarding. Tommy's story was mirrored in other characters' experiences too, and was deeply relatable.
Although Tommy and his friends are adjusting well to human life, they still wish they didn't have to hide their true natures. They wish they could be free to be themselves without fear. Although they realize that the human world isn't quite ready to accept lizard people, sasquatches, or cyborgs, they find a way to connect with their true heritage and support each other within their non-human community.
I loved Tommy's character development! Everyone feels like they don't fit in and don't know how to be their true selves. Tommy's inward journey led him on a path to find the courage to be real and vulnerable with the people around him, and then he encourages others to be brave and true as well.
The art is so fun and colorful! I love how emotional the artwork is. It really makes you feel strongly for Tommy and his friends.
To see any sensitive content in the book, check it out at the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/lizard...
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
September 1, 2025
Personally I think we should send copies to people from LAIKA and get an animation going but I wouldn't turn up my nose at a cartoon series either! The story is very relatable, trying to fin it, trying to be yourself, being strange, being at odds with your family and the world at large. It's about trying to stick together even when times are hostile or a bit scary. Despite its fantastical elements the story is very, very real and hits pretty close to home for me as a person whose family also had to leave everything behind and start anew. Without giving too much away there is a small business run by sasquatch and an elderly sasquatch grandpa, family obligations, teenage love, there's friends who will move away at the end of summer, and all the while the little guys just trying to have the best summer ever :')
December 10, 2025
Book 2 in series
Tommy and friends are sad and upset because their buddy Tran will be moving back to VietNam. They decide to make it the best summer ever before he goes and make a list of fun activities to do together before he leaves. Their plans are hampered, however, by community upset when it is discovered that Greg's family are yeti/sasquatches when his grandfather with dementia accidentally changes in front of a crowd.
This is a heart-warming story about inclusion and being true to yourself. The full color illustrations are well done. It is extremely relevant for our times and middle school students will relate to the themes without feeling like a MESSAGE is being shoved down their throats.
Tommy and friends are sad and upset because their buddy Tran will be moving back to VietNam. They decide to make it the best summer ever before he goes and make a list of fun activities to do together before he leaves. Their plans are hampered, however, by community upset when it is discovered that Greg's family are yeti/sasquatches when his grandfather with dementia accidentally changes in front of a crowd.
This is a heart-warming story about inclusion and being true to yourself. The full color illustrations are well done. It is extremely relevant for our times and middle school students will relate to the themes without feeling like a MESSAGE is being shoved down their throats.
January 19, 2026
Contemporary graphic novel for ages 8-12, this sequel was just as good. It's full of friends as well as serious issues--all with a narrative comparable to immigrants and others who don't fit into the mainstream population. It's a great plug for safe spaces and affinity groups! I was sad to see that our library is the only one in WRLS with a copy. Six libraries have book 1. I loved it.
January 26, 2026
I had just noticed the book on the shelf at my local library. I didn't know that it was a sequel. That being said, I don't think I missed much, not having read the original story first. The characters are fun and engaging, and it did make me want to read more.
April 20, 2025
I’m so glad there was a sequel and keeping my fingers crossed for a third one!
June 24, 2025
Community action at its finest! No one should be afraid to work for change.
March 1, 2026
An endearing work by my cousin
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews