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Dear Jackie
A middle schooler’s plan to fit in with her new friends by writing herself a fake love letter backfires spectacularly in this funny and all-too-relatable graphic novel perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and the Berrybrook Middle School series.
Jackie and Milo have been best friends since they were born. Whether they’re reading comic books in their tree house hideout, playing video games, or spying on their neighbors using walkie talkies and code names, it’s always been the two of them versus the world. But in middle school, things are changing. Milo joins the soccer team and starts hanging out with a new crew. Jackie gets taken under the wing of Adelle, who wants to give her a total makeover and find her a crush. Suddenly, it seems like there are certain acceptable ways to be a girl or a boy, and Jackie starts to feel like everything about her is wrong.
In an effort to get Adelle and her new friends off her back, Jackie sends herself an anonymous love letter. But her plan backfires, and soon Jackie’s secret admirer is all anybody at school can talk about. Now she’s Dear Jackie, how are you going to get out of this?
Jackie and Milo have been best friends since they were born. Whether they’re reading comic books in their tree house hideout, playing video games, or spying on their neighbors using walkie talkies and code names, it’s always been the two of them versus the world. But in middle school, things are changing. Milo joins the soccer team and starts hanging out with a new crew. Jackie gets taken under the wing of Adelle, who wants to give her a total makeover and find her a crush. Suddenly, it seems like there are certain acceptable ways to be a girl or a boy, and Jackie starts to feel like everything about her is wrong.
In an effort to get Adelle and her new friends off her back, Jackie sends herself an anonymous love letter. But her plan backfires, and soon Jackie’s secret admirer is all anybody at school can talk about. Now she’s Dear Jackie, how are you going to get out of this?
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2025
28 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 9, 2025
middle school sucks and i hope this book finds the right kid at the right time. it found me 15 years late but it still found me.
June 26, 2025
A MG graphic novel from the writer/illustrator duo who brought us Duel: @jessixabagley @aaronbagley
💌
Jackie and Milo are besties from birth who love playing video games, reading comics and spying on neighbors, but when it’s time to head to middle school, Milo finds instant friends with his soccer teammates. This leave Jackin out in the cold until popular Adelle takes her under her wing in order to give her a makeover and get her a boyfriend. Jackie doesn’t want either of those things, but she decides to send herself an anonymous love letter in the hopes of getting the girls off her back. Too bad if backfires and now all anyone can talk about in school is Jackie’s love letter.
💌
This was so good! I adored Duel and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one and was not disappointed. I found this story to be very relatable and know that my students who are fans of Raina Telgemeier, The Babysitter’s Club and Berrybrook Middle School will eat this up when it releases September 9!
CW: bullying, misogyny, sexism
💌
Jackie and Milo are besties from birth who love playing video games, reading comics and spying on neighbors, but when it’s time to head to middle school, Milo finds instant friends with his soccer teammates. This leave Jackin out in the cold until popular Adelle takes her under her wing in order to give her a makeover and get her a boyfriend. Jackie doesn’t want either of those things, but she decides to send herself an anonymous love letter in the hopes of getting the girls off her back. Too bad if backfires and now all anyone can talk about in school is Jackie’s love letter.
💌
This was so good! I adored Duel and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one and was not disappointed. I found this story to be very relatable and know that my students who are fans of Raina Telgemeier, The Babysitter’s Club and Berrybrook Middle School will eat this up when it releases September 9!
CW: bullying, misogyny, sexism
August 2, 2025
Netgally ARC
Expected publication September 9, 2025
This middle grade graphic novel took me way back to the middle school note sharing days of trying to fit in. I can only imagine how much more complex it is now with technology. Anyway, a diverse group of friends/frenemies navigating societal expectations at home and at school, including leaving admiration notes to yourself in effort to be more liked. Not a far fetched idea, but it backfires.
Expected publication September 9, 2025
This middle grade graphic novel took me way back to the middle school note sharing days of trying to fit in. I can only imagine how much more complex it is now with technology. Anyway, a diverse group of friends/frenemies navigating societal expectations at home and at school, including leaving admiration notes to yourself in effort to be more liked. Not a far fetched idea, but it backfires.
December 15, 2025
The first week of seventh grade - my first week of junior high - the person I considered my best friend decided to tell everyone he had leukemia in order to get dates. I didn't come up with the plan, but I went along with it and said it was true when people asked me about it. All of which is to merely say that middle school is a weird as hell time, a time of awkwardness, misunderstandings, and dumb decision making. It's a realm in which doing things like writing yourself anonymous love notes to get the attention of your peers - as Jackie does in this book - feels true, cringe worthy as it may be.
Overall, I don't have a ton to say about this. It was a fine book, decent at what it did, even if it's nothing to write home about.
Overall, I don't have a ton to say about this. It was a fine book, decent at what it did, even if it's nothing to write home about.
August 5, 2025
3.5
Dear Jackie is an interesting take on what a girl might do to fit in with the new social expectations of middle school. Jackie's "friends" won't stop pestering her about liking somebody and they and Jackie's mother insist that she dresses like a boy and should look more like a girl even though Jackie is just fine exactly how she is.
I wish there was a bit more remorse from the mom. She was constantly forcing Jackie to try to change who she was and to be friends with Adelle (who was frankly a bully, not a friend), because Adelle fits the mom's idea of what a girl should be.
I cannot buy that Jackie and Adelle were ever friends. They only spent time together because their moms wanted them to. They did not get along, had extremely little in common, and Adelle was constantly mean to Jackie and embarrassed her in front of the entire school.
I liked that there was occasionally a bit from Milo's POV so the reader could see how he was struggling with trying to find new friends too.
The art style is not my favorite, but I didn't notice anything wrong with it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
Dear Jackie is an interesting take on what a girl might do to fit in with the new social expectations of middle school. Jackie's "friends" won't stop pestering her about liking somebody and they and Jackie's mother insist that she dresses like a boy and should look more like a girl even though Jackie is just fine exactly how she is.
I wish there was a bit more remorse from the mom. She was constantly forcing Jackie to try to change who she was and to be friends with Adelle (who was frankly a bully, not a friend), because Adelle fits the mom's idea of what a girl should be.
I cannot buy that Jackie and Adelle were ever friends. They only spent time together because their moms wanted them to. They did not get along, had extremely little in common, and Adelle was constantly mean to Jackie and embarrassed her in front of the entire school.
I liked that there was occasionally a bit from Milo's POV so the reader could see how he was struggling with trying to find new friends too.
The art style is not my favorite, but I didn't notice anything wrong with it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.
August 22, 2025
This book is a look at what it’s like to be in sixth grade. How people start changing and it causes their friends group to fracture. It also gets into how people are still figuring out who they are, how gender roles used to be specific, but now not everybody fits into those. This book is very real. It feels like it could have come out of my school. Or out of my nephew’s school. The illustrations are typical of the age and genre. I do love that the illustrator did so much research into drawing a character in a wheelchair especially when that character is just a side character. But taken altogether, this is an interesting book that I think middle schoolers will find something in that they recognize. Also, good to know is that the author and I believe the illustrator are both indigenous Americans.
January 12, 2026
While Jackie & Milo they navigate their boy-girl friendship without egging on the teasing that they’re going to end up as boyfriend-girlfriend, Jackie takes it upon herself to make up a secret admirer to get her friends off her back. After one too many pranks between the pair, Milo may just let drop what he knows—that Jackie has been writing to herself all year.
June 23, 2025
Middle school is rough. And Jessixa Bagley’s, alongside illustrator Aaron Bagley, Dear Jackie does an exemplary job of portraying just how rough middle school can be. But, even though this time in a child’s life is full of its ups and downs, it helps to know that not only are none of us alone here, but everyone has the ability and resilience to work through and find themselves along the way.
I had such a grand time reading this beautiful graphic novel, fully feeling for Jackie in all the struggles she faced as middle school brought about a ton of changes. From her best friend suddenly finding a whole new group of friends with his soccer buddies to the frustrations of not having the same likes and feelings as the other students around them. Even the perils of navigating parental relationships when expectations don’t take into account who the child is as a person are some of the most painful and difficult experiences for newly teen kids to go through.
Dear Jackie encapsulates so excellently the experience of growing up slowly, but surely. It delves into the discomforts that come from not fitting in, the inevitable friend fights we all experience at one point or another, the fallout that occurs when our actions have negative consequences, and the perils that come when—let’s face it—some kids are just plain mean. There’s also a side plot with Jackie’s sibling, relating to parental acceptance of an LGBTQIA+ child that was handled with care and portrayed realistically, something I know will help kids experiencing those feelings a little, both in visibility and connection.
This is unquestionably the sort of book that I’d be thrilled to recommend to students and families alike. I hope everyone who reads it finds catharsis in the pieces they can relate and connect to.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had such a grand time reading this beautiful graphic novel, fully feeling for Jackie in all the struggles she faced as middle school brought about a ton of changes. From her best friend suddenly finding a whole new group of friends with his soccer buddies to the frustrations of not having the same likes and feelings as the other students around them. Even the perils of navigating parental relationships when expectations don’t take into account who the child is as a person are some of the most painful and difficult experiences for newly teen kids to go through.
Dear Jackie encapsulates so excellently the experience of growing up slowly, but surely. It delves into the discomforts that come from not fitting in, the inevitable friend fights we all experience at one point or another, the fallout that occurs when our actions have negative consequences, and the perils that come when—let’s face it—some kids are just plain mean. There’s also a side plot with Jackie’s sibling, relating to parental acceptance of an LGBTQIA+ child that was handled with care and portrayed realistically, something I know will help kids experiencing those feelings a little, both in visibility and connection.
This is unquestionably the sort of book that I’d be thrilled to recommend to students and families alike. I hope everyone who reads it finds catharsis in the pieces they can relate and connect to.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dear Jackie is a cute and quick read depicting best friends, Jackie and Milo, through snapshots of their first year of middle school. Jackie is a tomboy. She’s not interested in boys or makeup or wearing dresses and skirts. She just wants to hang out with Milo and play video games and read comic books all day. Heading into middle school doesn’t have to mean they change with it. But everyone around her keeps trying to change her — how she dresses, what hobbies she partakes in, even who she hangs out with.
Her character, in many ways, felt very reminiscent of me when I was around that age. I didn’t care about dating or wearing frilly dresses or who likes who in school. I was always extremely uncomfortable in my own skin whenever I tried to dress differently than what was my normal. I didn’t want to change anything either, even though I was entering a whole new school. I didn’t need a wider pool of friends, because the ones I had suited me just fine. So I completely understood a lot of her thought processes throughout this novel, even though many of them had me peeking through my fingers because 24-year-old me now knows only disaster awaits.
Every time Jackie tried to conform, it backfired. There’s a lesson there. Stay true to yourself. You’ll find the people who are for you in due time. And don’t be so afraid of change. It might pleasantly surprise you.
Dear Jackie is a cute and quick read depicting best friends, Jackie and Milo, through snapshots of their first year of middle school. Jackie is a tomboy. She’s not interested in boys or makeup or wearing dresses and skirts. She just wants to hang out with Milo and play video games and read comic books all day. Heading into middle school doesn’t have to mean they change with it. But everyone around her keeps trying to change her — how she dresses, what hobbies she partakes in, even who she hangs out with.
Her character, in many ways, felt very reminiscent of me when I was around that age. I didn’t care about dating or wearing frilly dresses or who likes who in school. I was always extremely uncomfortable in my own skin whenever I tried to dress differently than what was my normal. I didn’t want to change anything either, even though I was entering a whole new school. I didn’t need a wider pool of friends, because the ones I had suited me just fine. So I completely understood a lot of her thought processes throughout this novel, even though many of them had me peeking through my fingers because 24-year-old me now knows only disaster awaits.
Every time Jackie tried to conform, it backfired. There’s a lesson there. Stay true to yourself. You’ll find the people who are for you in due time. And don’t be so afraid of change. It might pleasantly surprise you.
November 29, 2025
This is a story about gender roles. Everyone keeps wanting to put the main character, Jackie, into the girl box, and make her like pink and boys, and all that. Meanwhile, her college aged brother is exploring his own gender identity, and shows up at winter break in a dress.
It is quite clear that society, including her parents and friends, are all trying to make Jackie into a "typical girl" because that is what they think she should be. They want her to have crushes, and like dresses, and makeup.
Jackie resists as much as she can. But when Miles, her best friend since birth (they were both born in the same hospital, and live next door), decides he is going to play soccer, and hang out with his new friends, Jackie is adrift.
So, she starts writing love notes to herself, and making everyone think she has a secret admirer, to get them off her back.
As you can expect, things don't go exactly as planned.
Well written story of how hard it is and what happens when you just can’t. I totally get where Jackie is coming from.
It is quite clear that society, including her parents and friends, are all trying to make Jackie into a "typical girl" because that is what they think she should be. They want her to have crushes, and like dresses, and makeup.
Jackie resists as much as she can. But when Miles, her best friend since birth (they were both born in the same hospital, and live next door), decides he is going to play soccer, and hang out with his new friends, Jackie is adrift.
So, she starts writing love notes to herself, and making everyone think she has a secret admirer, to get them off her back.
As you can expect, things don't go exactly as planned.
Well written story of how hard it is and what happens when you just can’t. I totally get where Jackie is coming from.
October 10, 2025
4.5 stars
The author and illustrator really got the cringy vibes of middle school on point. From school drama to weird mixed messages of “how to be”, this graphic novel transported me back to the hellish years of middle school.
I loved the diversity and inclusion of the characters, the sibling relationship, and an added bonus of parents admitting they made mistakes and saying they were sorry. Also a big thumbs up for taking the time to represent a disabled student in a wheelchair with accuracy by consulting with numerous sources. A great read alike for fans of Berrybrook Middle School graphic novel series by Chmakova.
The author and illustrator really got the cringy vibes of middle school on point. From school drama to weird mixed messages of “how to be”, this graphic novel transported me back to the hellish years of middle school.
I loved the diversity and inclusion of the characters, the sibling relationship, and an added bonus of parents admitting they made mistakes and saying they were sorry. Also a big thumbs up for taking the time to represent a disabled student in a wheelchair with accuracy by consulting with numerous sources. A great read alike for fans of Berrybrook Middle School graphic novel series by Chmakova.
September 25, 2025
Bagley really nails the awkwardness of middle school friendships and the ways even close friends can behave in really mean ways toward each other.
Jackie is constantly pressured to be more girly and she uses her middle school logic to think of what she thinks is the perfect solution to the problem: create a secret admirer for herself that loves her just the way she is. As one might expect, it doesn't end well.
While a lot of this is cringey, that's because it feels so real and I think kids will appreciate that.
Jackie is constantly pressured to be more girly and she uses her middle school logic to think of what she thinks is the perfect solution to the problem: create a secret admirer for herself that loves her just the way she is. As one might expect, it doesn't end well.
While a lot of this is cringey, that's because it feels so real and I think kids will appreciate that.
October 25, 2025
Very accurate description of how hard it is in middle school to find the right people.
September 27, 2025
Oh how I love seeing adults take accountability & apologizing when they've been hurtful to their kids... we need more of this!
This is a beautiful coming of age story with some really cute graphics!
This is a beautiful coming of age story with some really cute graphics!
June 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of Dear Jackie by Jessixa Bagley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
For fans of Raina Telgemeier and Svetlana Chmakova’s Berrybrook Middle School series, this is a fun, relatable, and yikes story of entering middle school. Imagine you and your best friend who share all these memories, fun times, and interests entering the wild of middle school. You think it’ll be the same, but you’ve heard the horror stories and you’re bracing for the worst. And then… yes, it’s AWFUL! Everyone thinks you dress weird, look weird, are weird, and they want you to conform to what they think is cool. For those who have been there and those who managed to escape the awfulness of a stereotypical cringe-worthy middle school experience, this story is perfect for upper elementary and middle school students who need a story that likely represents at least part of their experience (or future experience). A must purchase for middle school and public libraries and a recommended read for anyone about to enter middle school. Look no further for a purposeful tale with fun illustrations, a great storyline, strong and relatable characters and a diverse cast. Main characters are non-white, LGBTQ+ and disabled and are all authentically represented and do not present as token characters. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this one pre-publication and am excited that such a story of pre-teen angst is being presented in graphic novel format. I would definitely read another Jessixa Bagley graphic novel!
For fans of Raina Telgemeier and Svetlana Chmakova’s Berrybrook Middle School series, this is a fun, relatable, and yikes story of entering middle school. Imagine you and your best friend who share all these memories, fun times, and interests entering the wild of middle school. You think it’ll be the same, but you’ve heard the horror stories and you’re bracing for the worst. And then… yes, it’s AWFUL! Everyone thinks you dress weird, look weird, are weird, and they want you to conform to what they think is cool. For those who have been there and those who managed to escape the awfulness of a stereotypical cringe-worthy middle school experience, this story is perfect for upper elementary and middle school students who need a story that likely represents at least part of their experience (or future experience). A must purchase for middle school and public libraries and a recommended read for anyone about to enter middle school. Look no further for a purposeful tale with fun illustrations, a great storyline, strong and relatable characters and a diverse cast. Main characters are non-white, LGBTQ+ and disabled and are all authentically represented and do not present as token characters. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this one pre-publication and am excited that such a story of pre-teen angst is being presented in graphic novel format. I would definitely read another Jessixa Bagley graphic novel!
August 14, 2025
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
As a mom of a middle schooler, this book certainly brought up a lot of worries that I feel most kids that age (and I at that age) experience. It highlights the insecurities we all experience as we try to find ourselves as we transition from childhood to adulthood. This book also showcases the need to accept others and learn from our mistakes, no matter the age.
As a reader, I did feel irritated about how clueless the parents (especially the mom) were in foisting their wants on their child and not accepting them for who they are.
I feel like middle school kids will really like this book and how authentic it is to their experiences.
I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
As a mom of a middle schooler, this book certainly brought up a lot of worries that I feel most kids that age (and I at that age) experience. It highlights the insecurities we all experience as we try to find ourselves as we transition from childhood to adulthood. This book also showcases the need to accept others and learn from our mistakes, no matter the age.
As a reader, I did feel irritated about how clueless the parents (especially the mom) were in foisting their wants on their child and not accepting them for who they are.
I feel like middle school kids will really like this book and how authentic it is to their experiences.
I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
October 7, 2025
The cringe at the heart of this graphic novel was a bit too much for me. Jackie's plan, if you can call it that, to be more popular by faking a secret admirer is obviously bound to fail, so it's just a matter of when and how spectacularly. Honestly, I didn't like Jackie very much even before her brilliant plan. She's the stereotypical "not like other girls" girl. I was pleased that Bagley had her taken to task for being just as rude and judgmental as the girls with more traditionally feminine interests.
May 4, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Jackie and Milo are next door neighbors who have been friends forever, spying on neighbors and calling each other endearing nicknames like "Stankbreath". When middle school starts, Milo spends more time with his soccer teammates, and Jackies mother encourages her to spend more time hanging out with Adele and embracing more "feminine" pursuits. Jackie doesn't care about clothes or boys, but when Adele ane her friends give her a hard time, Jackie leaves herself a note that she's typed on her brother's typewriter from a "secret admirer" to divert their attention. She also tries some hair dye, which ends disasterously, and is the subject of teasing when her leg hair shows through the tights of a costume she wears at a school assembly. Milo's new soccer friends often make fun of her, and Milo does not stand up to them. Jabari, Jackie's brother who is away at college, often counsels her about being true to herself. It's something he has struggled with, since he occasionally wears dresses and has had some trouble getting support from their parents. As Jackie continues to get notes, fellow students opine on who might have sent them. Is it Milo? After some Valentine's Day drama, Jackie is angry with Milo, and at a sleepover, agrees to toilet paper his house, uses the paper to spell out his nickname, Stankbreath. They manage to overcome this, but when Jackie stands Milo up for the end of the year dance, he is angry again and tells the others that she's been sending notes to herself. Will Jackie be able to find a way to be herself in middle school without alienating her friends.
Strengths: The back and forth of who-likes-whom is very typical of middle school, and doesn't get enough coverage in most novels. Students still use the notes with the check boxes ("Do you like me? Yes, No"); I found one just last month! Fitting in is also a hard thing for middle schoolers to figure out, and Jackie's fights with Milo over their diverging interests are quite realistic. This follows the two through the school year, so covers major holidays and events. Jabari supporting Milo from college was good to see, and it's always good to have sibling and parent relationships depicted. Jackie is able to navigate some issues with her parents after her final blow up at the dance in a productive way. Fans of the Bagleys' Duel will be glad to see this new title.
Weaknesses: The students at my school all dress like Jackie-- the halls are a sea of black and gray hoodies over dark track pants or pajama pants. I'm sure all schools are different, but no one would be giving Jackie a hard time at my school.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like the anxiety and friend drama in Meeker and Davidson's Swing or Libenson's Nat Enough.
Jackie and Milo are next door neighbors who have been friends forever, spying on neighbors and calling each other endearing nicknames like "Stankbreath". When middle school starts, Milo spends more time with his soccer teammates, and Jackies mother encourages her to spend more time hanging out with Adele and embracing more "feminine" pursuits. Jackie doesn't care about clothes or boys, but when Adele ane her friends give her a hard time, Jackie leaves herself a note that she's typed on her brother's typewriter from a "secret admirer" to divert their attention. She also tries some hair dye, which ends disasterously, and is the subject of teasing when her leg hair shows through the tights of a costume she wears at a school assembly. Milo's new soccer friends often make fun of her, and Milo does not stand up to them. Jabari, Jackie's brother who is away at college, often counsels her about being true to herself. It's something he has struggled with, since he occasionally wears dresses and has had some trouble getting support from their parents. As Jackie continues to get notes, fellow students opine on who might have sent them. Is it Milo? After some Valentine's Day drama, Jackie is angry with Milo, and at a sleepover, agrees to toilet paper his house, uses the paper to spell out his nickname, Stankbreath. They manage to overcome this, but when Jackie stands Milo up for the end of the year dance, he is angry again and tells the others that she's been sending notes to herself. Will Jackie be able to find a way to be herself in middle school without alienating her friends.
Strengths: The back and forth of who-likes-whom is very typical of middle school, and doesn't get enough coverage in most novels. Students still use the notes with the check boxes ("Do you like me? Yes, No"); I found one just last month! Fitting in is also a hard thing for middle schoolers to figure out, and Jackie's fights with Milo over their diverging interests are quite realistic. This follows the two through the school year, so covers major holidays and events. Jabari supporting Milo from college was good to see, and it's always good to have sibling and parent relationships depicted. Jackie is able to navigate some issues with her parents after her final blow up at the dance in a productive way. Fans of the Bagleys' Duel will be glad to see this new title.
Weaknesses: The students at my school all dress like Jackie-- the halls are a sea of black and gray hoodies over dark track pants or pajama pants. I'm sure all schools are different, but no one would be giving Jackie a hard time at my school.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like the anxiety and friend drama in Meeker and Davidson's Swing or Libenson's Nat Enough.
August 19, 2025
Dear Jackie by Jessixa Bagley is such a relatable and heartfelt story about figuring out who you are in middle school. Jackie is more into comfy clothes than frilly outfits, but people tease her for dressing “boring” or “like a boy,” which makes her feel like she can’t truly be herself. Starting middle school only adds to the challenges—suddenly there are crushes, shifting friendships, and the pressure of trying to fit in while still holding on to who you really are. Jackie’s journey of navigating all these ups and downs feels so real, and it shows just how tough (but also important) those early teen years can be.
What really stood out to me was how the story captures the messiness of middle school friendships. Jackie has to deal with the excitement of new connections but also the disappointment of realizing that not everyone is as kind or genuine as they first seem. There’s jealousy, confusion, and even the classic question of what it really means to “like” someone—all written in a way that feels natural and easy to connect with. I also loved the nostalgic touch of folded paper notes being passed around, which instantly took me back to my own middle school days before phones ruled everything.
On top of the heartfelt story, the artwork is so vibrant and colorful, making the emotions and moments really pop off the page. Dear Jackie doesn’t shy away from the struggles of growing up, but it also leaves readers with a sense of hope and encouragement to embrace who they are. It’s a fun, thoughtful, and super relatable read for any middle schooler (or anyone who remembers those days).
What really stood out to me was how the story captures the messiness of middle school friendships. Jackie has to deal with the excitement of new connections but also the disappointment of realizing that not everyone is as kind or genuine as they first seem. There’s jealousy, confusion, and even the classic question of what it really means to “like” someone—all written in a way that feels natural and easy to connect with. I also loved the nostalgic touch of folded paper notes being passed around, which instantly took me back to my own middle school days before phones ruled everything.
On top of the heartfelt story, the artwork is so vibrant and colorful, making the emotions and moments really pop off the page. Dear Jackie doesn’t shy away from the struggles of growing up, but it also leaves readers with a sense of hope and encouragement to embrace who they are. It’s a fun, thoughtful, and super relatable read for any middle schooler (or anyone who remembers those days).
June 19, 2025
Dear Jackie is a warm, funny, and deeply relatable graphic novel that captures the emotional rollercoaster of middle school with striking honesty. Jessixa Bagley has created a protagonist in Jackie that feels instantly familiar—awkward, unsure, trying too hard and yet somehow not enough, just like most of us felt at that age. The premise is clever: Jackie writes herself fake love letters to boost her social status, and of course, it spirals into unintended chaos. What starts out as a goofy ploy slowly unfolds into something more tender and meaningful—about friendship, self-worth, and how easy it is to lose sight of who you are when you’re desperate to belong.
The artwork by Aaron Bagley is vibrant and expressive, beautifully complementing the emotional tone of the story. It not only enhances the mood of each scene but also adds depth to the quieter, more reflective moments.
The dynamic between Jackie and her best friend Milo is a central thread, and while Milo’s character is developed with empathy and subtlety, Jackie’s treatment of him raises questions that the book never fully explores. Her actions, seemingly motivated by a desire to fit in, contrast sharply with her repeated criticisms of others for similar behavior. Although the story offers moments of confrontation and resolution, some of these emotional transitions feel a bit too swift, with conflicts forgiven easily and without the reflective unpacking they seem to warrant.
Still, Dear Jackie remains a compelling and relevant read. A strong and memorable addition to the middle-grade graphic novel space.
The artwork by Aaron Bagley is vibrant and expressive, beautifully complementing the emotional tone of the story. It not only enhances the mood of each scene but also adds depth to the quieter, more reflective moments.
The dynamic between Jackie and her best friend Milo is a central thread, and while Milo’s character is developed with empathy and subtlety, Jackie’s treatment of him raises questions that the book never fully explores. Her actions, seemingly motivated by a desire to fit in, contrast sharply with her repeated criticisms of others for similar behavior. Although the story offers moments of confrontation and resolution, some of these emotional transitions feel a bit too swift, with conflicts forgiven easily and without the reflective unpacking they seem to warrant.
Still, Dear Jackie remains a compelling and relevant read. A strong and memorable addition to the middle-grade graphic novel space.
November 7, 2025
Dear Jackie is a thoughtful and vivid portrayal of two young people enduring the confusing purgatory that is middle school. Jackie and Milo have been friends since they were babies. Their parents are neighbors, and they have shared parts of their lives as long as they can remember. Then Middle school comes along and blows all of that up. Can Jackie and Milo be friends in the months to come? It's definitely worth a read.
I did truly admire how diverse and interesting a cast of characters in this story. Generally free of big-C caricatures, I enjoyed discovering the separate personalities of the main characters. Yes, the pitfalls of learning to find yourself as you get older are all here, but the frankness and candid ways the characters relate don't leave the reader guessing. It's not always easy for adults to write about kids, and author Jessixa Bagley has clearly has an ear for it (or she remembers vividly some cringe-worthy experiences of her own).
Both Milo and Jackie are sympathetic, each with their own personal issues to deal with. The bizarre hopscotch of trying to socialize with others of their age presents them both with the eternal balancing act of how much do I want to be liked/ how much do I like myself. This is a good graphic novel for class discussions of fitting in, individuality, influencers, popularity and finding friends.
August 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. Content warnings from readers on Storygraph: Graphic: Bullying; Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism.
I always love a middle grade story that has many teachable moments. Dear Jackie focuses on middle school social navigation with a blend of humor and emotional depth. Part of that navigation is a fresh exploration of gender identity, more specifically performative identity. Jackie prefers wearing hoodies and jeans. However, her mother and “friends” constantly urge her to dress differently to conform to societal norms. The book’s non-binary representation and nuanced look at gender expression offers readers a chance to broaden their inclusive shelf.
The story of Jackie is also filled with humor and everyday realism. This lighter, contemporary take on identity as one is growing up is excellent for middle grade readers. It also depicts the changes in friendship as one grows up. There’s a big lesson here. If you try to conform for other people, you’ll be miserable. Stay true to yourself. In short, Dear Jackie is filled with everyday realism that readers want and crave.
I thought the artwork was very good throughout the graphic novel. It’s bright and colorful and adds to the overall story.
I always love a middle grade story that has many teachable moments. Dear Jackie focuses on middle school social navigation with a blend of humor and emotional depth. Part of that navigation is a fresh exploration of gender identity, more specifically performative identity. Jackie prefers wearing hoodies and jeans. However, her mother and “friends” constantly urge her to dress differently to conform to societal norms. The book’s non-binary representation and nuanced look at gender expression offers readers a chance to broaden their inclusive shelf.
The story of Jackie is also filled with humor and everyday realism. This lighter, contemporary take on identity as one is growing up is excellent for middle grade readers. It also depicts the changes in friendship as one grows up. There’s a big lesson here. If you try to conform for other people, you’ll be miserable. Stay true to yourself. In short, Dear Jackie is filled with everyday realism that readers want and crave.
I thought the artwork was very good throughout the graphic novel. It’s bright and colorful and adds to the overall story.
July 15, 2025
Dear Jackie was such a sweet exploration of the sixth grade experience. Everyone around Jackie seems suddenly obsessed with their crushes and worried about their own image. Jackie is fine not caring about these things, but no one around her accepts this. Desperate to fit in, Jackie starts using a typewriter to leave secret admirer notes in her locker. If someone has a crush on her, then maybe she can escape the teasing and scrutiny from so many of her peers. Meanwhile, her best friend is now trying to fit in with his new soccer team. He struggles, but neither he nor Jackie know how to communicate about it with each other.
I loved the gentle way this book dove into the way we express our identities and our gender. In middle school, the perceived gender divide can suddenly seem so vast, and acceptable expression can seem like such a thin ledge in comparison. Additionally, so many kids are pressured to have crushes, and Jackie is a reminder that it’s okay to not be there yet (or ever).
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I will be adding this graphic novel to my middle school class library.
I loved the gentle way this book dove into the way we express our identities and our gender. In middle school, the perceived gender divide can suddenly seem so vast, and acceptable expression can seem like such a thin ledge in comparison. Additionally, so many kids are pressured to have crushes, and Jackie is a reminder that it’s okay to not be there yet (or ever).
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I will be adding this graphic novel to my middle school class library.
September 28, 2025
Dear Jackie by Jessixa Bagley is a heartfelt and authentic graphic novel that captures the challenges of identity and belonging in middle school. Jackie’s struggle to fit in, resist gendered expectations, and navigate the pressures of “crush culture” is portrayed with honesty and nuance, making her story deeply relatable. The diversity is jam-packed, with characters from varying backgrounds all trying to exist in the same complicated space, and Jackie’s journey resonates especially for readers who have felt the weight of not conforming to traditional gender roles. Her older brother Bari shines as a standout character, offering the acceptance and support that gives Jackie strength to embrace herself. The artwork reinforces these themes through expressive body language, visual contrasts, and panel composition that emphasize both her exclusion and attempts to belong. With its organic plot development, authentic dialogue, and sensitive exploration of the costs of conformity, Dear Jackie offers an innovative and impactful contribution to graphic literature, broadening conversations around identity, diversity, and self-expression for young readers.
September 11, 2025
This book almost perfectly sums up the awkwardness of being a middle schooler. The attention we gave ourselves to make us seem like were like our friends, the fake notes in the locker, and letting our friends mock someone we care about and try to excuse it. All that is exactly what is going on in "Dear Jackie". Milo and Jackie have been bffs for years and when they get to middle school Milo joins soccer and makes friends. However, Jackie only ever had Milo and feels like she's been abandoned. They each have their own struggles. Milo's friends make fun of Jackie and even him on more than one occasion. While Jackie hangs out with Adelle and her friends who are obsessed with boys. Lots of teasing about Jackie not looking good and putting an impression out to the guys, she decides to become her own secret admire.
This is a perfect book on the importance of friendship and self discovery/coming-of-age. It's a book that I feel many kids may feel drawn to due to how realistic it really is.
This is a perfect book on the importance of friendship and self discovery/coming-of-age. It's a book that I feel many kids may feel drawn to due to how realistic it really is.
November 29, 2025
An excellent middle grade graphic novel about what it is like to start middle school--and not quite know where you fit in.
Jackie and Milo have lived next door to each other and been best friends their whole lives. As they begin sixth grade and Milo joins the soccer team, Jackie feels abandoned and has a hard time knowing where she fits in. It doesn't help that her sibling, Bari, has gone off to college. Jackie, who prefers sweats to dresses, seemingly has no one to turn to as she navigates typical middle school issues.
I found this book highly relatable as I too didn't like dressing in "girl clothes" and like Jackie, I felt like my family didn't always understand that.
Jackie decides to take the typewriter Bari left her and begins to write secret admirer notes to herself. The effect is, she suddenly has people noticing her. However, a series of social missteps in the name of fitting in could make everyone miserable.
This was a great, thought-provoking read that I will highly recommend.
Jackie and Milo have lived next door to each other and been best friends their whole lives. As they begin sixth grade and Milo joins the soccer team, Jackie feels abandoned and has a hard time knowing where she fits in. It doesn't help that her sibling, Bari, has gone off to college. Jackie, who prefers sweats to dresses, seemingly has no one to turn to as she navigates typical middle school issues.
I found this book highly relatable as I too didn't like dressing in "girl clothes" and like Jackie, I felt like my family didn't always understand that.
Jackie decides to take the typewriter Bari left her and begins to write secret admirer notes to herself. The effect is, she suddenly has people noticing her. However, a series of social missteps in the name of fitting in could make everyone miserable.
This was a great, thought-provoking read that I will highly recommend.
November 8, 2025
Not a fan. The message just isn’t much of a message— it’s okay to be different and not conform to gender stereotypes, yeah. But there’s so much more than that. Middle school is rough and the solution is to learn empathy for other people, treating people different from us with respect and kindness. That may have been one of the author’s intended messages, but it didn’t come across very strongly. I think this book represents the problems with our society: people fall into victim mindsets, and don’t learn how to stand up for what is right because they’re so focused on their problems. Both of the main characters have terrible friends who give them bad advice. They follow that advice, their relationship fragments, but they make up in the end and everything is good. Or is it? Did they make any lasting changes in their friend groups? Did they learn right versus wrong? I’m not sure. But if anyone has a different opinion I’m happy to hear it.
August 12, 2025
The title for this book is perfect! The illustrations are also good. The characters look the age they are expected to be and they look as you would expect them to look. The clothing and hairstyles match the personality of each character.
I feel that kids can relate to this book. The friendships problems that children go through at that age are spot on, I like how the main character had a sibling she could talk to that was not your “typical” sibling. I feel this helped Jackie because either Jackie knew that her sibling was a bit different than her friends brothers or sisters, or Jackie thought everyone was that way.
I also liked how Jackie’s best friend also had family and friend issues.
Peer pressure is tough.
Each person deals with problems in their own way, but they both realize communication is important.
I feel that kids can relate to this book. The friendships problems that children go through at that age are spot on, I like how the main character had a sibling she could talk to that was not your “typical” sibling. I feel this helped Jackie because either Jackie knew that her sibling was a bit different than her friends brothers or sisters, or Jackie thought everyone was that way.
I also liked how Jackie’s best friend also had family and friend issues.
Peer pressure is tough.
Each person deals with problems in their own way, but they both realize communication is important.
August 16, 2025
Book 192 of 350 ~ 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I kinda relate to Jackie. As my friends were getting into makeup and the like, I didn't feel the same.
I wanted to remain me but peer pressure sometimes gets in the way. I didn't like the frilly dresses and mom did.
I definitely wouldn't have done what Jackie did.. poor girl.
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book192of350 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #booknerds #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #bookaddict #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I kinda relate to Jackie. As my friends were getting into makeup and the like, I didn't feel the same.
I wanted to remain me but peer pressure sometimes gets in the way. I didn't like the frilly dresses and mom did.
I definitely wouldn't have done what Jackie did.. poor girl.
I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book192of350 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #booknerds #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #bookaddict #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks
June 8, 2025
Funny, heartfelt, and so relatable—my daughter devoured it, and I totally saw middle school me in Jackie too.
If your kid loves Raina Telgemeier, Dear Jackie is a perfect next read. It’s got all the awkward growing-up feels: shifting friendships, cringey choices, and that desperate middle school desire to fit in. Jackie is endearing and flawed in the best way—her fake love letter idea made my daughter laugh and want to hide under a blanket.
This graphic novel handles gender expectations, friendship changes, and self-acceptance with humor and empathy. Some parts felt a little rushed toward the end, but overall, it’s a win—especially for tweens figuring out who they are.
If your kid loves Raina Telgemeier, Dear Jackie is a perfect next read. It’s got all the awkward growing-up feels: shifting friendships, cringey choices, and that desperate middle school desire to fit in. Jackie is endearing and flawed in the best way—her fake love letter idea made my daughter laugh and want to hide under a blanket.
This graphic novel handles gender expectations, friendship changes, and self-acceptance with humor and empathy. Some parts felt a little rushed toward the end, but overall, it’s a win—especially for tweens figuring out who they are.
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