A Kid Like Me: A Graphic Novel

by Norm Feuti

Ethan doesn’t want to stand out, he just wants to fit in. But fitting in is tough when your peers call out your ancient cell phone, busted backpack, and discount clothing. To make matters worse, his best friend, Ricky, insists on hanging out with a group of guys who just don’t get him . . . they’re more interested in playing pranks than playing his favorite card game Bio Battle. Things start looking up, though, when Ethan befriends Aiden, a new kid in school, but it’s only matter of time before even that goes sideways.

Can Ethan figure out where he belongs without forgetting who he is and who he wants to be?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Poverty, Fiction, Childrens

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Audrey Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom son book club ❤️

[Heather L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about Ethan starting middle school and trying to make new friends while maintaining his childhood friendship with Ricky. He's wants to fit in but has clothes from the thrift shop and an old flip phone while all his classmates have the latest and greatest technology. He struggles to relate to others and is embarrassed by his living situation and teased about it. Slowly he starts to make new friends through a card game Bio Battle and Ethan and Ricky who drifted apart find a way to stay friends in this new environment.

[pineapple tofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally entering middle school for the first time, Ethan wants to fit in and appear “normal” like his peers. Along with his long-time friend, Ricky, both boys are determined to make a crew that is in the same situation as them. Low income, parent(s) working full time, and free lunches are just some of the things that personally affect Ethan and the class divide in his small town. However, one day, Ethan finds an after-school club that’s all about Bio Battle, a card game that he really loves. Will middle school and the ups and downs of the rich and poor change Ethan forever, or will he be determined to find his own way?
Busted backpacks and mom shoes are the few things that affect Ethan while living in a society that has major class differences. His mom may work at a discount store and may take him to get clothes at a thrift store; penny pinching every dollar has its perks. Especially, when he bought several discounted boxes of Bio Battle at a garage sale. Mustard yellows and faded blues crisscross, painting a visual picture of what Ethan goes through, growing up. All in all, what does “normal” truly mean?

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Ethan and Ricky live in the Millbrook Estates trailer park, and are apprehensive about starting middle school, since some kids from other parts of town make fun of them as being from "Mill-broke". Ethan's parents are divorced, and his father in Florida doesn't pay child support, so his mother does struggle to provide for him on her salary from the Big Box discount store. He's on free lunch, gets him back pack and clothing from the thrift store, and has an embarrassing flip phone. Ricky, whose noncustodial father at least lives in town, is slightly better off, and is trying to hang out with more well-to-do kids like Dillon. Ethan doesn't like the way Dillon treats him, but does make friends with Aiden and Briana after working with them on a writing assignment and finding out that they share a love of the vintage card game Bio Battle. It's bad enough that Ethan has to deal with his shoes falling apart (and wearing his mom's unisex ones to school!) and racking up a $26 lunch fee, but when he starts fighting frequently with Ricky, it's hard, especially since his mother relies on him going to Ricky's house when she has to work. His friendship with Aiden is a bright spot, even though Aiden is having to struggle through his own's parents' divorce. Eventually, he and Ricky come to an understanding and realize that they should be on the same side!
Strengths: While the vast majority of graphic novels are memoirs of the difficult life that women artists had as children, there are not nearly as many written by men, so it was good to see this updated and fictionalized account of Feuti's upbringing. The artwork is clear and fun to look at, and I loved the details like the mailboxes at the trailer park. It was a good idea to set this story in the present day with all of the students so invested in their phones, especially since Ethan was so embarrassed about his "retro" flip one. There are just not enough books about the friend drama that boys have to deal with, and it is really quite a different dynamic that the relationships and drama that girls have. I loved Ethan's mom, and appreciated all of the details about back packs and shoes falling apart! My daughter lost the sole of her shoe trick or treating one Halloween, but luckily had very understanding friends! I will definitely purchase a prebound copy of this, and might just have to buy two!
Weaknesses: There were a lot of characters, which is completely realistic, but I struggled to remember the names of all of the classmates Ethan has.
What I really think: This is more along the lines of Tatulli's Short and Skinny or Varner's Dog Trouble than Ogle's Four Eyes or Page's Extra Large. Now, could we possibly get some graphic novels that are a little more upbeat? Still, I did enjoy this one a lot.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's another middle grade graphic novel that features a character whose name is not the same as the author's but might as well should be since it's largely borrowed from the author's life. Feuti was a kid whose mom worked a lower-paying job at a box store raising him and trying to better herself as a divorcee giving Ethan/Norm as much as she could but that means a flip phone rather than a smartphone, basic sneakers rather than name brand sneakers, and repairing his backpack rather than running out to get him a new one. They live in a trailer on the "uncool" side of town. He has a good friend who also lives in the trailer park but seams are starting to bust between his friend as they branch out at school and in finding new friends end up finding different friends and have the classic push and pull between each other- Ricky's friends make fun of Ethan. Ethan tolerates it but decides it's not worth it and makes different friends with his interests, however there's some awkwardness in their interactions until they learn to understand each other more.

A lot has to do with wealth and class and it feels authentically the conversations middle schoolers would have-thinking certain people are rich because they're snotty or that someone lives in a certain area that that means they're "criminals". It also shows experiences like free lunch with a pin code but Ethan thinks that even the extra snacks are free too, until his mom gets a bill in the mail. Or divorced parents. And fashion/clothing but also finding your people.

It's a realistic memoir that fits with others like Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel, The New Girl, and The Tryout.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly relatable graphic novel for readers in grades 3-6 that includes friendship drama, dealing with divorce, finding your niche, and stereotyping.

Ethan and his best friend Ricky are about to start 7th grade at the jr high/middle school that joins 3 areas of town into one building rather than the distinct elementary campuses they are used to and, naturally, there are fears about not only the mundane things like finding your classrooms and locker but more significant issues like finding your “crew” among those who don’t already know you. Making their fears more troubling is the fact that their neighborhood of Millbrook is marked by less affluent, more working class homes as opposed to those in the wealthier parts of town with more privileged kids who will soon join them in one big, hopefully happy, melting pot that is junior high school. After a rough start and plenty of drama with both his own mom and Ricky, Ethan begins to find a group who sees him for all that he is and will be and learns quite a bit himself about looking deeper than what neighborhood people live in.

Great graphic panels with facial expressions that convey feelings in a way that goes beyond the dialogue, kids who are facing all the same things that readers either deal with themselves or have friends who do, and a few retro throwback references that will resonate with some and send others to their streaming channels to investigate. Solid choice for the graphic novel sections of libraries of all kinds, home, school, and public, and for all sorts of kids.

*Profanity-none
*Violence-none
*Sexual content-none
*Representation: Ethan, Ricky and Aiden are White, Garrett and Briana are Black, with other classmates displaying a variety of skin tones, hair styles, and body shapes; students come from various economic backgrounds
*LBGTQ+: none

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti

Review: 4 stars

This middle school graphic novel story depicts Ethan and his friend, Ricky who lives in Millbrook Estates trailer park and are about to be starting middle school. Ethan’s parents are divorced with him and his father lives in Florida with no contact with Ethan while his mum struggles to make ends meet with her job at a discount store. Ethan gets his clothes from the discount store, the thrift stores or yard sales and a retro flip phone because his mum can’t afford the smartphone in today’s society.

At the start of school, Ricky befriends Dillon, a wealthy kid who likes to make fun of Ethan much to his dismay…Over time, Ethan decided to cut his losses with that group and makes new friends with Briana, Aiden and Lucas where they bonded over their love of Bio Battle card games.

The themes tackled here are growing pains of middle school, friendships, overprotective and supportive parents and going through a divorce. The book also tackles economic topics such as wealth and class. Based on the author’s note, it’s reminiscent of his childhood and growing up needing welfare support akin to a memoir of sorts.

The artwork is clean and fun to look at. The details the author adds to the book such as the depiction of teens and their cellphones are perfect! The introduction of multiple characters touching on new and old friendships makes this book a solid read.

Thanks to FrenzyBooks, I received the physical arc in black and white but the published version will be in color!

[Sydney Woolsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a give away for my honest review.

My son's review may mean more than mine. He absolutely loved it! He has read it over and over again.

Here is my review:
Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti is one of those stories that feels like a warm, comforting conversation with a wise, empathetic friend. Set in the sometimes awkward, often confusing world of middle school, it follows Ethan — a kid who just wants to fit in, not stand out — but keeps getting reminded by classmates of his thrift-store clothes, flip phone, and busted backpack that he’s “different.”

Feuti’s art is expressive and inviting, with clean, thoughtful panels that make Ethan’s world feel real and lived-in — from the trailer park mailboxes to the nervousness of a first day. What’s especially lovely is how honest this book is about friendship: the way old friendships evolve, the sting of being judged, and the joy of finding people who get you. When Ethan bonds with new friends over the card game Bio Battle, it’s both funny and heartfelt — a reminder that common interests can become the foundations of something meaningful.

What really makes this book special, and what many Goodreads reviewers have praised, is the authenticity of Ethan’s emotional journey. The story doesn’t shy away from tough topics like economic hardship, class stigma, or family struggles — yet it treats them with tenderness and respect, not pity. You laugh with Ethan, wince with him, and triumph with him. It’s the kind of middle-grade graphic novel that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Heartwarming, relatable, and beautifully illustrated, Kid Like Me is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite belong — and a reminder that finding your people is one of the best adventures there is.

[Beth Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is starting middle school, and he's worried. His longtime pal Ricky says that middle school will mean going to class with snobby rich kids, and Ethan shops at a thrift store, owns a cheap flip phone, and lives at a trailer park. His mom is working an entry-level job and his dad has never been in the picture. Making friends will be complicated ... especially when he and Ricky start drifting apart.

Great art, likable characters, and a straightforward storyline make for a fantastic graphic novel! As I was reading this, my twelve-year-old started reading over my shoulder; we finished the book together and had a good discussion about some families having both more and fewer resources, as well as what makes a good friend. There's also some themes of being true to yourself, honesty, and inclusivity. After we finished, my son immediately turned to the front of the book and read the first chapters he had missed. So yes -- this book definitely appeals to kids!

If you liked New Kid by Jerry Craft, Real FriendsReal Friends by Shannon Hale, or Free Lunch by Rex Ogle, definitely try A Kid Like Me.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel for grade-school level readers is a gem of authentic dialog among kids struggling with the issues of class, belonging and friendship. The protagonist Ethan is completely believable as the child of a single parent who works long hours. He and his best friend Ricky grow up as neighbors and friends in the town trailer park. Both know that a lot of things will change when they get to middle school, and they are bracing themselves for meeting kids who have been raised in more affluent homes.
I liked the narrative of this story from the start, since it doesn't shy away from blunt conversations that Ethan has with both Ricky and his mother. The character of Ricky is more interested in defining where he belongs, and Ethan is more interested in finding out who shares his interests. Both characters are sympathetic in their endeavors. If Ricky seems like the "cynical one," and Ethan seems like the "innocent one" this story shows them to both be basically good-natured kids with their own sets of insecurities.
This graphic novel is a good one for classroom discussions on money, class, social standing, and individuality vs. fitting in.

[Professor Cindy Judd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel follows Ethan as he heads into middle school, juggling friendship changes, social pressure, and the sting of feeling “different” because of his family’s financial situation. (He carries an outdated flip phone, wears thrift store clothes, and uses a backpack that's falling apart.) He lives with his mom who works at a local box store; his dad isn't in the picture. When his best friend Ricky starts drifting toward a tougher crowd, Ethan finds an unexpected but welcome connection in a gaming club where he can finally be himself. Along the way, he learns that middle school isn’t just about fitting into one group; it’s about understanding people, including yourself. This story is packed full of relatable moments, especially for readers who also understand what it means to live in poverty and to go to school with kids who are from both ends of the financial spectrum. It’s an honest, encouraging read for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite belong. Themes include poverty, divorce, friendship (and growing apart), identity, empathy, and bias.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan and his best friend Ricky are starting muddle school. They each live with their moms. Ricky sees his dad every other week, Ethan barely remembers his dad. Ethan bought a huge collection of the game Bo Battle and can’t wait to play but Ricky finds it complicated and boring. Once school starts Ricky assembles a group of friends who are into pro wrestling but don’t treat Ethan too well. One example is they played a hide and seek type of fame while at one of the boy’s house, but pranked Ethan by not even trying to find him. Ethan gets a flip phone and is super embarrassed to be seen using it, until an 8th grader compliments it and calls him Retro. Ethan joins the Bio Battle after school club and makes friends that he has fun with, but finds out that one of the moms is reluctant to let her son Aidan visit Ethan’s house because of where he lives.
The many kids who reread Raina Telgemeier books will love this.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kid Like Me is a hot-off-the-press and heartfelt middle grade graphic novel that explores friendship, identity, and socioeconomic differences with honesty and humor. I purchased it last week at my school's bookfair and will be recommending it to my middle school students!

Having enjoyed Norm’s earlier series like Hedgehog and Ali and Beak, I loved seeing how he leveled up for middle grade readers here. The transition to middle school and the search for belonging feel authentic, the illustrations are engaging, and the dialogue gives each character a strong personality. Current slang keeps it fresh without overdoing it, making the story enjoyable for both kids and adults.

A thoughtful, relatable, coming-of-age story that will resonate with many readers. 5/5 stars!

[That One Witchy Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kid Like Me is a book I feel so many could relate to. Going to a new school whether due to moving, family situation, or graduating from previous grade is hard for any kid. In Ethan’s case, it was hard because his best friend Ricky was starting to drift from him due to different friendships and hobbies. It’s hard when Ethan and Ricky planned to create their own “cool” group.

What is cool?

It’s a question that Ethan begins to question when he meets Ricky’s new friends who are anything but kind. This is a great coming-of-age about a boy who just wants to fit in with his own friends in a school he isn’t familiar with. I highly recommend for anyone who felt like they weren’t the “cool kid”. Being cool is so overrated.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan is worried about the new school year when he finds out his longtime friend Ricky won't be in any of his classes. What if he doesn't know anyone? What if he doesn't fit in? It's hard enough being the poor kid when you have friends, but when you have no one? But, when he discovers a club for the card game Bio Battle, his newest obsession--it looks like things are looking up. There's a kid there named Aiden who's really nice and feels like he could be a real friend--especially since Ricky has started hanging with a crowd Ethan doesn't like at all. But, just when things start to go right, they take a turn for the worse. Will Ethan ever figure out how to balance old friendships and new?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved a paragraph by the author Norm Feuti found at the end of the book that I think summarizes the importance of this story: "I grew up in a different time, but the stereotype of people who rely on public assistance being lazy and jobless remains the same. In many. ways this book is about putting a human face on the subjects of that kind of casual poverty-shaming. Maybe we'd all have an easier time fitting in if we stopped tearing each other down."

A beautifully illustrated and written graphic novel that addresses the cycle of poverty that so many children face today.

[Cassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received ARC in an Instagram giveaway from publisher*

I really liked this graphic novel! It really looks at poverty and the stigma that comes with it. I like how our MC is navigating middle school and how hard it is to maintain and find new friendship when life is changing so quickly. It was I feel like many kids can relate too. I liked the illustrations and will be looking forward to when it's in full color. I will be adding this to my school library! Great read!

[Josh Campeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

A realistic story about Ethan, a lower class kid, who is stating middle school in a richer area, drifting apart from his old friend Ricky, and trying to make new friends while dealing with having old clothes and a flip phone which makes him feel like he doesn't fit in with his new school. It tackled things in a grounded way without exaggeration which I appreciate. I still wish there were more graphic novels with male main characters that felt a bit more upbeat though in tone.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could identify with the main characters here--as I grew up in a rental home crying with need for repairs and no spare money for extras...avoided asking friends over for fear of being laughed at/talked about--while marveling over their amazing homes, their own just-for-them bedrooms and 'extras' like personal stereos, cool new clothes and sizable allowances. A good graphic novel in both story and art.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good graphic novel about a young man entering middle school and trying to navigate new friendships and class differences since he lives with his mom in a trailer park and now will go to a school that has a lot of kids from a very wealthy area. The main character's mom works at a big box store and he feels pressure to have expensive clothes and be like the other kids. His friendship with his best friend from the trailer park also gets tested as they navigate it all. Highly recommend.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate that this is trying to tackle classism in schools and socially. The art is very similar to Jerry Craft’s style. I think the ending was kind of abrupt and the one friend seems toxic. He didn’t stand up for his lifelong friend until his new friends accused him of stealing. It’s cute as a book, though.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic graphic novel! If you liked Four Eyes by Rex Ogle, this is right up your alley. Great reflection peace to discuss lower-socioecomic families that doesnt bring shame or blame. The mom is a super hard working good mom who is still struggling to pay the bills. A really great book for representation and perfect for an intermediate classroom

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

whoever doesn't think a GN is a "real" book, hasn't read a GN like this one. i felt like i was a part of each conversation. i could relate to and/or empathize with many of the characters in this story. i felt the struggle of ethan's mom. 4.5 stars. the half star is due to the eyes - they all looked like they were staring at me!! :)

[AnneLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story based on author's own experiences. I liked this - aong the lines of Pizza Face and Tryouts. Middle schoolers (voices are authentic) trying to find their group. Deals with wealth, class, divorce, fitting in.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a kid who is poor heading to middle school and wondering how he'll be received. He has to negotiate friendships with various types of people while trying to be accepted. I thought it was a great read that causes you to think about being supportive.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

i A coming-of-age GN about Ethan trying to fit in when his friends pick on him. His BF wants to hang out w diff people and they don’t get Ethan. Ethan has a chance to make friends w new student Aiden. Will they become friends?

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids in my book club scoffed at the idea that a difference of wealth would be important, but this book shows how it can be a very sensitive topic. I liked the kid’s mom and his friendships and the fake card game.

[Lisa Wiertel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saddened to know that Middle School hasn't evolved in the last forty years.
I liked this book because it is highly relatable. If I was a middle-schooler I would probably find comfort in reading this and knowing that it's. just. not. me.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story of the adjustment of middle school and figuring out who you are and who your friends are. I think it could have gone further. But the first story for this age that I've read which addressed the difficulties between economic disparities and how that can impact tween relationships.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the way economic issues are dealt with frankly in this book based on Feuti’s upbringing. Kids who are into any sort of fandom like Pokémon or D&D will enjoy the Bio Battle part.