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

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A low-key middle school graphic novel about a nerdy kid from an underprivileged, single-parent household dealing with emotions of shame and embarrassment regarding his family's status while trying to make new friends as he's trying to navigate a growing schism between him and his long-time best friend who has fallen in with some rowdy kids.

It's a little loaded with cliches, but it has an authentic feel and while the ending doesn't have a lot of punch it feels true to what comes before and satisfies well enough with its life-is-a-muddle message.

I've enjoyed Norm Feuti's comic strips Retail and Gil in the past, and I was happy to get another dose of his breezy and easy style of art and dialog. I hadn't realized he'd done so many children's books in recent years and will be seeking out some of his other work in the future.

[Crystal books_inthewild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this one!

My 12-year-old son checked it out first and immediately told me, "Mom, you have to read this!" He was absolutely right. I can't wait to recommend it to my students!

This graphic novel tackles so many situations kids face in middle school, from friendships and fitting in to feeling embarrassed about your family's financial situation. Ethan's struggles with having an old phone, worn-out clothes, and a shabby backpack felt very authentic, and I appreciated how honestly the story explored the judgments kids can make based on wealth, or the lack of it.

The characters felt real, the message was thoughtful without ever feeling preachy, and there were plenty of moments that will resonate with young readers. This is exactly the kind of graphic novel that sparks empathy and important conversations.

Highly recommend for middle grade readers, classrooms, and school libraries.

[kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just all around good

[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

[Laura Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Kid Like Me is one of those graphic novels that quietly sneaks up on your heart. At first glance it seems like a simple middle-grade story about fitting in at a new school, but it quickly becomes so much more. Through Ethan's eyes, Norm Feuti explores what it's like to grow up in poverty and how something as simple as a backpack, clothes, or an old flip phone can make a child feel like they don't belong. The story is inspired by Feuti's own experiences growing up in a financially struggling household, which gives Ethan's journey an authenticity that shines through every page.

What I appreciated most was how real the friendships felt. Watching Ethan slowly realize that true friends care about who you are rather than what you have was heartwarming. His relationship with Ricky changing as middle school begins was bittersweet because it's something so many people experience. Sometimes we outgrow friendships, and that can hurt just as much as losing them.

The graphic novel format made the emotions even more impactful. The illustrations perfectly captured Ethan's embarrassment, anxiety, hope, and joy without needing a lot of words. It made the story accessible while never shying away from difficult topics like poverty, bullying, and feeling ashamed of circumstances outside your control.

More than anything, this book reminds readers that kindness costs nothing and that everyone has struggles we can't always see. It's an important story for kids, but I think adults will find just as much to reflect on. I would gladly recommend A Kid Like Me to middle-grade readers, educators, parents, and anyone looking for a heartfelt story about friendship, resilience, and learning to accept yourself.

[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.

[Ashley : bostieslovebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Harper Alley for the gifted ARC book.

Middle school can be tough. Even more so when you don’t fit in.

A Kid Like Me follows Ethan’s struggle to find belonging. Classmates make fun of him for his discount store clothes, old backpack, and outdated cellphone. His best friend would rather hang out with guys that don’t share any interests. He tries befriending the new kid, but even that goes awry.

I loved the engaging illustrations of this graphic novel and imagine they’re even more brilliant in color in the finished copy. Classism, identity, bullying, and friendship were addressed at a level appropriate for young readers. The characters were genuine. Feuti depicted situations realistically, drawing inspiration from his upbringing. I liked seeing a story with male characters that takes on toxic friendships. From an adult perspective, the ending felt like it resolved too quickly, though for kids that’s how they roll sometimes, so it probably seemed perfectly normal.

Aspects of this book would have really resonated with middle school me. I can see this opening up conversations.

[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.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is just starting middle school, and his biggest worry was getting lost in the new big school, until his friend Ricky starts talking about all the social stuff. Ethan and Ricky live in a trailer park, but lots of kids at their middle school live in the rich part of town, and now Ethan is worried he will be going to school with a bunch of snobs. Ethan recently started playing a retro card game called Bio Battle, and finds some friends who are in the after-school club, but Ricky has found different friends who prefer wrestling. Can Ethan and Ricky's friendship survive the 1st month of middle school?

Fitting in, making friends, wearing the right clothes, and being cool - doesn't everyone worry about that in middle school? I loved how easily frustrated Ethan and Ricky got with each other, and how their new friends mirrored what they were looking for in middle school. Feuti's illustrations are realistic, and his story rings true. I hope this is a hit in my library; I'll certainly be recommending it. The characters are white.

[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.

[Cindy · 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 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.

[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.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a children's librarian, I'm always looking for graphic novels that open the door to meaningful conversations, and A Kid Like Me is one I'll be recommending often.

Norm Feuti tackles topics that many kids quietly navigate: friendship struggles, communication, divorce, life with a single mom or divorced parents, preteen cell phone pressures, and the embarrassment that can come with having less than your peers. Ethan's story is authentic, relatable, and filled with empathy without ever feeling preachy.

A fantastic addition to any middle grade classroom or library shelf. I know it'll find the right readers.

[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.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphic novel based on the author’s life. Ethan lives in the poor part of town and is worried about starting middle school located in the wealthier section of town. He just wants to fit in and not be teased for his taped up shoes and love of a card game. His best friend just wants to hang with the cool kids and is pulling away from Ethan. A poignant look inside the life of a child growing up in poverty.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

A coming of age/friendship story that revolves around the haves and the have nots. The main character is not well off. He has a single mom who is trying her best. He starts a new school and has to deal with making new friends and how his relationship with his existing friends is evolving.

There is a bunch of mention of a made up card game that seemed to be a Pokemon knock off to me but the author's note said it was inspired by D & D.

[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.