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Nat Enough #1
Nat Enough: A Graphic Novel (Nat Enough #1)
Making friends isn't easy, but losing them is even harder!
Natalie has never felt that she's enough -- athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought -- now she's not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn't, then she might realize she's more than enough, just the way she is.
Natalie has never felt that she's enough -- athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought -- now she's not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn't, then she might realize she's more than enough, just the way she is.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2020
237 people are currently reading
6423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews
June 23, 2020
Natalie and Lily have been best friends forever. Over the summer, Lily moved to another part of town, and since then she's been pretty aloof. But Natalie's not too concerned. After all, school is starting - the first year of middle school - and she'll be seeing her friend again soon. Her hopes are crushed, however, when Lily hands her this note after gym class:
Dear Natalie,
Now that we're in middle school, I need to hang out with cooler people and you're not one of them. Maybe if you gave me presents everyday I'd reconsider, but probably not.
Have a nice life,
Lily
P.S. I'll let you know if I need help with homework.
Instead of dumping Lily like a sack of used cat litter, poor Natalie is determined to win her old friend back again.
Luckily, some new acquaintances are around to give her advice. Natalie may just end up learning something about herself, AND the nature of friendship. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale's Real Friends series should enjoy this book.
Dear Natalie,
Now that we're in middle school, I need to hang out with cooler people and you're not one of them. Maybe if you gave me presents everyday I'd reconsider, but probably not.
Have a nice life,
Lily
P.S. I'll let you know if I need help with homework.
Instead of dumping Lily like a sack of used cat litter, poor Natalie is determined to win her old friend back again.
Luckily, some new acquaintances are around to give her advice. Natalie may just end up learning something about herself, AND the nature of friendship. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale's Real Friends series should enjoy this book.
March 11, 2025
This was a little different than I was expecting, but in a good way. It delves heavily into the impact of bullying and what it means to find confidence in yourself. There were moments when my heart broke for Nat, but I'm glad that she had a strong and secure support system around her that constantly reminded that she was, in fact, enough. I enjoyed the formatting and art style and I'm looking forward to continuing the rest of the series.
March 29, 2020
This new graphic is more than enough to help middle grade kids navigate friendships as they evolve. Natalie and Lily have always been best friends and still are, if you ask Natalie. Lily has moved on to be friends with "the cool girl" in the sixth grade. It takes awhile for Natalie to adjust and this book shows us her struggles. Fortunately she has new friends who help her to see that she has gifts and the power to choose who she spends time with. My favorite bits were the colorful graphics; her cat and dog on the title pages and their side conversations; the check-ins with the mirror; and Natalie's parrot costume. This will appeal to 3rd grade and up. Looking forward to Book 2!
Thank you to Graphix and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Graphix and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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May 4, 2022Nat Enough is a graphic novel about a young girl finding her place in middle school. Her best friend from elementary school is hanging out with the 'cool kids' now, and Natalie feels like she is "not enough"- not pretty enough, not talented enough, not cool enough. Through a lot of disappointments and the help of some new friends, Natalie discovers the importance of focusing on who she is, instead of who she isn't. This is a book that will appeal to middle school readers, upper elementary school readers who are getting ready for middle school, and ANYONE who needs a self-esteem boost and a reminder that "you are MORE than enough!" – Diana F.
"Nat Enough," a graphic novel written and illustrated by Maria Scrivan, follows the story of Natalie who is entering middle school with feelings of inadequacy uplifted only by the knowledge that her best friend Lily will support her on this new adventure. Lily purposefully fails to fulfill this supportive role to instead focus on achieving popularity which is impossible when you are friends with a nerd like Natalie (her words, not mine). Natalie, both hurt and confused, is then forced to find a way to navigate and survive middle school without her friend. As the title indicates, it's hard not being enough. Natalie's not athletic enough to run track, not good enough at singing to sing in the Show Tune Medley, and definitely not fashionable enough (although she does rock a mean parrot costume). Maria Scrivan's graphic novel shows young readers that it's impossible to be good enough at everything, but it's possible to be good enough at one thing that makes them special. Join Natalie on her journey where she might just discover her own special talent and make a few friends along the way too. - Christina B.
"Nat Enough," a graphic novel written and illustrated by Maria Scrivan, follows the story of Natalie who is entering middle school with feelings of inadequacy uplifted only by the knowledge that her best friend Lily will support her on this new adventure. Lily purposefully fails to fulfill this supportive role to instead focus on achieving popularity which is impossible when you are friends with a nerd like Natalie (her words, not mine). Natalie, both hurt and confused, is then forced to find a way to navigate and survive middle school without her friend. As the title indicates, it's hard not being enough. Natalie's not athletic enough to run track, not good enough at singing to sing in the Show Tune Medley, and definitely not fashionable enough (although she does rock a mean parrot costume). Maria Scrivan's graphic novel shows young readers that it's impossible to be good enough at everything, but it's possible to be good enough at one thing that makes them special. Join Natalie on her journey where she might just discover her own special talent and make a few friends along the way too. - Christina B.
April 23, 2024
bu kitabı 15-16 yaşında okusaydım ondan sonra her ay tekrar okurdum.
Natalie yeni okul dönemine başlarken en yakın arkadaşıyla artık en yakın arkadaş olmadıklarını fark edecektir. nasıl tekrar yakın oluruz diye düşünüp kendini değiştirmeye çalışırken kendi olmanın tamamen yeterli ve kıymetli olduğunu görür. yeni arkadaşlıklar, ilk aşk ve yaşamdan ilham alma üzerine harika tatlı bir çizgi roman.
çok sevdiğim bir dizinin en comfort bölümünü izliyorum hissi verdi bana.
(çizimleri o kadar güzel ki..)
Natalie yeni okul dönemine başlarken en yakın arkadaşıyla artık en yakın arkadaş olmadıklarını fark edecektir. nasıl tekrar yakın oluruz diye düşünüp kendini değiştirmeye çalışırken kendi olmanın tamamen yeterli ve kıymetli olduğunu görür. yeni arkadaşlıklar, ilk aşk ve yaşamdan ilham alma üzerine harika tatlı bir çizgi roman.
çok sevdiğim bir dizinin en comfort bölümünü izliyorum hissi verdi bana.
(çizimleri o kadar güzel ki..)
August 7, 2020
Nat Enough is one of my favorite books I have read. It is so fun . And I encourage you to read it!
January 24, 2020
With the popularity of Telgemeier's books still going strong, authors/illustrators are continuing to produce realistic graphic novels with the familiar themes of friendship, belonging, and change that many middle grade readers relate to. Scrivan introduces Natalie, a girl who always feels like she's simply "not enough." Despite her lack of confidence in many areas of her life, Natalie loves to write and draw; she even helps tell the story with her own coloring pencil illustrations and clever commentary. As the first year of middle school passes, Natlie will discover her own confidence and what it means to have a real friend.
Scrivan's story pairs well with her art style and narration choice as it all has a cohesive feeling of a story told about (and by) a middle school student. Hyperbolic supporting characters will give readers a giggle while important lessons are introduced left and right. Most notably, moments of big emotions have full page illustration with expressive characters and minimal (to no) text allowing these lessons to resonate with readers.
As noted above, the illustrations and narrative are a fantastic pair, but this also means both are equally shaky when it comes to being attention-grabbing and memorable. The story is highly formulaic, leaving little to be excited about, and the characters are two-dimensional as they are just there to help Natalie tell her story.
Overall, this will make a good filler but isn't unique enough or developed enough to make waves.
Scrivan's story pairs well with her art style and narration choice as it all has a cohesive feeling of a story told about (and by) a middle school student. Hyperbolic supporting characters will give readers a giggle while important lessons are introduced left and right. Most notably, moments of big emotions have full page illustration with expressive characters and minimal (to no) text allowing these lessons to resonate with readers.
As noted above, the illustrations and narrative are a fantastic pair, but this also means both are equally shaky when it comes to being attention-grabbing and memorable. The story is highly formulaic, leaving little to be excited about, and the characters are two-dimensional as they are just there to help Natalie tell her story.
Overall, this will make a good filler but isn't unique enough or developed enough to make waves.
February 24, 2021
Nat Enough.... well it was definitely just not enough for me. The story was OK-ish at points (though a tad boring), though I was just shaking my head that Nat kept praising the lord and saviour named Lily while Lily has always been a freaking bitch. I am sorry to say that, but even before she just dumped her friend and started bullying her, Lily has been doing stuff NO ONE should do to a friend. I wasn't even sure why Nat couldn't see that, even when she finally makes some real friends.
When the book started I was kind of wondering if everyone Nat meets is a bully (given the girl in science class and the boy who kept barking at her for stupid reasons), but thankfully we do meet some great characters that brought a smile to my face. I also loved the bit of romance in the book and I was definitely rooting for the two to get together.
I loved Nat's drawings and I loved what she did for that contest.
The art... not entire my thing. Sorry. :(
When the book started I was kind of wondering if everyone Nat meets is a bully (given the girl in science class and the boy who kept barking at her for stupid reasons), but thankfully we do meet some great characters that brought a smile to my face. I also loved the bit of romance in the book and I was definitely rooting for the two to get together.
I loved Nat's drawings and I loved what she did for that contest.
The art... not entire my thing. Sorry. :(
May 10, 2022
Out of all the Middle Grade Graphic Novels I've read, I think this one has been by far the most aesthetically pleasing and my favorite art work. At the end, Nat makes her own small comic book and it's included in this novel. It explores a certain subject for children of this age in an appropriate and easy to understand way. It's all about being who you are, and finding out what you are good at. You don't have to be like everyone else to be considered great or special. I was rooting for Nat the whole way! One I would definitely like to share with my kids in the future.
May 25, 2023
This is a sweet story about a middle school-age girl who is navigating the end of old friendships and the beginning of new ones. The narrative has a lot of ups and downs that children can relate to and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish.
January 18, 2024
For children who find reading a chore or think books are just not for them then I highly recommend finding some graphic novels and seeing if you can change their mind.
‘Nat Enough’ is a super place to start.
It tells the story of Natalie, a shy girl who feels as though she isn’t good at much. When her very best friend starts ignoring her and then shuns her completely for ‘cooler’ friends, Natalie finds herself all alone. This is not easy, having just started a new school, and it seems as though everyone else is managing just fine.
Seclusion turns to bullying and life is pretty miserable for Natalie. Cue Zoe, the new friend on the block. Someone who likes Natalie just as she is and wants to spend time with her. But will Zoe ever be able to take away the ache of being ditched and will Natalie ever find the thing that she’s really good at?
As you might have guessed, this is a book with a story but also a book with a moral.
Reading it, I felt as though Natalie was a real person and I ached with her and wanted to march into her school and have a few choice words with the instigators of her misery. The illustrations are touching and clever and there was so much emotion captured in some of the facial expressions and body language.
When books like this come along you just know they are exactly what is needed in school libraries, and will make an important difference to children who know just how it feels to be in Natalie’s position.
‘Nat Enough’ is a super place to start.
It tells the story of Natalie, a shy girl who feels as though she isn’t good at much. When her very best friend starts ignoring her and then shuns her completely for ‘cooler’ friends, Natalie finds herself all alone. This is not easy, having just started a new school, and it seems as though everyone else is managing just fine.
Seclusion turns to bullying and life is pretty miserable for Natalie. Cue Zoe, the new friend on the block. Someone who likes Natalie just as she is and wants to spend time with her. But will Zoe ever be able to take away the ache of being ditched and will Natalie ever find the thing that she’s really good at?
As you might have guessed, this is a book with a story but also a book with a moral.
Reading it, I felt as though Natalie was a real person and I ached with her and wanted to march into her school and have a few choice words with the instigators of her misery. The illustrations are touching and clever and there was so much emotion captured in some of the facial expressions and body language.
When books like this come along you just know they are exactly what is needed in school libraries, and will make an important difference to children who know just how it feels to be in Natalie’s position.
January 23, 2023
Nat Enough
Nat is starting middle school and finds out the hard way who her true friends are. Her new friends stand by her and her talent as a cartoonist helps open up!
Nat is starting middle school and finds out the hard way who her true friends are. Her new friends stand by her and her talent as a cartoonist helps open up!
August 22, 2020
I’ve been waiting for this graphic novel to arrive, and it’s exactly what kids love and read over and over. Nat starts middle school only to find that her best friend has left her in the dust and picked a new, cooler-in-every-way bff. And so begins Nat’s journey of self-doubt and trying to win back her old best friend. Throw in some great (true!) friends, a crush, and a love of drawing, and I’m so glad I took this home to read because it will fly off the shelves in our library from now on. A definite add to any library or classroom, especially grades 3-7. 😁
May 22, 2021
Liked the character arch!
January 25, 2021
Me gusta el mensaje y el estilo de las ilustraciones. Pero creo que algunas situaciones son muy exageradas.
Los chistes que aparecen entre capítulos y los apuntes de la prota... lo mejor.
Los chistes que aparecen entre capítulos y los apuntes de la prota... lo mejor.
April 3, 2023
Didn’t like the characters much. Reads like a very familiar story.
August 2, 2019
A digital advanced reader copy from Edelweiss Plus was provided to this librarian.
Solid graphic novel for the 3rd-6th grader who enjoys books by Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, Victoria Jameson and Shannon Hale. The story line is simple and straight forward—nerdy girl enters middle school and loses her best friend to a more popular student—and since most in the targeted age group have experienced that, readers will easily make connections. Scrivan’s artwork is bold and although definitely in cartoon form, her characters are far from cartoonish. Humor via Natalie’s cat and dog is sprinkled throughout and the theme of being the best you that you can be is readily apparent. Reluctant and struggling readers will have little difficulty with this one as the text is not challenging and illustrations provide ample context if needed. Recommended for libraries with high circulation numbers in the graphic novel section and will not need to worry about any red flags. Author/illustrator Maria Scrivan does not include any profanity, sexual content or violence.. except for the occasional splatted frog. Note: My 4 star rating was awarded due to the anticipated response of my library patrons. I wished for a little more depth in the characters and some higher level vocabulary and use of figurative language. With the excellent art providing context clues, readers of all levels would then benefit.
Solid graphic novel for the 3rd-6th grader who enjoys books by Raina Telgemeier, Terri Libenson, Victoria Jameson and Shannon Hale. The story line is simple and straight forward—nerdy girl enters middle school and loses her best friend to a more popular student—and since most in the targeted age group have experienced that, readers will easily make connections. Scrivan’s artwork is bold and although definitely in cartoon form, her characters are far from cartoonish. Humor via Natalie’s cat and dog is sprinkled throughout and the theme of being the best you that you can be is readily apparent. Reluctant and struggling readers will have little difficulty with this one as the text is not challenging and illustrations provide ample context if needed. Recommended for libraries with high circulation numbers in the graphic novel section and will not need to worry about any red flags. Author/illustrator Maria Scrivan does not include any profanity, sexual content or violence.. except for the occasional splatted frog. Note: My 4 star rating was awarded due to the anticipated response of my library patrons. I wished for a little more depth in the characters and some higher level vocabulary and use of figurative language. With the excellent art providing context clues, readers of all levels would then benefit.
January 21, 2025
Am ersten Tag der weiterführenden Schule macht Natalie eine schreckliche Entdeckung: ihre eigentlich beste Freundin Lily will auf einmal nichts mehr mit ihr zu tun haben! Stattdessen hängt sie mit einem anderen Mädchen rum, das viel cooler, sportlicher und stylischer ist als Natalie.
Was nun? Beim Versuch, ihre Freundin doch noch von sich zu überzeugen, merkt Natalie, dass in ihr mehr steckt, als sie je geahnt hätte.
Vielleicht muss sie sich ja gar nicht ändern, um genug zu sein...
Ein bestärkendes Buch mit viel Witz über die verborgenen Talente, die in jedem von uns schlummern.
Was nun? Beim Versuch, ihre Freundin doch noch von sich zu überzeugen, merkt Natalie, dass in ihr mehr steckt, als sie je geahnt hätte.
Vielleicht muss sie sich ja gar nicht ändern, um genug zu sein...
Ein bestärkendes Buch mit viel Witz über die verborgenen Talente, die in jedem von uns schlummern.
April 21, 2020
I came across it when I was randomly browsing for something to read. I felt I could relate to the book, so I gave it a try.
It was a fun, refreshing, and cute read. It was uplifting and took me back to the days when I used to read a lot of graphic novels and getting lost in them. I felt like a little kid lost in a short story to get away from everything.
It was a fun, refreshing, and cute read. It was uplifting and took me back to the days when I used to read a lot of graphic novels and getting lost in them. I felt like a little kid lost in a short story to get away from everything.
July 9, 2020
Fun and funny middle grade graphic novel about friendships. Yes Natalie is obsessed but the story is so over the top that you root for her to get a clue.
July 16, 2020
This graphic novel is very entertaining, and I am pleased to see that there is a sequel coming out later this year. I have a deep and inexplicable love for graphic novels about girls struggling with friendship issues in middle school, and even though this one wasn't as powerful as Shannon Hale's duo, it's extremely funny, bright, colorful, and full of comical ideas. For example, even though Nat's pets are just side characters in the main story, her cat and dog interact with each other and have comic dialogues in the chapter headings.
This story made me laugh out loud multiple times, and despite the heavy topic of a former friend's abandonment, the story stays light and never wallows in depressing feelings. This is a great depiction of how someone can suffer tremendous loss, struggle with their self-esteem because of it, and still make new friends, engage with new activities, and enjoy life. Nat's growth and eventual ability to move on are well-paced over the story, without any sudden or unrealistic change, and girls who are going through something similar can find this reassuring, since there is no magical change of feelings or sudden change of circumstance. This is very believable and realistic, and has lots of fun subplots and comical elements unrelated to the core friend problem that drives the plot.
This is a great pick for the target audience, and it's also entertaining for adults. This particular graphic novel is more sophisticated than some of the others that I have read about similar topics, and the humor can appeal to a broad audience. This is really fun, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book this fall.
This story made me laugh out loud multiple times, and despite the heavy topic of a former friend's abandonment, the story stays light and never wallows in depressing feelings. This is a great depiction of how someone can suffer tremendous loss, struggle with their self-esteem because of it, and still make new friends, engage with new activities, and enjoy life. Nat's growth and eventual ability to move on are well-paced over the story, without any sudden or unrealistic change, and girls who are going through something similar can find this reassuring, since there is no magical change of feelings or sudden change of circumstance. This is very believable and realistic, and has lots of fun subplots and comical elements unrelated to the core friend problem that drives the plot.
This is a great pick for the target audience, and it's also entertaining for adults. This particular graphic novel is more sophisticated than some of the others that I have read about similar topics, and the humor can appeal to a broad audience. This is really fun, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book this fall.
November 2, 2022
There are approximately 20 different middle school girls' friendship graphic novels. What makes this one any different from the rest of the pack?
The humor makes Nat Enough stand out. The cat and dog moments provide a lot of levity.
I will also say that it's something I would very easily guide an upper elementary student to. Sometimes other graphic novels, while being perfectly age-appropriate for the intended middle school audience, are a little too clique-y or crush-heavy for a younger audience. This, on the other hand, is simply about navigating the weird shifts in friendships that come from changing schools, and figuring out how to talk to a boy.
The humor makes Nat Enough stand out. The cat and dog moments provide a lot of levity.
I will also say that it's something I would very easily guide an upper elementary student to. Sometimes other graphic novels, while being perfectly age-appropriate for the intended middle school audience, are a little too clique-y or crush-heavy for a younger audience. This, on the other hand, is simply about navigating the weird shifts in friendships that come from changing schools, and figuring out how to talk to a boy.
August 20, 2020
Lovely.
It often amazes me how mean middle schoolers can be. Then I think back to my middle school experience and yes, I can relate to so many of the challenges Nat faces in this story.
Focus on who you are, instead of who you aren’t, and find the friends who cares about who you are.
ARC PLA 2020
It often amazes me how mean middle schoolers can be. Then I think back to my middle school experience and yes, I can relate to so many of the challenges Nat faces in this story.
Focus on who you are, instead of who you aren’t, and find the friends who cares about who you are.
ARC PLA 2020
October 22, 2020
The plot of two best friends breaking up in middle school is really tired for me, but your Smile readers will like this one.
November 12, 2021
Nat suffers heartbreak as her former best friend Lily, dumps her, for a more popular kid, Alex. She makes new friends and gets over Lily. It's a good book if you want a short but entertaining story.
June 1, 2025
Loved it! I totally get why kids are into these graphic novels. This felt like a letter to our middle school selves. Healing for now too.
February 6, 2020
@KidLitExchange
Thank you to @mariascrivan and @scholasticinc for sharing an advance copy of Nat Enough with the #KidLitExchange network. This middle grades graphic novel will be released in April 2020. All opinions are my own.
Natalie is starting middle school and her best friend, Lily, seems to have forgotten they're friends. After she moved over the summer, Lily decided she needed to hang out with people who were cooler. Natalie has never really felt like she was enough. She's feels she's not athletic enough, talented enough, etc. She tries desparately to be cool enough and get Lily back. Along the way, she makes new friends and begins to realize who she really is and that maybe, just maybe, she is enough.
I loved this graphic novel so much because Nat is a character that many middle grade readers can connect to. At some point or another, most us have had a moment where we felt like we weren't enough. I love the positive message that this book sends about peer pressure and self-confidence. It is all about accepting who you are and being true to yourself. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life. I liked that she introduced her dog and cat with her family members and that they were then featured on the chapter title pages. The book is not only full of amazing themes and beautiful illustrations, but also humor. I believe that my students will really enjoy this novel and that it will be difficult to keep it on the shelf.
Thank you to @mariascrivan and @scholasticinc for sharing an advance copy of Nat Enough with the #KidLitExchange network. This middle grades graphic novel will be released in April 2020. All opinions are my own.
Natalie is starting middle school and her best friend, Lily, seems to have forgotten they're friends. After she moved over the summer, Lily decided she needed to hang out with people who were cooler. Natalie has never really felt like she was enough. She's feels she's not athletic enough, talented enough, etc. She tries desparately to be cool enough and get Lily back. Along the way, she makes new friends and begins to realize who she really is and that maybe, just maybe, she is enough.
I loved this graphic novel so much because Nat is a character that many middle grade readers can connect to. At some point or another, most us have had a moment where we felt like we weren't enough. I love the positive message that this book sends about peer pressure and self-confidence. It is all about accepting who you are and being true to yourself. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life. I liked that she introduced her dog and cat with her family members and that they were then featured on the chapter title pages. The book is not only full of amazing themes and beautiful illustrations, but also humor. I believe that my students will really enjoy this novel and that it will be difficult to keep it on the shelf.
April 5, 2021
Actually a perfect little read. Ultimately, so what if you're not enough? And what if someone you considered a friend no longer considered you a friend? Look at your own skills, consider your strengths, and just be the best version of you. Also, consider whether someone that treats you like rubbish is worthwhile pursuing as a friend.
It sounds easy enough as an adult, but it's definitely something that I didn't get until I was in my 20's. It's definitely a lesson worth teaching children.
It sounds easy enough as an adult, but it's definitely something that I didn't get until I was in my 20's. It's definitely a lesson worth teaching children.
February 16, 2020
Cute graphic novel that I definitely would have related to in junior high! Not a super standout but my students love this stuff so I might buy it for the library.
April 29, 2020
certifiably blah. the story was completely recycled with nothing to hold the reader’s attention, and I personally really disliked the art style.
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