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Breaking Up
BREAKING UP is something different for the Gossip Girls all the drama, all the romance, all the style -- illustrated in juicy graphic novel format.
"There's a fine line between a friend and an enemy. One minute there's all this trust, and laughter, and love. And the next minute... there's hurt. And cruelty. And betrayal."
Meet Chloe Thoughtful, artistic, and a junior at Georgia O'Keeffe School for the Arts, nicknamed "Fashion High" for its trendy student body. Along with her best friends, Erika, Isabel, and MacKenzie, she's looking forward to a sparkling year of parties and romance.
And it is an eventful year. But not quite what she expected. Who'd have thought that falling in love would be such a disaster?
"There's a fine line between a friend and an enemy. One minute there's all this trust, and laughter, and love. And the next minute... there's hurt. And cruelty. And betrayal."
Meet Chloe Thoughtful, artistic, and a junior at Georgia O'Keeffe School for the Arts, nicknamed "Fashion High" for its trendy student body. Along with her best friends, Erika, Isabel, and MacKenzie, she's looking forward to a sparkling year of parties and romance.
And it is an eventful year. But not quite what she expected. Who'd have thought that falling in love would be such a disaster?
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
11 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Friedman
13 books872 followersAimee Friedman was born and raised in Queens, New York, in an apartment filled with books and different languages. She wrote her first story at the age of five, and was off and running from there. Aimee wrote all through her years as a student at the Bronx High School of Science and then Vassar College. After graduating from college in 2001, she became a children's book editor, a job she still does, and loves, to this day! Aimee published her first novel, the New York Times bestseller, South Beach, in 2005, and is now the author of several novels for young adults, the latest being Two Summers. Aimee lives in New York City, where she can usually be found writing in cafes, window-shopping, or searching for the perfect iced latte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 30, 2007
Thinking it was about time to read some teen fiction marketed to/at girls, I picked up Aimee Friedman and Christine Norrie's Breaking Up (the cover lists it as A Fashion High graphic novel, so I assumed that Fashion High was an established brand in the teen-fiction arena, but a quick Googling has turned up nothing that would suggest the series is actually a series).
The read, naturally, was light and breezy. It's an understandably inconsequential book, but one that's enjoyable in its excess of both drama and melodrama. Breaking Up charts the well-balanced cacophony that crops up in the lives of four girls who, until their tumultuous junior year of high school, have been best friends since time began. Now, growing into their own personalities and dreams and goals and tastes, they find that nothing lasts forever.
It doesn't even last very long when everyone is petty, self-absorbed, and governed entirely by the convictions of others. Ah, high school.
After all is said, the book was enjoyable. It would function perfectly as poolside reading as you sip margaritas out of mugs shaped like palm trees in Cancun. It never gets too heavy or depressing. The characters are cliched enough to keep you from too much mental heavy lifting (you know the geeky boy is a geek, despite dressing nonchalantly and looking halfway handsome, because he has a Star Trek t-shirt "not worn in an ironic/hipster way" and he mentions a friend wanting to have a Star Wars marathon). And Norrie's art is, as always, fluid and tells the story well (I'm a fan!).
The read, naturally, was light and breezy. It's an understandably inconsequential book, but one that's enjoyable in its excess of both drama and melodrama. Breaking Up charts the well-balanced cacophony that crops up in the lives of four girls who, until their tumultuous junior year of high school, have been best friends since time began. Now, growing into their own personalities and dreams and goals and tastes, they find that nothing lasts forever.
It doesn't even last very long when everyone is petty, self-absorbed, and governed entirely by the convictions of others. Ah, high school.
After all is said, the book was enjoyable. It would function perfectly as poolside reading as you sip margaritas out of mugs shaped like palm trees in Cancun. It never gets too heavy or depressing. The characters are cliched enough to keep you from too much mental heavy lifting (you know the geeky boy is a geek, despite dressing nonchalantly and looking halfway handsome, because he has a Star Trek t-shirt "not worn in an ironic/hipster way" and he mentions a friend wanting to have a Star Wars marathon). And Norrie's art is, as always, fluid and tells the story well (I'm a fan!).
May 9, 2012
Stephanie Jones
Graphic Novel
“Breaking Up” left no mystery to the reader because it basically shows exactly what happens on the front cover. Chloe is lying on her bed holding a picture of her and three other girls, and they seem to be best friends. That is a given. As I began to read the story, I realized it was just another typical high school story about teenagers and their many issues. These four girls- Chloe, Erika, Isabel, and MacKenzie have been best friends since elementary school and are now attending Georgia O’Keeffe School for the Arts (better known as “Fashion High”). The young ladies are attempting to maintain their lifelong friendships while discovering themselves as they get older. Of course, there are the issues of being popular, having boyfriends, and trying to remain friends through all of these changes. The girls begin to bump heads as their priorities begin to shift and they end up fighting. There was really nothing so special and surprising about this book except how Chloe falls for the school nerd.
Graphic Novel
“Breaking Up” left no mystery to the reader because it basically shows exactly what happens on the front cover. Chloe is lying on her bed holding a picture of her and three other girls, and they seem to be best friends. That is a given. As I began to read the story, I realized it was just another typical high school story about teenagers and their many issues. These four girls- Chloe, Erika, Isabel, and MacKenzie have been best friends since elementary school and are now attending Georgia O’Keeffe School for the Arts (better known as “Fashion High”). The young ladies are attempting to maintain their lifelong friendships while discovering themselves as they get older. Of course, there are the issues of being popular, having boyfriends, and trying to remain friends through all of these changes. The girls begin to bump heads as their priorities begin to shift and they end up fighting. There was really nothing so special and surprising about this book except how Chloe falls for the school nerd.
January 13, 2010
This book is one of my absolute favorites. It talks about love and how a teenage life is. It is about 4 highschoolers at the stage where they are all changing from who they are, and from that they get into a huge fight. After a while then made up and were friends again.
March 2, 2018
Breaking Up was an interesting novel that focused on how friendships can change during a person’s high school experience because of the pressures of school, social acceptance, and developing new relationships. For the four friends in this graphic novel, the changes came suddenly and without warning.
I loved how the primary focus of this book was on the friendship aspect of the four characters, and not on their new relationships with boyfriends and other friends, and that the romance took a backseat to the important relationships in Breaking Up.
It was a quick read, and I would recommend it. It wasn’t my favorite graphic novel I’ve read but it was definitely good. The artwork was also really great, and brought the story alive.
I loved how the primary focus of this book was on the friendship aspect of the four characters, and not on their new relationships with boyfriends and other friends, and that the romance took a backseat to the important relationships in Breaking Up.
It was a quick read, and I would recommend it. It wasn’t my favorite graphic novel I’ve read but it was definitely good. The artwork was also really great, and brought the story alive.
April 3, 2009
Don't get me wrong--this comic is NOTHING deep or earth-shattering. But it's a simple story that is very elegantly told... great art complements a solid story of friendship dissolving in the face of popularity and peer pressure and falling in nerdly love. Norrie really gets both her teenage characters and target audience... these are some of the best-drawn clothes I've ever seen in comics (and I am NOT a clothes person to notice this kind of thing). Also, there are many great comics flourishes where the interiority of the character is reflected in the art, subtle but well executed throughout. Realistic fiction is not my thing, romance is not my thing, and traditionally girlie comics are not my thing, but I was thoroughly charmed by this. Note to librarians: references to lost and up-for-grabs virginity and party drinking may keep this on your shelves for older kids, but it's essentially pretty wholesome stuff.
February 11, 2011
i can't believe im editing this
ok, so this book wasn't exactly a.... pick of mine
in the library some of the boys (you know who you are) told me this suits me well...ughh.
well, just to suprise them i got this and thought it was gonna be cheesy
yet personally, it was quite good... sorta weird, but quite good
so, chloe has 3 best friends (isabel,isa!), erika (rika!), and MacKenzie(mac).
mackenzie is a real problem in the book cause shes a...um... bad person
well... anyways iwanted to read sisterhood of the traveling pants but i spent my time reading this, and now im back to the sisterhood, cause ive been dying to get back to it, so yay!!
btw, this is good for girls, and not boys,itll totally disgust boys and maybe some girls..
you might be able to guess whats in the book...
think... what happens to a normal kid in high school?...
not really a 5th grader book. more older people
ok, so this book wasn't exactly a.... pick of mine
in the library some of the boys (you know who you are) told me this suits me well...ughh.
well, just to suprise them i got this and thought it was gonna be cheesy
yet personally, it was quite good... sorta weird, but quite good
so, chloe has 3 best friends (isabel,isa!), erika (rika!), and MacKenzie(mac).
mackenzie is a real problem in the book cause shes a...um... bad person
well... anyways iwanted to read sisterhood of the traveling pants but i spent my time reading this, and now im back to the sisterhood, cause ive been dying to get back to it, so yay!!
btw, this is good for girls, and not boys,itll totally disgust boys and maybe some girls..
you might be able to guess whats in the book...
think... what happens to a normal kid in high school?...
not really a 5th grader book. more older people
April 2, 2012
i've read this book so many times and i never get tired of it. the juicy gossip and fights and romance will have u traped in a cluster of suspence and excitment. you'll love this graphic novel when you start on page one. in garentee you'll LOVE it. (for girls that is )Breaking Up
Read
April 27, 2011I'm going to repeat Carolina's 4 star review which I agree with entirely: "Good storytelling elevates standard teen yarn (friendship falling apart as coming-of-age takes girls in different directions). Recommend for girl readers (as well as those of us who remember being a teenage girl). Reminds me a bit of My So-Called-Life"
December 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Breaking Up is a thoughtful, emotionally honest exploration of love, loss, and the complicated aftermath of a relationship ending. Rather than focusing on dramatic blowups, the book zeroes in on the quieter, messier moments—the lingering attachments, the self-questioning, and the slow process of learning how to move forward.
The strength of the story lies in its emotional realism. The characters feel flawed and believable, and the narrative captures how breakups rarely offer clean closure. Small details and understated moments carry a lot of weight, making the experience feel intimate and true to life.
At times, the pacing drifts, and some sections linger longer than necessary, slightly dulling the emotional momentum. Still, the writing remains perceptive and compassionate, grounding the story in reflection rather than melodrama.
Breaking Up is a resonant, empathetic read that will speak to anyone who’s lived through the end of a relationship. It’s not flashy, but it’s sincere, quietly powerful, and well worth the time—a solid four-star book.
Breaking Up is a thoughtful, emotionally honest exploration of love, loss, and the complicated aftermath of a relationship ending. Rather than focusing on dramatic blowups, the book zeroes in on the quieter, messier moments—the lingering attachments, the self-questioning, and the slow process of learning how to move forward.
The strength of the story lies in its emotional realism. The characters feel flawed and believable, and the narrative captures how breakups rarely offer clean closure. Small details and understated moments carry a lot of weight, making the experience feel intimate and true to life.
At times, the pacing drifts, and some sections linger longer than necessary, slightly dulling the emotional momentum. Still, the writing remains perceptive and compassionate, grounding the story in reflection rather than melodrama.
Breaking Up is a resonant, empathetic read that will speak to anyone who’s lived through the end of a relationship. It’s not flashy, but it’s sincere, quietly powerful, and well worth the time—a solid four-star book.
January 11, 2019
You know how the story ends as soon as you read the first page. Or even with a glimpse of the jacket. Predictable story notwithstanding, enjoyed this novel and read it in an hour. Because this graphic novel is rich in details, has lovely illustrations, and makes for an easy, pleasurable read. Also because it reminded me intensely of absolute childhood and teenage pleasures - Tinkle, Chacha Chaudhary, and especially Archie Comics and Mean Girls.
It's chick lit through and through (of which I'm extremely fond of). Told by a shy teen always overshadowed by her more outgoing and fashionable friends, it takes us through a journey of high school love, crushes, animosities and adolescent angst.
The hero here are the graphics. Immaculately drawn, even emotions artistically projected, clean and appealing - I just wish I could see them in dazzling color. Definitely appealed to the part of me reserved for all things feminine and artistic.
It's chick lit through and through (of which I'm extremely fond of). Told by a shy teen always overshadowed by her more outgoing and fashionable friends, it takes us through a journey of high school love, crushes, animosities and adolescent angst.
The hero here are the graphics. Immaculately drawn, even emotions artistically projected, clean and appealing - I just wish I could see them in dazzling color. Definitely appealed to the part of me reserved for all things feminine and artistic.
August 28, 2022
I actually really enjoyed this book. I picked it up because it was on display in the graphic novel section of my high school's library and I decided on a whim to pick it up. The art is spectacular and I really like the art made for the cover. Aside from the art, the story was very simple and relatable in a way. In the book, the main character, Chloe, faces drama with friends and momentarily with her boyfriend. The relationships depicted with her friends and boyfriend seemed mostly realistic and there weren't any cringe moments where I thought "OMG this is so unrealistic" or "dear God why can't people write relatable relationships." I consider that a win. All in all, pretty good and quick read.
April 10, 2012
...why do I put myself through such torture? Just... why? I just don't understand. I hate books/graphic novels/manga/anime/anything you can think of like this. I can never read them with a straight face or with love because I just HATE these types of books! I really do. Yet... here I am... reviewing this... because I actually read it. *Sighs* Sometimes I wonder what goes on in my head. Oh well... so I went to the library... picked this up... because I felt like reading a comic book. And this is what I got. Nothing but a bunch of stupid high school girls complaining about high school drama that really shouldn't be a problem in the first place but is... for whatever reason and the girls... BUNCH OF SHALLOW PEANUTS! Bah! How!? Why!? I can't! AKHNDSKDFNSKNDSLDLKNSKDCNSKJNDCSKNDCSLJMNDCSLNDCKSBNKSNDCSKLNK,SNDCSKLNDCK,SNDCBKSNDCKNCSJKB
I'm a little better now. Let's move on to an actual cohesive review.
Aimee Friedman wrote the story to this graphic novel. Yeah... Nothing amazing to add here. She wrote a story that people have been writing for years! Some girl wanting to be popular, being afraid to be herself, friends betraying each other, guys being douches, another guy being sweet, guys pressuring girls to have sex, etc. Same old, same old. There was nothing new her. Nothing invigorating. Nothing exciting. Typical high school drama. But I guess... that seeing as how that was the goal to this whole graphic novel, there's not much I can say against it. Going into this book, I knew that this was the story. I knew I was going to hate it. And I did. However, considering the whole "high school drama" was the main point, I can't fault the book. It set out to prove something in this "dramatic high school" and I think it succeeded. So, even though I hated this book, I can't say it was awful for what it wanted to do. Hence, the two star rating. (But if it was up to me, I'd give it a one.) Why didn't I give it a higher rating? Well, it HAS been done before and doesn't ass anything new to the plate so I don't think it deserves higher than a two.
Moving on! The art style. I actually liked the art in the graphic novel. Christine Norrie did a pretty good job. Everything is so detailed and the line art so clean, smooth, it just makes me happy to look at it. Despite what's being said story-wise, I was actually very involved with the artwork. I felt the characters were very expressive... albeit cartoony. There were some scenes where there was firing coming out of one of the characters ears and mouth but I liked that! It added flavor to what was going on. It made it comical and made me interested in what was going on... even if it was short lived. All-in-all, the artwork was amazing. There was only one panel I did not agree with but that's more of a personal issue. I liked the character and to have her drawn as being a "backstabber" really put me off. But like I said, personal issue. Norrie did an excellent job with this graphic novel. This is about the ONLY thing I enjoyed about this book. Everything else blew...
Like the characters! I bloody HATED the characters. Well, all except two. First character I hated was the main character, Chloe. She was so shallow. She claimed not to care about popularity but the moment when a guy who is considered a "geek" starts showing her affection and she finds herself returning those feelings, she's embarrassed to be seen with him. She keeps him a secret from her "friends" (they aren't real friends) and then denies she ever had feelings for him. Just... ARGH! She doesn't really improve much towards the end either. Another character I hate was Isabel. One of her friends was having guy trouble (boyfriend trying to pressure her into sex) and she says to give in to him! WHAT FRIEND GIVES THAT ADVICE!? A SHITTY ONE! She, too, pissed me off. I think the character I hated the most was MacKenzie. She was your typical slut cliche character. Wanted to be popular, have the hot guy, sleep around with whoever, and didn't want to be seen with "losers." Jesus... I hated her. If I talk to much about her then spoilers would be revealed but... ugh... she makes me sick. Now for characters I liked. Erika is also a part of the group of friends Chloe is in, but she was the only one with feelings and a brain. She stood up for herself when people walked all over her. She was understanding of everyone's problems. She was the only one who I was okay with. She didn't get on my nerves and I was hoping to see a lot more of her than that blasted Chloe. Seriously, Erika was cool (plus, she has an awesome name! Yay for anime references!!!) Another character I was okay with was Adam. In school, he was known as a "loser" but really, he was sweet, kind, and gentle. He didn't deserve to be with a certain someone. I was hoping he would get someone better but meh. I liked that he was forgiving despite what happened to him. That was a cool thing for him to do. Let's just face it, readers, Erika and Adam were the only two that made it worth all the pain I went through reading this crap.
Here's the run down: if you like reading about high school drama, pick this graphic novel up. I think you will like it. If not, STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS! You will go insane and want to kill something or burn something (like this book). I was not a fan. It made me roll my eyes more than a couple of times. I was really wishing this book would end. In fact, I hated this book so much that it took me FOREVER to finish it. I can get done with a comic book in half an hour tops! This took more than a week! So... it's up to you. Read it if you really want to. If not, skip it. I'm off to bleach out my brain... AGAIN! DX
I'm a little better now. Let's move on to an actual cohesive review.
Aimee Friedman wrote the story to this graphic novel. Yeah... Nothing amazing to add here. She wrote a story that people have been writing for years! Some girl wanting to be popular, being afraid to be herself, friends betraying each other, guys being douches, another guy being sweet, guys pressuring girls to have sex, etc. Same old, same old. There was nothing new her. Nothing invigorating. Nothing exciting. Typical high school drama. But I guess... that seeing as how that was the goal to this whole graphic novel, there's not much I can say against it. Going into this book, I knew that this was the story. I knew I was going to hate it. And I did. However, considering the whole "high school drama" was the main point, I can't fault the book. It set out to prove something in this "dramatic high school" and I think it succeeded. So, even though I hated this book, I can't say it was awful for what it wanted to do. Hence, the two star rating. (But if it was up to me, I'd give it a one.) Why didn't I give it a higher rating? Well, it HAS been done before and doesn't ass anything new to the plate so I don't think it deserves higher than a two.
Moving on! The art style. I actually liked the art in the graphic novel. Christine Norrie did a pretty good job. Everything is so detailed and the line art so clean, smooth, it just makes me happy to look at it. Despite what's being said story-wise, I was actually very involved with the artwork. I felt the characters were very expressive... albeit cartoony. There were some scenes where there was firing coming out of one of the characters ears and mouth but I liked that! It added flavor to what was going on. It made it comical and made me interested in what was going on... even if it was short lived. All-in-all, the artwork was amazing. There was only one panel I did not agree with but that's more of a personal issue. I liked the character and to have her drawn as being a "backstabber" really put me off. But like I said, personal issue. Norrie did an excellent job with this graphic novel. This is about the ONLY thing I enjoyed about this book. Everything else blew...
Like the characters! I bloody HATED the characters. Well, all except two. First character I hated was the main character, Chloe. She was so shallow. She claimed not to care about popularity but the moment when a guy who is considered a "geek" starts showing her affection and she finds herself returning those feelings, she's embarrassed to be seen with him. She keeps him a secret from her "friends" (they aren't real friends) and then denies she ever had feelings for him. Just... ARGH! She doesn't really improve much towards the end either. Another character I hate was Isabel. One of her friends was having guy trouble (boyfriend trying to pressure her into sex) and she says to give in to him! WHAT FRIEND GIVES THAT ADVICE!? A SHITTY ONE! She, too, pissed me off. I think the character I hated the most was MacKenzie. She was your typical slut cliche character. Wanted to be popular, have the hot guy, sleep around with whoever, and didn't want to be seen with "losers." Jesus... I hated her. If I talk to much about her then spoilers would be revealed but... ugh... she makes me sick. Now for characters I liked. Erika is also a part of the group of friends Chloe is in, but she was the only one with feelings and a brain. She stood up for herself when people walked all over her. She was understanding of everyone's problems. She was the only one who I was okay with. She didn't get on my nerves and I was hoping to see a lot more of her than that blasted Chloe. Seriously, Erika was cool (plus, she has an awesome name! Yay for anime references!!!) Another character I was okay with was Adam. In school, he was known as a "loser" but really, he was sweet, kind, and gentle. He didn't deserve to be with a certain someone. I was hoping he would get someone better but meh. I liked that he was forgiving despite what happened to him. That was a cool thing for him to do. Let's just face it, readers, Erika and Adam were the only two that made it worth all the pain I went through reading this crap.
Here's the run down: if you like reading about high school drama, pick this graphic novel up. I think you will like it. If not, STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS! You will go insane and want to kill something or burn something (like this book). I was not a fan. It made me roll my eyes more than a couple of times. I was really wishing this book would end. In fact, I hated this book so much that it took me FOREVER to finish it. I can get done with a comic book in half an hour tops! This took more than a week! So... it's up to you. Read it if you really want to. If not, skip it. I'm off to bleach out my brain... AGAIN! DX
May 12, 2025
Why do friendship have to grow with us as we evolve?
It's not easy to be friends with popular girl MacKenzie. She has high standards about everything, including who her friends can date. But when Chloe starts falling for one of the unpopular guys, can her friendship stand, or will she need to pick one over the other?
This graphic novel was pure coming of age, and something many girls go through high school. Whether it's a new love, new life interest or simply a evolved way of seeing things, friends won't like change. It's important to stay true to who we are even if we make a mess in the process.
It's not easy to be friends with popular girl MacKenzie. She has high standards about everything, including who her friends can date. But when Chloe starts falling for one of the unpopular guys, can her friendship stand, or will she need to pick one over the other?
This graphic novel was pure coming of age, and something many girls go through high school. Whether it's a new love, new life interest or simply a evolved way of seeing things, friends won't like change. It's important to stay true to who we are even if we make a mess in the process.
July 10, 2017
Light 7/10
I enjoyed reading it, and the art style was really nice. I liked how it did explore friendship, even when it went from catty to underwelming at times.. Some of the thoughts and doubts that Chloe had throughout the story I was able to understand easily. I wanted more romance; their was a cute couple to root for and though it wasn't main focus it could've been more developed, It had too much telling rather than showing.
Overall it was enjoyable and if you want quick contemporary graphic novel, I recommend it :)
I enjoyed reading it, and the art style was really nice. I liked how it did explore friendship, even when it went from catty to underwelming at times.. Some of the thoughts and doubts that Chloe had throughout the story I was able to understand easily. I wanted more romance; their was a cute couple to root for and though it wasn't main focus it could've been more developed, It had too much telling rather than showing.
Overall it was enjoyable and if you want quick contemporary graphic novel, I recommend it :)
February 21, 2020
I read this back when I was younger and recently reread it. I used to love graphic novels and still do. They're a light and breezy read and so enjoyable! This one was always one of my favourites because it was about high school but it also dealt with mature themes such as sex. Also, friends growing apart s something that just tends to happen during your high school years. Things are so different when you leave school! Anyway, I love the beautiful drawings and constant high school drama that keeps me interested. Love that high school drama.
May 17, 2018
I like the part were Mackenzie drew them on a raft with words around it that might affect them as friends. It was also good because they were total different people but they still tried to stay together. I also liked this book because I could relate to it. It was eh when they had a hug fight and they never became best friends again. I would recommend this book to people who like drama.
February 3, 2019
I remembered being attracted to this years ago because of the gorgeous cover. This tells a tale of a clique and what happens when each person starts to fall in love and have other priorities. It tackled what happens when you keep secrets from your friends and when you do not like the guy they are with. Relatable.
April 17, 2019
I liked Chloe's character. This book does have a typical high school drama (a boy comes in between the 4 friends) between 4 girls, no doubt, but the way the girls have changed at the end is inspiring to me.
December 9, 2019
Good read for a bit of a short, surface level fun or even just an honest and accurate portrayal of what it's like to be a teen in high schol just trying to work things out.
I liked the art and a few of the characters too. Very cute.
All in all, It's a god read.
I liked the art and a few of the characters too. Very cute.
All in all, It's a god read.
February 16, 2022
It has a pure essence of high school drama but it needed with reunited friends. It’s super cute and I enjoyed it a lot. The art was stunning and I love the style of clothing that everyone was presented with!
June 2, 2020
Very good love story with amazing illustrations. I recommend reading this book.
August 21, 2021
Story about friends growing up and sometimes growing apart and the feelings that go with that type of heartache. Read this book when I needed to see it most for sure.
May 23, 2022
Great art with a pen and ink feel with a basic story but still an enjoyable and easy read.
May 31, 2023
Read this at the public library back in high school and never connected that it was by the same author as Sea Change! I remember this being cute though.
June 3, 2025
cheesy and breezy👽 a good way to pass the time. i liked it
December 2, 2025
soooo cliché
April 15, 2014
The book I chose was “Breaking Up”, by Aimee Friedman. It was about four junior high school girls who were best friends but became enemies. At the beginning of the year, they were excited to begin a new school year together. That began to change when Mackenzie started to worry about her social status. She and Chloe (the main character) had been best friends ever since they were kids, but Mackenzie soon started becoming close with Nicola, the most popular girl in school. Other friends, Isabel and Erika were also starting to spend time doing other things. Erika was always with her boyfriend, Kyle, and Isabel was very busy with dance. Chloe was upset and began focusing on her art. Soon she starting hanging out with Adam, who was a nerd. They began dating, but kept it a secret from all of Chloe’s friends because she was embarrassed of him. When the girls found out, they blew up. They were also upset at each other for keeping other secret, or not having the same reaction to certain things, or they just weren't happy with how the other girls were turning into. Kyle and Chloe, as well as the friend group, all broke up. Will they ever solve their problems? Read the book to find out!
This graphic novel is very interesting because there are so many conflicts going on at once, and you get to be in the mindset of a teenage girl throughout every situation. For example, Chloe was losing her best friend to Nicola. On the first day of school, Mackenzie showed up with a tattoo. Nicola had already known about it before Chloe or any of the other girls did. Chloe said, “You didn't tell me you wanted to get one.” (pg. 8) It was very upsetting to her that she didn't know everything in her best friend’s life. She had always been the one Mackenzie had gone to whenever something exciting happened or was possibly going to happen. It made Chloe think she had done something wrong or upsetting to Mackenzie that made her not want to trust her with information. She soon learned that all Mackenzie cared about was popularity, and if she ever wanted to become popular she’d have to ditch Chloe and the girls for Nicola.
Another issue Chloe had was having to defending Erika against Mackenzie and Isabel. Chloe already had the stress of losing her friend with Mackenzie. But she made it worse by adding taking Erika’s side to the mix. Erika and Kyle had been dating over a year, and he wanted to take their relationship to the next level: sex. Erika just didn't feel ready for that yet. It was a big deal to her. Isabel and Mackenzie thought he was right, they needed to take the relationship up a notch. They didn't think he was asking for too much. Erika says, “ I am attracted to him. And I love fooling around with him. But sex feels so huge to me--really serious and intense. I’m not really sure he should be the one.” (pg. 46.) But Chloe did think it was fair of her to not want that. She thought it was a good idea to save herself for someone whom she thought were completely worthy. That divided the group and created tension between them. Erika was disappointed in Isabel for not understand and supporting her decision, but appreciated it from Chloe. Mackenzie thought Chloe was completely wrong for agreeing, because she knew nothing about having a relationship since she never had on before.
Which leads to another problem: Chloe was her becoming friends with Adam. Chloe never really hung out with anyone out of her circle of friends, especially with boys for that matter. She enjoyed spending time with him. He was kind, smart, funny, artistic, and kind of handsome. One day she got an email from Adam asking her to hangout. She turned him down because she was afraid of her friends finding out, but she told him she was just too busy. She realized what a big mistake she made, so the next time he offered, she said yes! She began to worry that she had grown feelings for him, “Do I... have a crush on Adam?” (pg. 62). She couldn't believe it herself, but she had! She invited him to Gabe’s (Nicola’s boyfriend) New Years party. They kissed at midnight, and that was a turning point for their relationship. They began to hang out more and more, and soon became an item. Like Chloe thought, the girls were not happy for her and thought she was just committing social suicide. Chloe had to find a way to make the girls see what she saw in Adam so they could be together with approval from her friends, which was most important to her.
This graphic novel is very interesting because there are so many conflicts going on at once, and you get to be in the mindset of a teenage girl throughout every situation. For example, Chloe was losing her best friend to Nicola. On the first day of school, Mackenzie showed up with a tattoo. Nicola had already known about it before Chloe or any of the other girls did. Chloe said, “You didn't tell me you wanted to get one.” (pg. 8) It was very upsetting to her that she didn't know everything in her best friend’s life. She had always been the one Mackenzie had gone to whenever something exciting happened or was possibly going to happen. It made Chloe think she had done something wrong or upsetting to Mackenzie that made her not want to trust her with information. She soon learned that all Mackenzie cared about was popularity, and if she ever wanted to become popular she’d have to ditch Chloe and the girls for Nicola.
Another issue Chloe had was having to defending Erika against Mackenzie and Isabel. Chloe already had the stress of losing her friend with Mackenzie. But she made it worse by adding taking Erika’s side to the mix. Erika and Kyle had been dating over a year, and he wanted to take their relationship to the next level: sex. Erika just didn't feel ready for that yet. It was a big deal to her. Isabel and Mackenzie thought he was right, they needed to take the relationship up a notch. They didn't think he was asking for too much. Erika says, “ I am attracted to him. And I love fooling around with him. But sex feels so huge to me--really serious and intense. I’m not really sure he should be the one.” (pg. 46.) But Chloe did think it was fair of her to not want that. She thought it was a good idea to save herself for someone whom she thought were completely worthy. That divided the group and created tension between them. Erika was disappointed in Isabel for not understand and supporting her decision, but appreciated it from Chloe. Mackenzie thought Chloe was completely wrong for agreeing, because she knew nothing about having a relationship since she never had on before.
Which leads to another problem: Chloe was her becoming friends with Adam. Chloe never really hung out with anyone out of her circle of friends, especially with boys for that matter. She enjoyed spending time with him. He was kind, smart, funny, artistic, and kind of handsome. One day she got an email from Adam asking her to hangout. She turned him down because she was afraid of her friends finding out, but she told him she was just too busy. She realized what a big mistake she made, so the next time he offered, she said yes! She began to worry that she had grown feelings for him, “Do I... have a crush on Adam?” (pg. 62). She couldn't believe it herself, but she had! She invited him to Gabe’s (Nicola’s boyfriend) New Years party. They kissed at midnight, and that was a turning point for their relationship. They began to hang out more and more, and soon became an item. Like Chloe thought, the girls were not happy for her and thought she was just committing social suicide. Chloe had to find a way to make the girls see what she saw in Adam so they could be together with approval from her friends, which was most important to her.
March 2, 2017
Breaking Up is a graphic novel that tells the story of four high school friends, and the ups and downs they experience through their junior year of high school.
I picked this book up on a complete whim at the library and I'm glad I did. I flew through this book and couldn't put it down until it was finished. To me, this book really described what high school and friendship can be like. When we are younger, and sometimes even older, we can put a lot of emphasis on what our friends/co-workers think, instead of doing what makes us happy. This book really showed this and that we should put ourselves first, and in the end, everything will work out if it is meant to be.
I think this book delivers a great message to both younger and older readers. This story was told in so much truth, that I could imagine I was back in high school while reading it. I would recommend this graphic novel; I'm very happy that I stumbled upon it and decided to give it a try.
I picked this book up on a complete whim at the library and I'm glad I did. I flew through this book and couldn't put it down until it was finished. To me, this book really described what high school and friendship can be like. When we are younger, and sometimes even older, we can put a lot of emphasis on what our friends/co-workers think, instead of doing what makes us happy. This book really showed this and that we should put ourselves first, and in the end, everything will work out if it is meant to be.
I think this book delivers a great message to both younger and older readers. This story was told in so much truth, that I could imagine I was back in high school while reading it. I would recommend this graphic novel; I'm very happy that I stumbled upon it and decided to give it a try.
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Friends forever! That is exactly how Chloe Sacks feels about her tight group of girlfriends. Since what seems like forever, Chloe, Isabel, Erika, and Mackenzie have been inseparable. They did everything together, from sharing secrets to gossiping with one another. And when they start out their junior year together, Chloe is sure that it will be another great year for them all. But little does she know that as they enter their junior year, they may actually become distant.
The new school year does not start off too well for the girls. Instead of having all of their classes together they only have one--Health, with the very weird Ms. Lamour. Not only are their schedules changing, but so are they.
It seems like all Mackenzie can think about is getting "in" with the popular crowd, befriending Nicola Burnett, the girlfriend of Gabe, who Mackenzie is beginning to fall for. Isabel is having trouble with her very controlling parents, especially when she really wants to date soccer player Brad Richmond. Erika loves her boyfriend, Kyle, very much, but is beginning to question their relationship since all Kyle thinks about is pressuring her to take their relationship to the "next level." And Chloe is beginning to have feelings for Adam Stevenson, who, unfortunately, around school is considered a loser, even by her own friends.
A new year, new relationships, and a new perspective on how the girls begin to look at each other. It seems like the girls' junior year isn't turning out to be what they expected.
Different from what Aimee Friedman normally writes, BREAKING UP: A FASHION HIGH GRAPHIC NOVEL, is a quick and easy read that will definitely pull the reader in from the very beginning. Aimee Friedman hits the target with high school angst in this graphic novel, with characters that are easy for the readers to relate to. The novel deals with real life issues from relationships to friends. It was like watching another episode of Degrassi. And the pictures, illustrated by Christine Norrie, were absolutely amazing.
Friends forever! That is exactly how Chloe Sacks feels about her tight group of girlfriends. Since what seems like forever, Chloe, Isabel, Erika, and Mackenzie have been inseparable. They did everything together, from sharing secrets to gossiping with one another. And when they start out their junior year together, Chloe is sure that it will be another great year for them all. But little does she know that as they enter their junior year, they may actually become distant.
The new school year does not start off too well for the girls. Instead of having all of their classes together they only have one--Health, with the very weird Ms. Lamour. Not only are their schedules changing, but so are they.
It seems like all Mackenzie can think about is getting "in" with the popular crowd, befriending Nicola Burnett, the girlfriend of Gabe, who Mackenzie is beginning to fall for. Isabel is having trouble with her very controlling parents, especially when she really wants to date soccer player Brad Richmond. Erika loves her boyfriend, Kyle, very much, but is beginning to question their relationship since all Kyle thinks about is pressuring her to take their relationship to the "next level." And Chloe is beginning to have feelings for Adam Stevenson, who, unfortunately, around school is considered a loser, even by her own friends.
A new year, new relationships, and a new perspective on how the girls begin to look at each other. It seems like the girls' junior year isn't turning out to be what they expected.
Different from what Aimee Friedman normally writes, BREAKING UP: A FASHION HIGH GRAPHIC NOVEL, is a quick and easy read that will definitely pull the reader in from the very beginning. Aimee Friedman hits the target with high school angst in this graphic novel, with characters that are easy for the readers to relate to. The novel deals with real life issues from relationships to friends. It was like watching another episode of Degrassi. And the pictures, illustrated by Christine Norrie, were absolutely amazing.
June 3, 2013
Chloe, Erika, Isabel, and MacKenzie are eleventh graders at the Georgia O’Keeffe School for the Arts. These four girls are the best of friends, sharing everything—classes, gossip, secrets, and opinions. What Chloe and the others are about to discover is that while wisdom does not necessarily come with age, change certainly does. Chloe starts out as somebody who has it all. She is going to a famous art school; she is popular and she has three best friends who she loves. Chloe and her friends grow apart during their junior year as Mackenzie becomes a social climber; Erika deals with a pushy boyfriend; Chloe has to come to terms with her geeky crush on Adam and Isabel tries to hold it all together. Chloe and Adam begin to date but Chloe won't tell her friends, fearing their judgement. Before they know it, everything blows up and destroys their friendship. These four girls question if and how this friendship can ever be repaired or if the (friend) ship has sailed. They learn that the best of friends can weather any fight. This graphic novel was predictable, and the characters where cliche but nonetheless it was perfect for teenagers and pre teens. The author told the story well, with amazing pictures to go along with it, the pictures definitely brought out the story and added insight about the characters as you saw their unique styles they showed off. I enjoyed reading a graphic novel despite the fact that I personally can't get "sucked into" graphic novels as much as I can with regular novels. The fact that there are pictures definitely diminish the possibility of letting words remove your mind from reality. In the end, Breaking Up was an enjoyable read that didn't take much time to read, it taught me that true friends are worth it, and had great pictures. It was humorous, relatable, sweet yet not very engaging for the reader.
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