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Bedhead Ted
For fans of the Lunch Lady and Hilo series comes a charming, funny young middle grade graphic novel from debut author-illustrator Scott SanGiacomo, about a boy named Ted who realizes that his perceived flaw—wild red hair—is actually his superpower.
Ted has always had one giant problem: his hair. No matter what he does, nothing can tame his unruly mane. Starting fourth grade is going to bring BIG obstacles, especially with teasing from bullies. That’s how he got the name Bedhead Ted after all. But Ted has his best friend, Stacy, to distract him. So when Stacy becomes obsessed with Brookside’s mythological Beast—a giant raccoon terrorizing the town—Ted is ready to help him unravel the mystery.
But when new friends enter the mix, Ted’s friendship with Stacy gets a little rocky. And when Stacy gets the idea to search for the Brookside Beast on his own, only Ted and his unruly hair can save him. For the first time in his life, Ted wonders if his hair might just be a gift rather than an epic curse.
Ted has always had one giant problem: his hair. No matter what he does, nothing can tame his unruly mane. Starting fourth grade is going to bring BIG obstacles, especially with teasing from bullies. That’s how he got the name Bedhead Ted after all. But Ted has his best friend, Stacy, to distract him. So when Stacy becomes obsessed with Brookside’s mythological Beast—a giant raccoon terrorizing the town—Ted is ready to help him unravel the mystery.
But when new friends enter the mix, Ted’s friendship with Stacy gets a little rocky. And when Stacy gets the idea to search for the Brookside Beast on his own, only Ted and his unruly hair can save him. For the first time in his life, Ted wonders if his hair might just be a gift rather than an epic curse.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
33 people are currently reading
3271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 14, 2021
A story about fitting in and dealing with jealousy when your best friend suddenly has new friends. Plus a mythical (maybe) town beast and some wild hair.
June 3, 2023
This was a fun story, I enjoyed the characters and the plot. It was a lot of fun. I also liked the artwork.
November 12, 2023
This is a terrific graphic novel. The illustrations are bright and engaging. The book will appeal to all kinds of readers, especially the reluctant ones. I loved that Ted's hair is what makes him different and gets him bullied, but it is also his superpower.
June 27, 2023
Read with the kiddos , we enjoyed it !
June 28, 2022
This delightful middle-grade graphic novel twines together mystery with messages about friendship and not basing judgments on first impressions. Sangiacomo perfectly captures the dread some students face as the summer ends and uncertainties can no longer be avoided. Worries over new teachers, new classes and classmates, and new situations nag at 10-year-old Ted as he tries to make his way through the first week of school without drawing too much attention to himself. Unfortunately, his wild red hair makes that impossible and soon he finds himself surrounded by others who call him “Bedhead Ted.” Through it all, Ted’s best friend Stacy is there to help him remember that he is not alone, and to distract him with the mystery of the Brookside Beast—a massive raccoon taller than a basketball hoop! However, even though Ted’s hair draws unwanted attention and taunts, it also holds a secret of its own—the ability to stretch, catch, and lift. With this newfound knowledge, Ted and Stacy are certain that they will be the ones to find the Brookside Beast. Yet even as Stacy and Ted search for the Beast, Ted still finds himself worried. This time, instead of worrying over what classmates will say about his hair, Ted is concerned that Stacy is becoming closer friends with the others and drifting away from him. A concern that many children face as the school year goes on and those who were good friends meet new friends through clubs, organizations, and classes.
Sangiacomo works the shadow of the beast into the backgrounds of the pages, making this graphic novel perfect for young readers who need a little extra entertainment to keep them hooked on the story. It also makes this book fun to re-read, as readers try to find all the images of the beast, and do not have to worry about missing the plot to do so. Filled with mystery, relatable issues, and just a touch of superheroes, Sangiacomo crafts a story that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Sangiacomo works the shadow of the beast into the backgrounds of the pages, making this graphic novel perfect for young readers who need a little extra entertainment to keep them hooked on the story. It also makes this book fun to re-read, as readers try to find all the images of the beast, and do not have to worry about missing the plot to do so. Filled with mystery, relatable issues, and just a touch of superheroes, Sangiacomo crafts a story that children and adults alike will enjoy.
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September 13, 2021Ted's hair is a marvel to some, but for Ted it's a target for bullies. His hair has always been with him. Unlike most babies born bald, Ted had his first haircut when he was just weeks old. Now his hair gets him teased and taunted with nicknames like the most recent - Bedhead Ted.
At least Ted has his best friend Stacy. Together they try to stay clear of the bullies. Lately, Stacy has been obsessed with the town legend, the Brookside Beast. Supposedly, the giant racoon has been sighted throughout the years terrorizing people's garbage cans and even threatening small children. Stacy is determined to find the Beast and save the town.
Ted is ready to help, but when a couple of kids from the bully crowd show up and make friends with Stacy, Ted's jealousy kicks into high gear. He isn't used to sharing his best friend, and now just isn't the right time. Ted has recently discovered that his hair may have super powers. He needs Stacy more than ever to figure out exactly what is happening with his crazy hair.
BEDHEAD TED is an excellent graphic novel adventure by Scott SanGiacomo. Full of colorful images and clever dialogue, readers will love this wacky story and connect with Ted as he struggles to figure out what he has to offer the world. Aimed at the 8-12 age group, BEDHEAD TED is sure to be a winner with readers of all ages.
At least Ted has his best friend Stacy. Together they try to stay clear of the bullies. Lately, Stacy has been obsessed with the town legend, the Brookside Beast. Supposedly, the giant racoon has been sighted throughout the years terrorizing people's garbage cans and even threatening small children. Stacy is determined to find the Beast and save the town.
Ted is ready to help, but when a couple of kids from the bully crowd show up and make friends with Stacy, Ted's jealousy kicks into high gear. He isn't used to sharing his best friend, and now just isn't the right time. Ted has recently discovered that his hair may have super powers. He needs Stacy more than ever to figure out exactly what is happening with his crazy hair.
BEDHEAD TED is an excellent graphic novel adventure by Scott SanGiacomo. Full of colorful images and clever dialogue, readers will love this wacky story and connect with Ted as he struggles to figure out what he has to offer the world. Aimed at the 8-12 age group, BEDHEAD TED is sure to be a winner with readers of all ages.
July 25, 2021
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Friendship, mystery beasts, superpowers, bullying all mixed together in one book.
Ted has unique hair and doesn't fit in well at his school. He has one friend, Stacy, who is convinced the local creature legend is a real beast. Readers see them support each other and put up with being bullied and laughed at (especially Ted). Elementary children aren't always kind when someone is different. Just as Ted is discovering his hair's superpowers, Stacy is making other friends to join their search for the Brookside Beast. Jealousy creates a conflict between the friends; again, something middle grade readers will connect with. In the end, they learn that the beast is not in their area any more, or is it?
The artwork is highly detailed and provides support for the dialogue. Readers will see the subtle ways Ted and Stacy change and mature through their expressions and words. Definitely one that will fly off my library shelves - just from the title alone.
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Friendship, mystery beasts, superpowers, bullying all mixed together in one book.
Ted has unique hair and doesn't fit in well at his school. He has one friend, Stacy, who is convinced the local creature legend is a real beast. Readers see them support each other and put up with being bullied and laughed at (especially Ted). Elementary children aren't always kind when someone is different. Just as Ted is discovering his hair's superpowers, Stacy is making other friends to join their search for the Brookside Beast. Jealousy creates a conflict between the friends; again, something middle grade readers will connect with. In the end, they learn that the beast is not in their area any more, or is it?
The artwork is highly detailed and provides support for the dialogue. Readers will see the subtle ways Ted and Stacy change and mature through their expressions and words. Definitely one that will fly off my library shelves - just from the title alone.
January 29, 2021
I enjoyed reading this. I did. But if I step back and look at it critically...well, it’s chiefly a school story: friends, jealousy, misconceptions, teasing, old friends, new friends, etc.—and then what may or may not be an urban legend gets thrown in: cool so far. But...why the on-again, off-again magic hair? Something that extraordinary feels like it should occupy a much larger part of the story—or not be a thing at all. Obviously, this hair is bound to have more adventures, so I’m expecting sequels, but when you’re in a buying position at a small library, sequels kinda make your heart sink unless you think kids will really be on the edge of their seats after book one: they just feel like semi-obligatory purchases. This is a book that a lot of kids will pick up, read, enjoy—but it won’t be anyone’s favorite, I don’t think, won’t be one they tell their friends they just HAVE to read.
Reviewed from digital ARC—thank you, #netgalley and #quilltreebooks
Reviewed from digital ARC—thank you, #netgalley and #quilltreebooks
August 29, 2021
'Bedhead Ted' with story and art by Scott SanGiacomo is a graphic novel for younger readers about out of control hair and a giant monster.
Summer is over and school is starting and Ted and his best friend Stacy dread the bus ride to school. Stacy gets teased about his name and Ted has a lot of unruly hair. Stacy is also interested in finding the town's big monster, but Ted gets jealous when a couple new friends show up to help look. Ted finds out something even weirder about his hair, but he really just wants his friend Stacy back.
This was a fun and offbeat story about friendship and making assumptions and learning the ways that make us all special. The story has heart and humor and fun art.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Summer is over and school is starting and Ted and his best friend Stacy dread the bus ride to school. Stacy gets teased about his name and Ted has a lot of unruly hair. Stacy is also interested in finding the town's big monster, but Ted gets jealous when a couple new friends show up to help look. Ted finds out something even weirder about his hair, but he really just wants his friend Stacy back.
This was a fun and offbeat story about friendship and making assumptions and learning the ways that make us all special. The story has heart and humor and fun art.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
November 24, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books - Quill Tree Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I could not get enough of this book. It was so brilliantly written and brilliantly illustrated. The book was also completely hysterical and creative and how something as simple as hair can be once a curse turned gift. The hair everyone could relate to and waking up and having bedhead and that friend that is there for you to distract you from the negative energy it brings. This will be a graphic novel that parents will share to their children and that every school should have in their library.
We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I could not get enough of this book. It was so brilliantly written and brilliantly illustrated. The book was also completely hysterical and creative and how something as simple as hair can be once a curse turned gift. The hair everyone could relate to and waking up and having bedhead and that friend that is there for you to distract you from the negative energy it brings. This will be a graphic novel that parents will share to their children and that every school should have in their library.
We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic Novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
October 28, 2021
This was a very interesting graphic novel that maybe had one too many plot elements. Being bullied at school? Okay. Having trouble understanding how friendships work? Okay. Local urban legend of a giant raccoon cryptid? Okay. Having apparently super-powered hair...Um, okay, but...what's with the on-and-off control of his hair? It seemed like a super-power limited by the user's mood, the way it came across. Still, that didn't work as well as the rest of the story.
Still, I loved the way he used his hair, and the real story behind the scary middle-schooler. I enjoyed the way that Gary's old friends understood perfectly what a jerk he could be.
The giant raccoon creature was great, although it seems like it would be hard not to notice, given that it's a fairly urbanized setting so close to where it lives. I mean, if a fourth-grader can walk from his home to its footprints...
Still, I loved the way he used his hair, and the real story behind the scary middle-schooler. I enjoyed the way that Gary's old friends understood perfectly what a jerk he could be.
The giant raccoon creature was great, although it seems like it would be hard not to notice, given that it's a fairly urbanized setting so close to where it lives. I mean, if a fourth-grader can walk from his home to its footprints...
June 14, 2021
I received the digital arc from Net Galley.
This graphic novel was very cute, the kind of school/friendship story that they'll always be a place for in an elementary/intermediate library. I loved the art and the way the graphic novel format is used to emphasize Ted's crazy hair, the reason he's often targeted by bullies at school. There are often things stuck in Ted's hair and on some pages, his hair bursts right out of the panels and into the gutters. The magic hair and its connection to his family is sweet, but in some ways, also feels like a bit of an afterthought. It seems like the magic should have either been a bigger part of the story. That said Ted and his best friend were relatable and likable characters, and I could easily see more adventures in their future.
This graphic novel was very cute, the kind of school/friendship story that they'll always be a place for in an elementary/intermediate library. I loved the art and the way the graphic novel format is used to emphasize Ted's crazy hair, the reason he's often targeted by bullies at school. There are often things stuck in Ted's hair and on some pages, his hair bursts right out of the panels and into the gutters. The magic hair and its connection to his family is sweet, but in some ways, also feels like a bit of an afterthought. It seems like the magic should have either been a bigger part of the story. That said Ted and his best friend were relatable and likable characters, and I could easily see more adventures in their future.
August 9, 2023
Somewhere around 3.5 stars for me.
I need more books that boys in my classroom will enjoy and I think this graphic novel will be a hit. Bedhead Ted hates his hair but later learns that he is one in a lineage of people with hair that has superpowers! He uses these super powers to aid his best friend in the search for the Brookside Beast (a giant raccoon).
I appreciated the way this book explicitly navigated jealousy, feelings, and friendship with more than one person. It’s not a must read book for me— some of the characters (i.e. Gary) seem slightly two dimensional, but I’ll happily give it to my second graders who have the stamina to finish a book like this.
I need more books that boys in my classroom will enjoy and I think this graphic novel will be a hit. Bedhead Ted hates his hair but later learns that he is one in a lineage of people with hair that has superpowers! He uses these super powers to aid his best friend in the search for the Brookside Beast (a giant raccoon).
I appreciated the way this book explicitly navigated jealousy, feelings, and friendship with more than one person. It’s not a must read book for me— some of the characters (i.e. Gary) seem slightly two dimensional, but I’ll happily give it to my second graders who have the stamina to finish a book like this.
January 2, 2021
This graphic novel is about the ups and downs of friendship, being bullied/fitting in, and the hunt for a mythical GIANT raccoon. Ted and Stacy are best friends: they have each other's back as they navigate the cruel world that school can be. Ted has unique hair that causes bullying at school and gains him the nickname: Bedhead Ted. But Ted realizes that what makes him a target for bullies is actually pretty magical. A cute, feel good story.
Recommended for: graphic novel lovers, a feel good story, Elementary/Middle school read
Recommended for: graphic novel lovers, a feel good story, Elementary/Middle school read
October 23, 2021
This is a cute story about two kids struggling to live life as themselves. When people don’t understand someone, they can be cruel. That’s Ted’s experience every day at school. Kids make fun of his crazy head of bright red hair that stands on end 24/7. Ted’s only friend is Stacy, who is also misunderstood for his belief in the town’s legendary beast and his name. When the two set out to find the mythical beast, they both realize that sometimes, life can surprise you; and not everyone is who you think they are.
November 20, 2020
Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The mix of self discovery, friendship, and mystery all worked really well together. Ted is having trouble being made fun of because of his hair, fitting in, and there is a beast on the loose in the town. Great color choices, and illustration style really enhanced Ted's hair. A middle grade novel that is sure to be well read!
September 28, 2021
Ted dreads going to school every day because he gets bullied for his hair. He's tried everything, and nothing works. He does have one friend, Stacy, who's obsessed with figuring out the mystery of the Brookside Beast, a giant raccoon in their town. When Stacy invites two new kids to their secret meeting place, Ted feels left behind and betrayed, just as he's figuring out his hair's superpowers. For fans of Dog Man and Lunch Lady.
December 10, 2020
What started as basic story about Ted getting bullied for his appearance took a magical turn with the discovery of his hair having superpowers! I think this book sends an important message to young readers with laughs along the way. The illustrations are adorable and accompany the text well. I know my 4th graders will love this book!
December 18, 2020
I would DEFINITELY include this fun graphic novel in our classroom library, I appreciated the authentic accounts of bullying because of your hair, it was unexpected and is what makes the story stand out. The story was an account of daily life for kids in school, their friends, trying to fit in and sometimes feeling left out. I would start this as early as 3rd grade through 6th.
July 4, 2023
great comic about everything is not as it seems
Great comic about everything is not as it seems. Students are nice or mean based on appearances and once they get to know them their true colors come out and they can all be friends. Quick read and great art make this a great for reculant readers.
Great comic about everything is not as it seems. Students are nice or mean based on appearances and once they get to know them their true colors come out and they can all be friends. Quick read and great art make this a great for reculant readers.
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November 7, 2025What is that? It's coming for us! Ted had to think of something quick before the Brookstown beast eats us up into mini pieces. Oh no it's gaining on us! Boom!
I loved this book because it had a lot of cliff-hangers that were really good. It was also very tense. The author did a really good job making the words mean a lot to the reader. And that's why I love this book.
I loved this book because it had a lot of cliff-hangers that were really good. It was also very tense. The author did a really good job making the words mean a lot to the reader. And that's why I love this book.
December 17, 2025
Ted is a normal kid except for his hair lots of people make fun of him for it. It is orange and sticks up he also had a lot of hair when he was just a baby. They had tried to cut but it all grew back in a second, and they also went to a doctor but that did not help. Today was another day to be laughed at because of his hair. When he came down stairs in the morning his dad was talking about the Brookside beast [ A giant raccoon] and that a resident had found foot prints of the beast in there backyard. He went to the bus stop and Jayla was there. Jayla was the most feared so Ted and his best friend Stacey hid behind a bush. After school Stacey showed Ted an old ware house in his back yard he opened the door and it was a research station for the beast. One day when he went there the door opened and the two people who laughed at him were there.
March 4, 2021
Thank you #netgalley and #quilltreebooks for sending me Bedhead Ted ARC. This was a cute children graphic novel. I loved the graphics but the story wasn't up to par. I think there could be more to the story about the bullying.
September 11, 2021
Really cute middle-grade graphic about a kid who doesn't fit in, and the worry many kids that age go through when your best friend suddenly start making friends with other kids and you feel left out.
January 14, 2022
It was cute. There was a twist concerning Ted's hair. That I do not think you saw coming. With that said, I think it was a solid read.
Verdict: The old guy was sneaky at the end. He made it seem like it was gone, but it isn't!
Verdict: The old guy was sneaky at the end. He made it seem like it was gone, but it isn't!
June 25, 2022
I would love to have Teds hair. I would not care what other people say, I would let my freak flag fly high! It would be so cool though to have hair with powers. I could so much stuff with it. This book is amazing and I give this a 4.5⭐.
December 30, 2024
This was okay. I thought the kids were really mean to him and it was just kinda convenient that his hair had a superpower. I wasn’t really sure whether the guy was telling the truth about the beast or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
November 14, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
January 29, 2021
Bedhead Ted is a wonderful book for a classroom library or just a child who is struggling to read. This graphic novel would help in getting a child excited to read. The illustrations are so cute and wonderful. I would recommend this book to anyone!!
May 29, 2021
Great story. Super cute. I won an ARC through goodreads, so I'm sure the finished copy will be even better. Passed it along to my nephews to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews