Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel

Four Eyes #2

by Rex Ogle, Dave Valeza (Illustrator), Ash Szymanik (Colorist)

From Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza, the creators of Four Eyes, comes the second book in this humorous and heartfelt middle-school memoir trilogy.

Just can't face it!

On the first day of seventh grade, Rex encounters a bump in the road -- a big angry pimple right in the center of his forehead. And this is only the beginning of his problems. What follows is a frustrating battle with stubborn acne, body odor, and other embarrassments of puberty. Still struggling with a home life edging on the poverty line, Rex can't afford to buy the acne medication or deodorant he needs, and bullies are noticing Rex's awkward transformation. On top of it all, things have gotten weird with his friends, making Rex feel like he can't do or say anything right. So far, seventh grade stinks!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Comics, Friendship, Juvenile

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2024

About the author

Holy moly! I am so humbled and honored for y'all to read my books. Big hugs to all of ya.

Also, check out graphic novels under my pen name REY TERCIERO.

Bio:
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.

Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.

Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).

Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this one better than the first book in the series: Four Eyes. I recommend reading them in order because the first book gives insight to the characters that is needed for understanding the plot and character development in this installment. CW: sexism

Pizza Face works so well as a new look into the life of our favorite character Rex. As he enters seventh grade, Rex begins to notice changes in not only his classmates, but also himself. It's the dreaded stages of puberty. Rex feels left behind in his development and struggles with acne on his face and other parts of his body. I appreciated this one more than the second one because of the character development and subject matter. I'm always looking for more books that address puberty especially those changes faced by boys outside of our regular non-fiction titles. This book does a great job in illustrating the struggles that Rex faces, but also the worries and insecurities faced by his classmates. Puberty can be extremely isolating especially if a child thinks that no one else is experiencing it at the same rate/level of intensity. Every single one of the characters in here makes mistakes, struggles with changes, etc which makes it feel extremely relatable. I wasn't sure that I was going to enjoy it based on my experience with the first graphic novel, but I'm hoping that Rex Ogle will consider adding another installment to the series. The artwork, lining, and inking were excellent!

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just gotten over being self-conscious about his glasses in the first book, now little Rex Ogle has to be anxious about the pimples suddenly sprouting on his face and the body odor brought on by puberty. But even that is overshadowed by all the bullying and friendship drama from just being in seventh grade.

Another solid and optimistic middle school graphic novel that whitewashes over the family life Ogle has painted in a much harsher light in his text memoirs.

As it is, some readers might object to the displays of children smoking and resorting to violence to resolve conflict.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Part One. Zits -- Part Two. Breaking Out -- Part Three. Cleaning Up

[caroline ౨ৎ FREE PALESTINE]

stole it from my sister I was bored

[Lost in Book Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Again!

Today we are going to talk about the second graphic novel I read last week! I grabbed this graphic novel one evening after work and went to my cozy place and read the entire thing in one sitting. This graphic novel flew by in the best way possible (with me flipping every page and looking to learn what happens next), so without further ado, let’s talk about the story!

SPOILERS AHEAD

Rex is about to enter 7th grade. It’s a big year but Rex has a great group of friends and is kind of sort of ready for whatever 7th grade might throw his way. However, Rex wakes up for the first morning of school and he has his first pimple. This is not at all what Rex wanted or expected but he still has to go to school and he has a semi miserable first day with kids picking on him. As the school week and year goes on things only get tougher when he says the wrong things and his friends stop talking with him. Now Rex is alone and battling the 7th grade, but maybe he can find a way to get his friends back.

I loved getting the chance to read Rex’s story and see how he is able to overcome obstacles that he meets in 7th grade and at home. Rex’s life is not at all what he expected for this year and he is able to tackle it even if it’s not always in a head-on fashion. Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinions. I definitely recommend this graphic novel, it is on shelves now!

Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars

***Thank you so much to the publisher for the ARC copy!

[Laela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve often thought that the raw, unfiltered essence of adolescence is like being thrown into a vat of uncertainty, seasoned with a generous dash of acne. In Rex Ogle’s Pizza Face, this sentiment is captured with a poignancy and hilarity that is both endearing and heartbreaking.

What I found most compelling about Pizza Face is Ogle’s uncanny ability to remind us of the universal truth that we are all, in some way, marked by our experiences—be they physical, emotional, or social. Kevin’s journey is one of embracing his flaws, learning that the things that make us different are the things that make us beautiful. It’s a message that resonates deeply, not just with the teenage heart, but with anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in.

Although Four Eyes didn’t quite resonate with me, this book surpasses it in ways that matter. It dives into those awkward, yet essential topics that middle schoolers grapple with—like the harsh reality that, despite our deepest fears, not everything is about us.

If you’re looking to plant these seeds of self-awareness in the tween in your life, this book is exactly what you need.

[Bennett Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t the best, Ogle didn’t explain the plot throughly, I don’t want you to think that I generally think that this is a bad book, it just wasn’t for me.

[Julie Grace Immink · Rating 4 out of 5]

The X-Men of puberty

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been more happy to discover this second Graphic Novel in the Four Eyes Series, Pizza Face. This amazing GN by @thirdrex @dave.valeza once again receives a 5 ⭐️ rating.

Puberty has hit our favorite seventh grader and NOTHING seems to go his way. He has breakouts on his face, arguments with his friends, where he cannot figure out what he did wrong; he's shorter than everyone and even smells to make matters worse! Bullies, girls, a mom who doesn't listen. What is a squeaky voiced tween going to do!

I love how this book may be about a boy but can be read and enjoyed by both girls and boys, especially those tweens going through the same experiences as Rex. I cannot wait until this book comes out next summer. I am going to have to purchase multiple copies for my library! Thank you Edelweiss for the digital ARC!

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot like the first in the series--like almost exactly what happened in the first one except acne rather than glasses being the sticking point. But it was just as enjoyable, so no points taken off. :) The main character is emotional, but he is really not being treated well by a lot of people in his life. I know his family is not well off, but his mom telling him to shower more when he requests deodorant is not reasonable. And the way his mom is so irritated when her mother steps in to buy him the things he needs isn't either. But I liked the way the characters all find out at the end that every person in the 7th grade has things they are ashamed of or not happy about, but most are two obsessed with hiding their own things to even notice everyone else's!

[Evelynn Dickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of drama. I’m surprised it’s not called drama! The books about solving hard problem and puberty. This books a good book for someone who needs inspiration. On my reread list for sure.

[Lexi Brannon-Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Cute but a little all over the place! I do love the main character

[lucy grace ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

traumatizing

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

solid 4 ⭐️! I didn’t expect the themes of class struggle in a middle grade graphic novel but it was really well done. The book is lol funny now reading at my big age. I would love to get this kid some starface.

[Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read! Honestly a really good take on what middle school life is like and how to help navigate the weirdest time of school.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed its predecessor more, but this book still had good messages and was a great read.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book for 7th grade boys (and girls) about the body changes and social pressures that they go through. Well done

[Kelsey Dangelo-Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rex Ogle’s second graphic novel memoir about middle school, this time dealing with puberty and skin problems. His stories are painfully identifiable. He captures the social challenges of navigating friends and image. He also does a wonderful job of showing how poverty can exacerbate the challenges of poverty, which is a voice not often enough heard.
Definitely deserves a place on the MG bookshelf.

[Tangerine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed a little unrealistic and majority of the characters are assholes or dramatic

[Megan Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that we get to see the events of Abuela, Don’t Forget Me and Free Lunch in graphic novel form.

I’ll definitely be reading the next one!

[Tamsyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another on-the-money graphic novel about middle school, based on Rex Ogle's experiences in 7th grade. Lots of situations to which students can relate, plus a fun graphic style.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming-of-age story

[Angela Y (yangelareads) ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5

[Diana Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to see a coming-of-age graphic novel featuring a male main character. Rex deals with puberty (not enough height or hair, too many pimples and mood swings) and the ups and downs of middle school friendship.

Read as an ARC from the publisher through Edelweiss. Publication date: July 2, 2024

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Pizza Face has vibrant art and a strong supporting cast (loved the abuela), but some family dynamics felt rushed or left hanging. A relatable, sometimes messy story about middle school and bullying — kind of like a modern Blubber only with more zits.

[Shana Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this sequel to Four Eyes (https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...), Ogle continues his semi-autobiographical story of his troubled middle school experience. He overhears Kennedy, whom he has spent a lot of time, laugh with her friends about his squeaky voice, and stops talking to her. Things go from bad to worse when he wakes up on the first day of school with an enormous zit in the middle of his forehead. Luckily, he's still friends with Scott, and the two share a love of comic books. For a while, Courtney, Emma, and Kennedy sit with the boys at lunch, but as his relationship with Kennedy deteriorates, and he doesn't stand up to bullies who make fun of the girls, they move to another table. Chase, whom Rex has know in the past, returns to school a little "cooler"; he smokes, and looks a little like Kurt Cobain, with his shaggy hair and skater clothing. (This is set in the 1990s.) Chase is not nice to Scott, who stops speaking to Rex. Chase is a bad influence in many ways. He's unkind to Rex, smokes, picks fights with others, and treats his girlfriend badly. Rex's problems with acne continue, and because his family is struggling to make ends meet, Rex's mother refuses to buy him special soap or acne medication. His abuela, who often visits, does make sure that he has supplies, including deodorant, which his mother also won't buy. Eventually, he comes clean to Kennedy about why he stopped talking to her and the two reconcile. His abuela takes him to a dermatologist, and having a plan of attack for his problems helps.
Strengths: It is a rare middle school student who is untouched by acne, so most readers will be sympathetic to Rex's blight and glad to know some tips for skin care. Friend drama also looks large, so the various difficulties Rex faces with his friends are realistic. There are also some bullies in school, and Rex is a perfect target, although he does make peace with one, who in turn picks him first in gym class for a change. It was interesting to see the financial struggles of the family and how they impacted Rex, and the mother and stepfather is kinder in the graphic novels than they are in Free Lunch. Abuela is the star, giving Rex lots of support in many different ways.
Weaknesses: I'm not sure that acne makes children the target of bullying as much any more, in the same way that braces and glasses are fairly standard and unworthy of comment. It's a huge trend in my school for students to wear brightly colored, adhesive star patches over zits. Granted, these are expensive, and children with cystic acne or more blemishes would not benefit from these, but I've just not seen this type of behavior at my school. I'm sure students still feel awful when they have acne. This book includes helpful representation in that respect, so I'll probably buy a copy.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Scrivan's Nat Enough or Libenson's Invisible Emmie series, both of which deal with middle school anxiety and self perception.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing young Rex’s story that was begun in FOUR EYES, PIZZA FACE begins just as 7th grade does and Rex finds that while puberty hasn’t caused any real height, muscle mass, body hair or manly voice, it has popped out all over his face. Adding to his misery is the undeniable facts that he stinks at sports, keeps making mistakes with his friends, has to deal with rich kid Victor’s verbal abuse and his family continues to struggle financially, even with both parents working long hours.

The middle school/junior high school years can be tough and Rex Ogle’s dialogue and Dave Valeza’s graphic panels do a great job reflecting some of the tough realities for kids at that age. Drawing on his own experiences growing up in a blended, working class family, Ogle’s book character feels authentic and readers may, hopefully, come away with some new understanding of others and in many ways, themselves. The book concludes with a clear reminder that we all have similar battles with body image, self-esteem, and finding where and with whom we fit best. Characters represent a variety of body shapes, skin tones, economic status, popularity, interests and more meaning that anyone who picks up PIZZA FACE will relate to someone.

Scholastic indicates that PIZZA FACE is targeted to grades 3-7 but with the focus of this installment in the series being puberty, the locker room humor (including lots of talk about body hair and an innuendo about shoe size having significance), and health class lessons that include a reference to pubic hair and a student responding to the teacher’s comment about growth with, “Yeah, my ‘nads are getting huge,” I would shift that range more to grades 6-8.

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this graphic novel for ages 8-12. The sequel did not disappoint.
The main character is in 7th grade now. The art by Dave Valeza is really great. I love the style. I didn't want to stop reading this, and finished it in two sittings. I am including my other review here, with one addition--this installment focuses on puberty.
I would have given 4.5 stars if a couple of things had been more realistic. Rex has a little brother not in school yet, but old enough to take Karate lessons. He acts like he's 3, or even 2, with some of this behaviors and his speech. However, his size and his karate lessons make him seem 4. If he has some cognitive or speech delays, it would have made sense to mention that. Then I wouldn't have been annoyed by his talk being too babyish. The other thing I wasn't sure about is how mature and loving Rex is near the end. He says really nice things to his mom that seem like a late teen or 20s child might get the gumption to say. I know that saying those things aloud are very important to the story, and also great role modeling for the readers. Maybe they could have been said in a more age appropriate, mumbling way, with lots of "like" and "y'know" thrown in to show he was uncomfortable saying those sweet and kind things. : )
This includes bullying, and figuring out how to handle it on your own. Since this is based on the author's childhood, I feel like this is recent historical fiction, with no cell phones and all that. Therefore, it was so normal not to tell an adult.
Also included: friends changing, new friends, acceptance of who you are, low income, Hispanic heritage, stuttering, family love, and more.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The topic focuses on what kids go through when it comes to growing up and hitting puberty. There is some drama between friends and bullies, but I love how the characters overcome and all come together at the end. Such a great theme and story overall. I love the illustrations, and the story made me laugh several times. A hit for me! I recommend this for 5th graders or older since some of the materials is mature such as puberty, girlfriends, bullying, etc. Please see my list below for specifics.

Content Warnings for readers:
pg. 11 the boy tells his mom to get out of the bathroom because "I'm practically naked." when he has a towel around his waist
pg.23 his grandmother tells him he is "going through puberty"
pg. 42 the character says "you get a monthly child support check from my dad" but doesn't go into detail
pg. 57 dipicts the children smoking but the box says it is candy and there is no smoke
pg. 58 "hooking up with your girlfriend's friend"
pg. 60 "sourpuss"
pg. 60 the dad encouages his son to beat up the other kids who are bullying him
pg. 74 "sexual reproduction" "she said sex"
pg.94 "my nads are getting huge"
pg. 95 the list of ways your body changes is hair growing in the "pubic area"
pg. 130 name-calling "prepubescent gnat"
pg. 141 "All year has sucked..."
pg. 174 two students are going to fight after school and someone shouts "Kick him in the nards. Game Over."

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rex Ogle is back with a sequel to his wildly popular graphic novel Four Eyes. Pizza Face continues to follow teen Rex as he navigates middle school friendship drama, puberty, bullying, and family relationships.

What I Liked: Having two boys of my own, I am glad that there is a graphic novel that realistically portrays puberty and changes to your body, such as acne, body odor, hair, and voice changes. Rex struggles with acne, hence the name Pizza Face, and the way he is teased by his classmates is something that I'm sure readers can relate to. In addition to the physical changes puberty brings, the emotional turmoil is realistic and well-depicted. Rex is constantly angry and resentful of his mom as he feels she isn't doing enough to help him get rid of his acne. Rex feels ashamed that his family doesn't have the money for deodorant and he buys his clothes at the Goodwill. Young readers will be able to relate to these issues. The graphic novel format enhances the story and conveys Rex's emotions well.

Pizza Face is a humorous graphic novel that is a must-read for tweens and teens who will be able to relate to this coming-of-age story.

This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here:
https://www.yabookscentral.com/pizza-...