Books › Crush
Crush
234 pages
A sweet, funny, and deeply relatable exploration of the butterflies and blunders that come with a first middle-school crush.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic novel feels like stepping back into the bustling, chaotic hallways of middle school, but with a comforting, empathetic guide by your side. The pacing is brisk and breezy, carried by expressive artwork and snappy dialogue that perfectly captures the awkward, endearing reality of early adolescence. It wraps the reader in a warm, lighthearted mood, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotional tenderness. The story beautifully navigates the dizzying shift from comfortable routines to the sudden, overwhelming butterflies of a first crush, all while exploring the shifting dynamics of long-time friendships. It is an absolute delight for anyone who loves cozy, character-driven slice-of-life stories that celebrate gentle giants, quiet bravery, and the messy joy of growing up.
- Mood
- warm
- lighthearted
- awkward
- cozy
- Tone
- earnest
- humorous
- sweet
- empathetic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- first crushes · shifting friendships · breaking stereotypes · middle school social dynamics · finding your voice
- The writing
- Breezy and dialogue-driven, relying on expressive visual storytelling and authentic, snappy middle-school vernacular.
- The arc
- Moves from the comfortable silence of a gentle giant into the dizzying awkwardness of a first crush, culminating in a heartwarming embrace of vulnerability.
- Who it's for
- Readers looking for a cozy, relatable slice-of-life graphic novel that captures the sweet, stumbling reality of middle school.
Content notes
- mild bullying
- social anxiety
About the book
When the group dynamic among Jorge's friends starts to shift, he must learn to balance what his friends expect of him and what he really wants.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Crush
See why they match
AwkwardSvetlana ChmakovaA warm, deeply relatable dive into the chaotic, anxiety-inducing, and ultimately rewarding world of middle school friendships.
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should FeelSara FarizanA warm, witty exploration of the sheer panic and ultimate joy of a high school queer awakening.
NightschoolSvetlana ChmakovaA shadowy, energetic plunge into a hidden supernatural academy where magic, mystery, and teenage angst collide.
Making friendsKristen GudsnukA chaotic, colorful, and deeply relatable magical romp through the awkward transitions of middle school.
All's faire in middle schoolVictoria JamiesonA warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school.
Real FriendsShannon HaleA deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.