Pizza Face

Reach for this book when your middle schooler begins expressing deep shame about their appearance, particularly acne, or when they start noticing and comparing their family's financial situation to their peers. It is a vulnerable and relatable graphic memoir that follows young Rex as he navigates the sudden onset of puberty and the social hierarchy of middle school. Beyond the physical changes, the story explores the heavy emotional weight of living in a low-income household where name-brand clothes and expensive skin treatments are out of reach. This is an essential read for building resilience and normalizing the awkward, often painful transition into adolescence. It helps children understand that their worth is not defined by their skin or their bank account, providing a much-needed mirror for those feeling invisible or 'less than.'