Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel (Four Eyes #1) (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
The summer is winding down, and Rex’s first year of Middle School is upon him. He’s excited to see all his friends from 5th grade and to start learning even more interesting stuff! But there aren’t many of his old friends at this new middle school, he’s having trouble seeing the board in class, and he hasn’t hit a growth spurt. Rex’s life is about to get a little rough.
Rex learns that he’s gotta be true to himself, and it’s ok to be different. His friends change and so does his perspective. This is an excellent book about how awkward change can be but how fantastic the resulting growth is.
-Izzy
— From Mesmerizing May Staff Picks
Description
A humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic memoir about fitting in, facing bullies, and finding the right pair of glasses.
Sixth grade isn't as great as Rex thought it would be. He's the only kid who hasn't had a growth spurt, and the bullies won't let him forget it. His closest friend is unreliable, at best. And there's a cute girl in his class, who may or may not like him back. With so much going on, everything is a blur -- including Rex's vision! So when he discovers that he needs glasses, and his family can only afford the ugliestpair in the store, any hope Rex had of fitting in goes completely out of focus.
In this true coming-of-age story, Rex has his sights set on surviving sixth grade, but now he's got to find a way to do it with glasses, no friends, and a family that just doesn't get it!
About the Author
Dave Valeza grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor's degree in illustration and a master's degree in sequential art. He's a passionate visual storyteller, and he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys biking and doodling around Savannah, Georgia, where he lives with his husband, cat, and dog. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com.
Rex Ogle is the author of Free Lunch, recipient of the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. His original graphic novel series, Four Eyes, is based on the highs and lows of his middle-school years growing up in Texas. Under the pen name Rey Terciero, he authored Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as well as Swan Lake: Quest for the Kingdoms. Before becoming a full-time writer, Rex worked as an editor in New York for many years and championed a number of licensed titles, including the New York Times bestsellers Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Secret Hero Society: Study Hall of Justice, and Neil Patrick Harris's The Magic Misfits. Rex now writes full time from his home in California. When he's not busy writing, Rex can be found hiking with his dog, playing Mario Kart with his friends, or reading a new favorite book. Learn more about Rex at rexogle.com.
Praise For…
"Valeza's classic-feeling character designs, reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier's work, effectively capture the 1990s aesthetic, and visual jokes, like an optometrist called Eye Caramba, add levity to a thoughtfully rendered read that tackles themes of loneliness, connection, and change." -- Publishers Weekly
"Readers will deeply care for Rex's journey toward self-acceptance, his familial relationships, and his navigation of a new school environment. The bright, clean art emphasizes the emotional highs and lows... A realistic, funny, and heartfelt framing of the hardships of middle school and fitting in." -- Kirkus Review
