About the Author
Kathryn Ormsbee is the author of books for children and young adults, including Growing Pangs and The House in Poplar Wood. Her novels have been critically acclaimed, translated into eight languages, selected for the Indie Next List and Junior Library Guild, and made “best of” lists at Amazon, BookPage, Kirkus, NPR, and the Chicago and New York Public Libraries. She lives with her wife in Texas.
About the Illustrator
Molly Brooks is the author and illustrator of the acclaimed Sanity & Tallulah graphic novel series, as well as the illustrator of Flying Machines and many other short comics. Molly grew up in Tennessee and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife and cats.
Praise for Turning Twelve
★ “A heartfelt and endearing snapshot of adolescence.”
—Kirkus, starred review
“Through Katie’s story Ormsbee and Brooks craft a graphic novel that provides a realistic and empathetic exploration of understanding one’s identity. Her struggle to ask questions and identify her feelings, especially in the religious community, will be relatable to young readers with similar journeys…This exploration of crushes and growing up is a must for the realistic graphic novel genre.”
—School Library Journal
“A respectful portrayal of an adolescent girl learning to think independently.”
—The Horn Book
“Twelve cheers for TURNING TWELVE! Readers will root for Katie as she navigates seventh grade and stays true to her own heart.”
—Megan Wagner Lloyd, author of Allergic
Awards and Honors:
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2024
BookPage Best Middle Grade Book of 2024
Amazon Best Book of 2024
ALA 2025 Rise Booklist Selection
Praise for Growing Pangs
★ “The story stays true to this child’s experience, and the art… gives equal attention to the high points of Katie’s life while skillfully depicting her lows.”
—Booklist, starred review
“A poignant account of journeying through life while navigating mental health and friendships.”
—Kirkus
“This sensitive, deeply felt graphic novel… will resonate with many readers.”
—The Horn Book
“An incisive and empathetic look at fitting in, anxiety, and what it means to be a good friend.”
—Faith Erin Hicks, creator of The Adventures of Superhero Girl
“A poignant and relatable story about making friends, letting go, and opening up.”
—Terri Libenson, creator of the Emmie & Friends series
“A thoughtful, compassionate portrayal of OCD, particularly in its visual representation of Katie’s anxieties.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Awards and Honors
NPR Best Book of 2022
Target Book Club Pick of 2022
Parents Magazine Best Book of 2022
2022 Oregon Spirit Book Award Winner
2023 NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Title for Outstanding Fiction for Children