Weirdo is a 2024 graphic novel memoir written by Tony Weaver Jr. and illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo. It received widely positive reception, including being nominated for the 2025 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.
Plot The book covers Weaver's experiences as a 11-year-old boy. After severe bullying from his peers, Weaver attempts suicide. The book follows Weaver's recovery, finding a community, and embracing being himself.
Background In interviews, Weaver discussed a desire to raise awareness about mental health issues and to bring positive representation of Black children and other people of color into graphic novels as inspirations for the work.
Reception The book was given starred reviews by Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and the School Library Journal. Publishers Weekly noted the shift from full color to black and white to back to color to symbolize Weaver's struggles and eventual recovery, and said the book "culminates in a touching story of belonging, in which Weaver realistically depicts the many small steps required to becoming one’s own hero."
The Stanford Daily also positively reviewed the book. + Awards and nominationsYearAward/HonorResult2026Great Graphic Novels for TeensIncluded2025Eisner Award for Best Publication for KidsFinalistHarvey Award for Best Children's BookFinalistLibby Book Award Middle Grade BookRunner-up2024Publishers Weekly Best Middle Grade Books of the YearIncludedSchool Library Journal Best Graphic NovelsIncludedNew York Public Library Best Books for KidsIncludedGraphic Novels & Comics Round Table - Best Graphic Novels for ChildrenIncluded
Sequel A sequel is planned to release in Spring 2027, with a focus on the effects of standardized testing.
See also
Lunar Boy - graphic novel by Jes and Cin Wibowo.
References