Maggie Edkins Willis

Smaller Sister

A debut middle grade graphic novel about body image, confidence, and the everlasting bond of sisterhood.

Lucy's always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then, Lucy notices Olivia start to change. She doesn't want to play with Lucy anymore, she's unhappy with the way she looks, and she's refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is struggling with an eating disorder.

While her family is focused on her sister's recovery, Lucy is left alone to navigate school and friendships. And just like her big sister, she begins to shrink.

But with time, work, and a dose of self-love, both sisters begin to heal and let themselves grow. Soon enough, Olivia and Lucy find their way back to each other―because sisters are the one friend you can never ditch.

Publisher: Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: June 14, 2022
ISBN: 9781250767424

"In her debut graphic novel, Willis draws from her own childhood; the result is a resonant and achingly real work... Middle grade readers will be utterly absorbed by this heartfelt graphic novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, body image, and self-acceptance." ―School Library Journal, starred review

"The accessible tone and format allow a difficult topic to be gently revealed with painful honesty balanced by humor and silliness... Compassionately approaches the stigma and mystery surrounding eating disorders." ―Kirkus, starred review

"Willis’s cathartic debut foregrounds a deep sisterly bond at a crossroads." ―Publishers Weekly

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Maggie Edkins Willis was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in southern Maine. She designed and art directed books for children's publishers for seven years before embarking on a career crafting stories of her own. She now lives in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband, a college football coach, and their husky mix, Mozzarella. When she's not writing or drawing, you can usually find her reading, running, or botching muffin recipes. Her debut graphic novel, Smaller Sister, is based on her own experience as the youngest of three sisters.

maggiemadethis.com

Tags: Middle Grade, Contemporary, Graphic Novel