The New Girl

Moving to a new country is hard enough without your body deciding to throw its own surprise party. In this heartfelt and hilariously honest graphic novel, Lia’s world turns upside down as she leaves Romania behind—and then her period arrives at the absolute worst moment. Talk about timing.

This beautifully illustrated coming-of-age story captures the messy, awkward, and ultimately triumphant experience of starting over. As Lia navigates a new language, unfamiliar school hallways, and the mysteries of her changing body, readers will find themselves rooting for her with every turn of the page. The graphic novel format brings Lia’s journey to vivid life, making even the most uncomfortable moments feel relatable and real.

Perfect for middle-grade readers who are:

• Experiencing their own big changes (new schools, new bodies, new everything)
• Fans of authentic, character-driven graphic novels
• Looking for stories that tackle real issues with humor and heart
• Interested in immigration experiences told from a kid’s perspective

Drawn from the author’s own immigration story, The New Girl offers something rare: a story that doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff but still manages to be funny and uplifting. It’s the kind of book that says, “You’re not alone in feeling out of place”—and means it. Whether your reader is navigating their own transitions or simply loves a good story about finding yourself, this graphic novel deserves a spot on their shelf.

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