Eighth Grade Is Making Me Sick Ginny Daviss Year In Stuff by Jennifer L. Holm

This innovative middle-grade novel presents eighth grader Ginny Davis's entire year through a vibrant collection of ephemera, including diary entries, text messages, report cards, and doctor's bills. This scrapbook-style format offers a uniquely immersive look into the whirlwind of changes Ginny faces, from her family's move to a new house and her stepfather's job loss to her mother's pregnancy and her evolving friendship with Brian. The visual storytelling provides an immediate, authentic window into the anxieties and triumphs of early adolescence, making complex family dynamics and personal growth feel tangible and relatable for young readers navigating their own social and emotional landscapes.

Holm masterfully uses this format to explore weighty themes like financial insecurity, family illness, and shifting friendships with a light touch that never feels overwhelming. The book's scrapbook aesthetic will particularly resonate with graphic novel enthusiasts and reluctant readers who appreciate visual storytelling, while the deeply personal artifacts create an intimate connection to Ginny's journey. Through this creative collage of a school year, readers witness a powerful, resilient portrait of a girl learning to adapt, finding her voice, and discovering that even the most chaotic periods can lead to unexpected growth and strength.