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eggjen's review
4.0
I liked how it blended fantasy and RPG games with real life problems. A fun story but also some important life lessons along the way. Mental health is a big focus of the story.
odurant8's review against another edition
4.0
Maggie begins 6th grade with both excitement and anxiety. Will she make friends? Does she have to follow in the footsteps of her older siblings by joining the academic clubs they focused on, or can she just have fun? Is there really a monster waiting outside to eat the middle school students? Guiding even her smallest decisions is an ever-present 20-sided die that is part of an RPG she plays with her family. The struggle to ignore whatever number she rolls and make her own decisions becomes more difficult as she gets deeper into the school year and all of its stresses. She is lucky to have a supportive family and friends to lean on as she slowly figures out that she might need some extra help.
This is a refreshingly accurate portrayal of OCD that doesn't use some sort of catastrophic event as a catalyst for Maggie getting help, and no one forces her to do so. She is allowed to make her own choices, even as a 6th grader, which helps her feel more secure in her decisions. The audio adaptation of this relatable graphic novel was well-executed by a full cast and great transitions and sound effects. Highly recommended for both kids and tweens that struggle with anxiety, and would also make a great empathy builder. Received from Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
This is a refreshingly accurate portrayal of OCD that doesn't use some sort of catastrophic event as a catalyst for Maggie getting help, and no one forces her to do so. She is allowed to make her own choices, even as a 6th grader, which helps her feel more secure in her decisions. The audio adaptation of this relatable graphic novel was well-executed by a full cast and great transitions and sound effects. Highly recommended for both kids and tweens that struggle with anxiety, and would also make a great empathy builder. Received from Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
smallskim's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mothreadsbookssometimes's review
5.0
Just Roll With It is a graphic novel about a girl, Maggie, dealing with middle school and OCD/anxiety. She lives her life by the results of her D20 and discovers that it’s okay to ask for help when you’re struggling.
This book was amazing! There was so much good representation of mental illness and awkward middle school shenanigans and casual queerness. And, of course, D&D (although it’s a fictional game, CAT, in the book).
It read very much like a graphic memoir almost. Having read El Deafo right before this, it was very much the same vibe, so I kept forgetting that this book is fiction. The story was so engaging, and it dealt with the heavy topics that come with mental illness without being super depressing.
This is a book I would absolutely buy as a gift (or for myself😁).
CW: mental illness, bullying, vomit, injury/violence (mostly RPG/fictional), panic disorders
This book was amazing! There was so much good representation of mental illness and awkward middle school shenanigans and casual queerness. And, of course, D&D (although it’s a fictional game, CAT, in the book).
It read very much like a graphic memoir almost. Having read El Deafo right before this, it was very much the same vibe, so I kept forgetting that this book is fiction. The story was so engaging, and it dealt with the heavy topics that come with mental illness without being super depressing.
This is a book I would absolutely buy as a gift (or for myself😁).
CW: mental illness, bullying, vomit, injury/violence (mostly RPG/fictional), panic disorders
abeckett's review
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
twirl's review
4.0
This book was so meaningful. The author balanced a fun and young character with deep thoughts and struggles in a way that would be both enjoyable for young readers and adults. I really connected with the main character Maggie. Even though I don’t have OCD nor know someone with it, I related to how she felt about struggling with her mental health and having a hard time reaching out. The adult characters in this book are so kind and such lovely role models. The art is also very cute. And as always, I love the casually queer background characters. It’s definitely one of the better young graphic novels I’ve read, and I’d recommend it to anyone.
robinreads2much's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ribbonquest's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OCD is expressed in a variety of ways before the term is even brought up. The twenty-sided die is really interesting but there's an extended metaphor with a negative thoughts dragon that I love. Maggie's story feels very real and manages to be uplifting despite her difficulties.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
jennabri0913's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thought this was super cute and handled the mental health topic very well.
christiana's review against another edition
4.0
I really dug this cute graphic! Seamlessly puts together finding new friends, family expectations (and imagined expectations), mental health, and Dungeons & Dragons (which is a tall order)!