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2026 Asian/Pacific American Honor Title for Children’s Literature

“Beautifully ­tackles ­complex ­friendships, sibling ­dynamics, racial identity, and gender expression. This graphic novel about friendship and identity is a must-have for libraries ­serving elementary and middle school readers.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Funny, heartwarming story about belonging, family, compromise, and not rushing to judgment… A great read for any kid unsure of where they fit in.”

—Booklist, Starred Review

Fresh Start

Written by Gale Galligan
Illustrated by Gale Galligan
Published by Graphix

Ollie Herisson’s dad is a diplomat, which means her family moves around a lot. She has already lived in Singapore, Korea, France, and the United States. When Ollie starts at a new school, she doesn’t worry about making a good impression because she knows that when her family inevitably moves again, she’ll get a fresh start somewhere else. A complete reset. It doesn’t matter if her classmates think she’s weird for pretending that she lives in the world of an imagined anime, or if she makes an enemy out of the most popular girl in her class, or if she does something hugely embarrassing! And it definitely doesn’t matter that all her mom wants is for Ollie to be more of a proper Thai daughter.

But after moving from Germany to Virginia and having a mortifying first day at her new school, Ollie is shocked to learn that her parents are going to buy a house so that Ollie and her sister, Cat, can finish grade school in one place. Can Ollie figure out how to both be herself and make real friends when she can’t run away from her life?

Primary ISBN: 9781338045864
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Germany, United States (Virginia)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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