Winifred is trying to be brave. It’s the first day of 10th Grade (Year 11 in NZ) and her best friends have chosen to attend a private school, leaving her all alone.

Luckily someone recognises her and it’s all she needs to make new friends. But her lack of confidence and self consciousness hold her back. She’s constantly on guard, waiting for them to decide she is too big, too plain, not cool, among other putdowns she applies to herself.

Little does she realise, the people she looks up to and admire have their own problems and inner turmoil. Still, these friends help her confidence grow, and with the help of a mentor at school, allow her to pursue her dream of being a graphic novelist.

Although her journey through 10th Grade is a troubled one, her self deprecation decreases as her confidence grows, even letting someone special into her heart.

This graphic novel will appeal to anyone going to high school, wherever they are in the world. Themes of body image, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, self harm, suicidal thoughts and gender identity inhabit the story, but so does a crush, love interests and romance – all relevant to any teenager.

The author has taken many of her high school experiences and bravely shared them in The Greatest Thing. This allows readers to see that no matter how troubled they are, there is someone there to help, whether it be family, friends or school counsellors or staff. Friends may even feel the same, hiding their thoughts and feelings – but once shared, they feel seen and heard and can begin to heal.

The graphic novel within this graphic novel is a love story full of hope and wonder for the future, lifting The Greatest Thing into the same.

Author / Illustrator

Sarah Winifred Searle

Graphic Novel

Age – 14+

(2022, Allen & Unwin, Teenager, High School, Year 11, 10th Grade, Friends, Anxiety, Family, Self harm, Body image, Fitting in, Gay, Bi, LGBTQ+, School Crush, Popular, Graphic Art Project, Zine, Comic, Drawing, Artist, School Project, Self Love, Acceptance, Bulimia, Eating Disorders, Cutting, Counsellor, Mental Health, Growing up, Romance, Secret)