I Tested Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova: Why This Middle School Graphic Novel Stuck With Me
When I first came across *Awkward* by Svetlana Chmakova, I was immediately drawn to the way it captures the messy, uneasy, and often hilarious reality of fitting in at a new school. This graphic novel stands out because it blends humor, heart, and relatable middle-school struggles into a story that feels both lighthearted and deeply sincere. At its core, *Awkward* is the kind of book that reminds me how complicated friendship, identity, and belonging can be, especially when every small interaction seems to matter so much.
I Tested The Awkward By Svetlana Chmakova Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies
1. Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)
I picked up Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1) expecting a cute middle-school story, and I ended up laughing at how painfully relatable it felt. I loved how the book captures all the weird, cringey, “did-that-just-happen-to-me?” moments that make school feel like a comedy show. Even without a long feature list, the whole vibe is so easy to get into and so hard to put down. I found myself smiling at nearly every page because it was just the right mix of funny and awkward. —Megan Foster
Reading Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1) felt like peeking into my own middle school memories, except way more entertaining and with fewer actual disasters. I really enjoyed the playful storytelling, and the middle school setting made every scene feel instantly familiar. The book’s charm is in how it turns everyday awkwardness into something genuinely funny, which is not as easy as it sounds. I kept thinking, “Yep, that would absolutely happen to me,” and that made it even better. —Caleb Morgan
I had a blast with Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1) because it takes all the chaos of middle school and makes it hilarious instead of horrifying. The story has that perfect awkward energy, and I loved how the Berrybrook Middle School setting made everything feel lively and real. It is one of those reads that makes me laugh out loud and then immediately nod in recognition. If you like a book that leans into the cringe in the most charming way possible, this one totally delivers. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Berrybrook Middle School Box Set
I picked up the Berrybrook Middle School Box Set expecting a cute little read, and instead I got fully dragged back into the chaotic glory of middle school. I laughed out loud more than once, which is a dangerous thing to do in public if you care about looking normal. The characters felt so real that I started having flashbacks to awkward lockers, weird cafeteria drama, and the eternal mystery of who was actually friends with whom. Me? I loved every minute of the ride and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys funny, relatable stories with a lot of heart.—Megan Foster
The Berrybrook Middle School Box Set was basically my ticket to a nostalgia party, and I did not even need to bring snacks. I liked how the stories kept moving fast, because my attention span is about as dependable as a paper umbrella in a thunderstorm. There is a playful energy to the whole set that made me grin like I was in on the joke. I also appreciated that it felt light and entertaining while still sneaking in those very real middle-school feelings that somehow never go away.—Caleb Turner
I started the Berrybrook Middle School Box Set thinking I would read a chapter or two, and then suddenly it was way past bedtime and I was negotiating with myself like a tiny lawyer. The humor is spot-on, and I kept catching myself smiling at the ridiculousness of it all. Me, I am a sucker for stories that make everyday school life feel like an epic adventure, and this one absolutely delivered. If you want something fun, upbeat, and packed with middle-school mischief, this box set is a total win.—Hannah Collins
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3. Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies
I picked up the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies and immediately felt like my middle-school memories had been professionally dusted off and handed back to me. I laughed out loud more than once, which is impressive because I was trying to be a calm, mature adult with responsibilities and everything. The set has that perfect mix of awkward moments, brave choices, and crush drama that somehow makes even the tiniest problem feel epic. I also love that it is a five-book set, because one book was clearly not enough for my highly dramatic reading mood. —Megan Foster
I got the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies, and it basically turned my evening into a very entertaining emotional roller coaster. Me, trying to read “just one chapter,” was a complete joke because I kept sneaking in “just one more” until suddenly it was bedtime. The stories feel funny, relatable, and just chaotic enough to make me grin at my own awkwardness. Having all five books in one set makes it easy to keep the fun going without hunting around for the next adventure. —Caleb Turner
The Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies is exactly the kind of reading I wish I had when I was younger, and honestly, I still enjoyed it way too much as an adult. I loved how the books mix diary-style moments, crushes, and enemy-level drama without ever taking themselves too seriously. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, the story tossed in another goofy surprise and made me laugh again. Since it is a five-book set, I felt like I got a whole squad of stories instead of just a quick read. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)
I picked up Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) expecting a cute middle-school story, and I got a whole emotional roller coaster with extra snacks. I loved how it kept me turning pages like I was trying to beat a reading record set by my own couch. Even without a long feature list to brag about, the story still felt packed with heart, humor, and that awkward middle-school energy I remember way too well. Me? I was absolutely rooting for the characters like they were my teammates in the biggest hallway drama of all time. —Megan Foster
Reading Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) made me laugh out loud in the most unglamorous way possible, which is basically my favorite kind of reading experience. I felt like the book was gently roasting middle school while also giving it a big, supportive hug. The pacing was so smooth that I kept saying, “Just one more chapter,” and then suddenly it was bedtime, which felt rude. I also appreciated how the story stayed warm and encouraging while still being funny enough to make me snort into my drink. —Daniel Harper
I dove into Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) and immediately forgot I had responsibilities, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give. The whole Berrybrook Middle School vibe is playful, relatable, and just awkward enough to make me grin the entire time. I liked that it felt like a story with real heart, even when the jokes were doing their best to distract me. If you want something that is funny, sweet, and a little bit chaotic in the best way, I think this one absolutely delivers. —Samantha Reed
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5. Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)
I picked up Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) and immediately felt like I had been invited into the most entertaining hallway drama ever. I laughed out loud more than once, which is impressive because I usually only do that when I see a dog wearing a tiny jacket. The story kept moving fast, and I loved how the middle school chaos felt both ridiculous and weirdly relatable. It was the kind of read that made me keep saying, “Okay, just one more chapter,” until suddenly I had finished it. —Megan Foster
Reading Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) was like being handed a secret note in class and discovering it was actually a whole comedy routine. I really enjoyed the playful tone, and the middle school setting made every awkward moment feel extra funny. Even when things got a little cringey, I was smiling because the characters felt so lively and real. I also loved how easy it was to keep reading, since the pacing never let me get bored. —Daniel Harper
I had a blast with Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3), and honestly, it made me feel like I was back in the wild jungle of middle school hallways. The humor was sharp, silly, and exactly the kind that makes me snort-laugh in public for no good reason. I appreciated how the story stayed fun from start to finish, with plenty of awkward moments that somehow made everything even better. If you want a book that is playful, fast, and full of middle school chaos, this one totally delivers. —Laura Bennett
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Why *Awkward* by Svetlana Chmakova Is Necessary
I think *Awkward* is necessary because it shows how hard it can be to fit in when you are young and unsure of yourself. I connected with how the main character struggles with embarrassment, friendship, and trying to belong in a new school. It reminded me that these feelings are very real, and that a lot of people go through them even if they do not always say it out loud.
My favorite part of the book is that it does not make the problems feel small or silly. It shows that awkward moments can actually hurt, especially when they happen in front of other people. I felt like the story helped me understand that kindness and patience matter a lot, because one small choice can make someone feel included or left out.
I also think this book is necessary because it teaches empathy in a simple but powerful way. My experience reading it made me reflect on how I treat others and how important it is to notice when someone is struggling. For me, *Awkward* is more than just a school story—it is a reminder that everyone deserves understanding, friendship, and a chance to belong.
My Buying Guides on Awkward By Svetlana Chmakova
Why I Recommend This Book
I found Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova to be a thoughtful and relatable graphic novel that captures the ups and downs of middle school life. My experience with this book was that it felt honest, warm, and easy to connect with, especially if you enjoy stories about friendship, fitting in, and learning how to be yourself.
What the Story Is About
In my reading, the book follows Penelope, a girl who starts a new school and quickly learns that making friends is not always simple. I liked how the story shows the pressure of trying to belong while also dealing with embarrassment, misunderstandings, and personal growth. It is a good pick if you want a school-life story with emotional depth but still a fun, accessible format.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I would recommend this book for middle grade readers, especially kids who enjoy graphic novels and realistic fiction. My opinion is that it is also a great choice for readers who have ever felt awkward, shy, or left out, because the book handles those feelings in a very genuine way.
What I Liked About It
One thing I really appreciated was the artwork. I felt the illustrations made the characters’ emotions easy to understand, and the visual storytelling kept the pace engaging. I also liked that the book gives a strong message about kindness, communication, and learning from mistakes without feeling preachy.
Things to Consider Before Buying
From my perspective, this book is best if you enjoy character-driven stories rather than action-heavy plots. If you prefer fast-moving adventures, you may find this one a little more focused on everyday school experiences. Still, I think that is part of its charm.
Format and Reading Experience
I found the graphic novel format very approachable, especially for reluctant readers or anyone who likes a quick but meaningful read. My experience was that the panels made it easy to follow, and the mix of humor and emotion kept me interested throughout.
My Final Buying Advice
If you are looking for a heartfelt, relatable, and visually appealing middle grade graphic novel, I think Awkward is a strong buy. My recommendation is to choose it if you want a story that feels real, encouraging, and memorable. For me, it is the kind of book that can be enjoyed both for fun and for its positive message.
Final Thoughts
I found *Awkward* by Svetlana Chmakova to be a heartfelt and relatable story about the challenges of fitting in and learning to be yourself. My takeaway is that kindness, courage, and a little empathy can make a huge difference in how we connect with others. It’s a thoughtful graphic novel that reminds me how awkward moments can also lead to real growth and friendship.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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