Kayla Miller’s Break is a heartfelt graphic novel that tackles the quiet storms of middle school with grace and authenticity, perfect for readers aged 8–12. The story centers on Clara, a relatable protagonist navigating the shifting tides of friendship after her closest companion, Ximena, begins pulling away. As Clara grapples with feelings of exclusion, she discovers the courage to voice her emotions and rebuild connections through a school debate club. Miller’s vibrant, expressive illustrations capture the subtle tensions of preteen relationships—a sideways glance during lunchtime isolation, the anxious slump of shoulders during an awkward conversation—making complex emotions visible and tangible for young readers. What makes Break stand out for classrooms and libraries is its seamless pairing of visual storytelling with accessible text. The graphic novel format offers built-in scaffolding: detailed panels act as visual context clues, helping readers infer characters’ motivations (like the way Ximena’s folded arms signal defensiveness during a confrontation). Sentences are concise and dialogue-driven, avoiding dense paragraphs that might overwhelm reluctant readers. While the Lexile level aligns with middle-grade norms, Miller intentionally limits idiomatic language, opting instead for realistic, contemporary speech patterns that mirror how students actually communicate (“I just thought we’d always be a pair”). This specificity allows English learners to engage with authentic language without getting tripped up by slang or cultural references. The book’s 2025 Schneider Family Book Award nod underscores its sensitivity to themes of emotional resilience—a quality teachers can leverage during SEL lessons or small-group discussions about conflict resolution. Whether used as a independent read or a prompt for analyzing visual literacy, Break turns the messy work of growing up into a shared, approachable experience.**