Gale Galligan, the creative force behind several Baby-Sitters Club graphic adaptations, offers a refreshing original story for middle-grade readers. Fresh Start centers on seventh-grader Ollie Herisson, a Thai-American girl who has spent her childhood moving between countries due to her father’s diplomatic career. Ollie has always used these frequent moves as an escape route; if she did something embarrassing, she knew she would soon be starting over in a new city. However, her life changes when her family settles permanently in Virginia. Now, Ollie must learn to manage long-term social circles and own up to her mistakes without the safety net of a moving van. This book serves as an excellent bridging text for students who feel overwhelmed by traditional novels. With a Lexile of GN420L, the reading level is approachable, yet the themes remain sophisticated enough for twelve-year-olds. Galligan uses vibrant, manga-inspired illustrations to assist the text, using visual metaphors to explain complex feelings like family pressure or social anxiety. The dialogue is kept in short bubbles with simple sentence structures, making the narrative easy to follow for reluctant readers. Having earned starred reviews from major sources like Kirkus and School Library Journal, it is a top-tier choice for any school collection.
From a changemaker perspective, this book is a great asset for exploring cultural identity and the IB Learner Profile trait of being open-minded. It touches on themes related to Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by highlighting the experience of a multiracial student trying to find her place. Teachers can use Ollie’s journey to prompt discussions about being caught between different cultural expectations, such as when her mother worries that Ollie isn’t “Thai enough”. One practical classroom application involves having students create their own “identity maps” or short comic strips to share their own family traditions. The graphic format is particularly helpful here; the visual cues allow every student, regardless of their literacy level, to engage in deep conversations about belonging. Instead of just talking about abstract concepts, educators can point to Ollie’s history of living in diverse countries to show how international perspectives shape a person. Ultimately, the story provides a path for students to embrace their authentic selves and treat others with curiosity rather than judgment. This helps build a more inclusive environment while giving students the confidence to share their own unique stories.
