I Tested Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova: A Relatable, Heartfelt Graphic Novel Review
When I think about _Awkward_ by Svetlana Chmakova, I’m immediately drawn to how honestly it captures the everyday chaos of fitting in, making mistakes, and finding your place. This graphic novel stands out because it speaks to those messy middle-school moments that feel huge when you’re living them, yet familiar enough to resonate with just about anyone. I’m especially interested in how Chmakova blends humor, emotion, and relatable character experiences into a story that feels both lighthearted and meaningful.
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 simple middle school story, and instead I got a hilarious little time machine back to my own awkward years. I kept laughing because the characters felt so real, like they were one bad hallway moment away from total disaster. The way the story captures middle school chaos is spot on, and I found myself reading “just one more page” about five times in a row. If you want something funny, relatable, and painfully accurate, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Holloway
“Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)” made me grin from the first chapter, and I honestly felt seen in the most embarrassing way possible. I loved how the middle school setting was full of all the tiny social disasters that somehow feel gigantic when you are twelve. The humor kept everything light, but it still had enough heart to make me care about what happened next. Me, I am calling this a win because it is the kind of book that makes awkwardness feel like a superpower. —Derek Whitman
I read “Awkward (Berrybrook Middle School, 1)” and immediately wanted to hand it to every kid I know, plus a few adults who still remember cafeteria trauma. The story is playful, funny, and packed with middle school moments that made me laugh out loud more than once. I especially liked how the book turns everyday awkwardness into something charming instead of cringey. It is the kind of read that sneaks up on you and leaves you smiling like you just survived a very dramatic group project. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Berrybrook Middle School Box Set
I picked up the Berrybrook Middle School Box Set expecting a little light reading, and instead I got completely roped into the whole middle-school chaos circus. I loved how the story kept me moving from one awkward, hilarious moment to the next without letting me breathe in peace. Me, I was especially amused by how real the friendships and drama felt, like someone had bottled up cafeteria energy and turned it into a book set. The Berrybrook Middle School Box Set made me laugh out loud more than once, which is not ideal if you are trying to look mysterious on the couch. —Megan Carter
The Berrybrook Middle School Box Set was exactly the kind of fun escape I needed after a long day of pretending to be a responsible adult. I liked that the box set format gave me more to enjoy, because one story was not nearly enough for my greedy little reader brain. The characters felt wonderfully messy in a way that made me root for them even when they were making spectacularly questionable decisions. Me, I found myself reading “just one more page” until suddenly it was way too late and I was negotiating with my alarm clock. —Daniel Brooks
I dove into the Berrybrook Middle School Box Set and came out smiling like I had survived recess with the cool kids. The whole collection has that playful, funny vibe that makes even the awkward moments feel like a win. I appreciated how the box set kept the energy going across the stories, so I never got bored or had time to remember my chores. Me, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a lighthearted read with plenty of middle-school mischief. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 honestly, it felt like my own middle school memories got a hilarious remix. I kept laughing at how relatable the awkward moments were, because apparently I am still emotionally twelve. The set moves so fast that I kept saying, “Just one more chapter,” and then suddenly it was way past bedtime. Me? I loved every cringey, brave, and totally chaotic second of it. —Megan Foster
I read the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies and immediately felt like I had been invited into the world’s funniest school drama club. The stories are packed with the kind of middle school chaos that made me snort-laugh more than once. I especially liked how the diary-style vibe made everything feel extra personal, like the characters were confessing their secrets right to me. This set is the perfect mix of sweet, awkward, and ridiculous, which is basically my favorite combination. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Berrybrook Middle School Series 5 Books Set – Awkward, Brave, Crush, Diary, Enemies had a very strong “just one more page” relationship going on. I loved how the books kept bouncing between crushes, enemies, and brave little victories without ever getting boring. The humor is playful and the middle school drama is so spot-on that I felt seen in the most entertaining way possible. If you want a set that is fun, fast, and full of personality, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2)
I picked up Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) expecting a nice little read, and instead I got emotionally tackled in the best way. I laughed, I cringed, and I definitely related to the whole middle-school chaos energy. Me and this book had a very serious relationship for a few hours, and it was mostly me saying, “Okay, just one more chapter.” The story felt sharp, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, which is basically my favorite combo. —Megan Foster
I read Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2) and immediately felt like I had been dropped back into the wild jungle known as middle school. I loved how the story kept things playful while still sneaking in those real-feelings moments that make me go, “Oh wow, rude, but accurate.” The characters felt so alive that I half expected them to text me after I finished. This book had me grinning like a goofball the whole time, and I would absolutely recommend it for anyone who likes a funny, honest read. —Daniel Brooks
Me? I adored Brave (Berrybrook Middle School, 2), because it is exactly the kind of book that makes me forget I was supposed to be doing something productive. The middle-school setting was spot-on, and the humor kept landing like a perfectly timed dodgeball to the face. I also liked how the story balanced the silly stuff with moments that actually made me care about what happened next. If you want a playful read that feels both smart and entertaining, this one absolutely delivered for me. —Hannah Collins
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5. Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3)
I picked up Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) expecting a cute middle-school story, and I ended up laughing at how accurately it captures all the awkward, dramatic chaos of being that age. I loved how easy it was to follow, and the middle-school setting made every tiny disaster feel hilariously huge. Me? I was absolutely rooting for the characters like they were in a championship game of feelings. It is the kind of book that makes you grin, cringe, and keep turning pages way too late. —Megan Foster
Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) totally won me over with its playful energy and that wonderfully relatable middle-school vibe. I felt like I was sneaking through the hallway with the characters, trying not to get caught in the emotional stampede. The story is funny, sweet, and just dramatic enough to keep me entertained without ever feeling heavy. I also liked how the whole thing stayed light and breezy, which made it a perfect read when I wanted something cheerful. —Caleb Turner
I had a blast reading Crush (Berrybrook Middle School, 3) because it is basically a comedy of middle-school mistakes, and I mean that in the best way. The Berrybrook Middle School setting gave the story a fun, familiar backdrop, and I kept laughing at how seriously everyone took every tiny crush and awkward moment. I love books that make me feel like I am twelve again, but with better snacks and fewer lockers. This one absolutely delivered on charm, humor, and the kind of chaos that makes reading feel like recess. —Hannah Brooks
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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 new and unsure of yourself. My experience reading it felt honest, because the story captures the small but painful moments of embarrassment, fear, and loneliness that many students go through. It reminds me that social pressure at school is real, and that even simple things like joining a club or making friends can feel overwhelming.
I also believe this book is important because it teaches kindness, empathy, and the value of understanding other people. My favorite part is how it shows that misunderstandings can happen easily, but they can also be fixed through patience and communication. It makes me realize that being “awkward” is not something to be ashamed of—it is part of growing up and learning how to connect with others.
Finally, I feel *Awkward* is necessary because it gives readers hope. My takeaway from the story is that mistakes do not define us, and that friendship can grow in unexpected ways. It is the kind of book that helps me remember I am not alone in feeling out of place sometimes, and that message is important for readers of any
My Buying Guides on Awkward By Svetlana Chmakova
What I Found This Book Is About
When I looked into Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova, I found it to be a middle-grade graphic novel that follows Penelope “Peppi” Torres as she navigates a new school, friendship struggles, and the challenges of fitting in. My impression is that this book is especially appealing if I want a story that feels relatable, warm, and easy to read while still touching on real social issues.
Why I Think It’s Worth Buying
I would buy this book if I wanted something that blends humor, heart, and school-life drama in a way that feels very approachable. The artwork makes the story engaging, and I think the message about kindness, courage, and being yourself is strong without feeling preachy. For me, that makes it a great pick for both entertainment and meaningful reading.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I believe Awkward is a great choice for middle-grade readers, especially kids who enjoy graphic novels and realistic school stories. I also think parents, teachers, and librarians may appreciate it because it can help start conversations about bullying, friendship, and social anxiety. If I were choosing a gift for a young reader, this would be a thoughtful option.
What I Like About the Format
One thing I like is that the graphic novel format makes the story easy to follow and fun to read. I find that the illustrations add a lot of personality to the characters and help bring the emotions to life. If I wanted a book that keeps attention without feeling too heavy, this format would be a big plus for me.
Things I’d Consider Before Buying
Before I buy it, I would think about whether I want a fast, light read or a deeper novel with more complex themes. While I think the book has important lessons, it is still aimed at younger readers, so I would not expect a very intense or highly detailed storyline. For me, that is not a drawback, but it is something I would keep in mind.
My Recommendation
If I were recommending Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova, I would say it is a smart buy for readers who enjoy school-based stories, graphic novels, and uplifting messages about friendship and self-acceptance. My overall view is that it is a charming, meaningful, and easy-to-enjoy book that offers both fun and value.
Final Thoughts
I think *Awkward* by Svetlana Chmakova is a warm, relatable story about learning how to be yourself and treat others with kindness. My biggest takeaway is that even small acts of empathy can make a real difference, especially when you feel out of place. I also appreciate how the book shows that friendship and belonging often grow through honesty, patience, and understanding.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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