Synopsis
It’s the first day of sophomore year, and now that Winifred’s two best (and only) friends have transferred to a private school, she must navigate high school on her own.
But she isn’t alone for long. In art class, she meets two offbeat students, Oscar and April. The three bond through clandestine sleepovers, thrift store shopping, and zine publishing. Winifred is finally breaking out of her shell, but there’s one secret she can’t bear to admit to April and Oscar, or even to herself—and this lie is threatening to destroy her newfound friendships.
From: Macmillan Publishers
Notes on This Title
The main character of this title does not state a gender identity or sexual orientation on panel, but over the course of the story, works through feelings towards a female classmate that seem to be of a romantic and/or sexual nature. Disordered eating is a major through-line of the story, and the main character is shown to grapple with depression and issues of self-harm.
A major supporting character is a bisexual male teen. Another major supporting character expresses sentiments that suggest they hold an identity that places them under the trans umbrella, although they do not apply a specific label to themself. A trans woman is a minor supporting character.
Awards
2022 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Comics - Nominee
Reviews
“A poignant, honest, and deeply engaging work.” (Source: Kirkus Reviews)
“Searle’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel covers teen relationships, mental health, art-making, and disordered eating with crackling specificity.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
Interviews
Smash Pages: “Sarah Winifred Searle on ‘The Greatest Thing’“