Tommy has a secret. His family are actually lizard people trying to blend in with the human world. Tommy has to wear a human skin over his green lizard face. It's difficult trying to be "normal" in middle school when everything is so different from your own lizard culture.
Tommy meets other seventh-graders who also have trouble fitting in. One of his new friends, Dung, is a Vietnamese boy who is dealing with culture shock and trying to learn English. They bond over their differences, discovering that they have more in common than they realized.

I loved this graphic novel! The plot is hilarious and emotional. The characters are complex. Their stories are meaningful. The setting and background are interesting. And the storytelling style is superb!

Tommy and Dung's story really spoke to me because I grew up as a third-culture kid, never quite fitting in with either culture. Having to navigate two different languages and different customs for two cultures can be exhausting and wonderful and scary and rewarding. Tommy's story was mirrored in other characters' experiences too, and was deeply relatable.

I loved Tommy's character development! Everyone feels like they don't fit in and don't know how to be their true selves. Tommy's inward journey led him on a path to find the courage to be real and vulnerable with the people around him. He makes some very bad mistakes along the way, hurting his friends and pushing them away. But he finds forgiveness and learns to deal with his difficult emotions in more healthy ways.

The art is so fun and colorful! I love how emotional the artwork is. It really makes you feel strongly for Tommy and his friends.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.