Finding Your Place with Click: A Heartfelt Exploration of Friendship
When I first picked up Click by Kayla Miller, I was instantly drawn in by the charming cover and the promise of a story that resonates with anyone who has navigated the sometimes murky waters of friendship in middle school. As a longtime fan of graphic novels, I knew I was in for a treat, but I wasn’t prepared for just how deeply I would connect with Olive’s journey.
In Click, Olive starts out as the quintessential middle schooler—she effortlessly clicks with everyone around her. There’s a sweetness in her character that feels genuine, echoing that universal experience of belonging. However, the plot thickens when Olive finds herself without an act to perform in a school variety show, while her friends seem to have formed tight-knit groups without her. This moment of isolation struck a chord with me, reminding me of those times in my school days when I felt the pangs of being left out or not quite fitting in.
Miller’s storytelling excels in its keen portrayal of emotions. The pacing felt just right, allowing me to savor each moment of Olive’s self-discovery. The illustrations—bright, expressive, and full of life—enhance the narrative, pulling you into Olive’s world. I particularly enjoyed how different character expressions conveyed a wide range of emotions, from confusion to joy, making it easy to feel every nuance of Olive’s journey.
A memorable quote from the book sums it up well: “It’s not about fitting in. It’s about finding where you truly belong.” This struck me as a realistic reflection on what it means to navigate friendships at a young age, and I appreciate Miller for not shying away from these complex feelings. It’s this blend of heartfelt honesty and light-hearted humor that makes Olive’s story not just relatable but also uplifting.
Readers will find a lot to love in Click, especially those who enjoyed works like Smile or Real Friends. It’s perfect for middle schoolers grappling with similar issues as well as adults who want to relive those formative years through a beautifully crafted graphic novel.
Ultimately, Click is more than just a story about a school variety show; it’s about finding one’s space, understanding the value of friendship, and recognizing that it’s OK to stand out—or not fit in at all sometimes. After turning the last page, I felt a renewed sense of warmth and connection, not just with Olive, but with the idea that we are all constantly searching for our own unique “click” in this vast world.
In a nutshell, Miller has created a delightful graphic novel that will surely resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to find their place among friends. I wholeheartedly recommend it to young readers and the young-at-heart alike!