Lucy and her older sister, Livy, only 20 months apart, have always been close. But when they start at a new school, Livy develops an eating disorder that gradually becomes apparent to Lucy. Livy, short-tempered and unapproachable, no longer wants to spend time with or confide in her younger sister. Her anorexia becomes a looming, scary presence in the family’s life, but with a lot of therapy and treatment, Livy enters recovery. When the family moves, this time it’s Lucy who begins to grapple with body image, a struggle fueled in part by cruel remarks from her new classmates and a growing awareness of what other people think of her. Fortunately, honest conversations with Livy offer comfort and support when Lucy most needs it. Without getting lost in the details of Livy’s disordered eating, this graphic novel offers a realistic portrayal of the emotional toll that such a disorder can have on a family. Sibling and middle-school friendship drama are perfectly balanced by the renewed warmth and openness that Lucy eventually finds with her older sister.   (Ages 8-13)

A moving, relatable middle grade graphic novel about the everlasting bond of sisterhood, perfect for fans of Real Friends, Squished, Invisible Emmie, and Allergic.

Lucy's always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then, Lucy notices Olivia starts to change. Olivia doesn't want to play with Lucy anymore, she's unhappy with the way she looks, and she's refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is also struggling with an eating disorder.

While her family is focused on her sister's recovery, Lucy is left alone to navigate school and friendships. Lucy feels lonely and like she's always on the verge of messing up.

But with time, work, and self-love, both sisters begin to heal. Soon enough, Olivia and Lucy find their way back to each other—because sisters are forever.

Writing from personal experience, debut author Maggie Edkins Willis delivers a thoughtful, sensitive, and universally relatable story in Smaller Sister. Sure to resonate with fans of Nat Enough and Click.

A Texas Little Mavericks 2023 Graphic Novel Reading List Selection
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022