“Peanut” by Ayun Halliday and Paul Hoppe
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Graphic Novel
Source: Library
Summary from Goodreads:
Before you write me off as a delusional psycho, think about what it’s like to be thrown into a situation where everyone knows everyone… and no one knows you.
Sadie has the perfect plan to snag some friends when she transfers to Plainfield High—pretend to have a peanut allergy. But what happens when you have to hand in that student health form your unsuspecting mom was supposed to fill out? And what if your new friends want to come over and your mom serves them snacks? (Peanut butter sandwich, anyone?) And then there’s the bake sale, when your teacher thinks you ate a brownie with peanuts. Graphic coming-of-age novels have huge cross-over potential, and Peanut is sure to appeal to adults and teens alike.
This was definitely an interesting story. I’ve read several books could kids/teens with conditions but this one is the first one about someone lying about having a condition. I can understand Sadie’s awkwardness and her wanting to fit in. High school is a crappy place to be even when you know some people. It’s even crappier when you don’t know anyone. That desire to fit in pushes kids to do weird things. For Sadie, it’s lying about a peanut allergy. She doesn’t go small with her lie either. She goes pretty far: buying a medical alert bracelet, contemplating buying an EpiPen, and talking to the school nurse!
I loved seeing Sadie struggle with her decision. She started the lie to make friends but soon enough she started making friends. She felt loved and didn’t need the ‘safety blanket’ of the lie anymore. Over the course of the story, she does try several times to tell the truth but she can never go through with it. You can see and feel her anxiety about everything. I know I was feeling stressed as the truth popped up from time to time.
The bottom line? It was okay!
