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.
With breathtaking art and honest storytelling, rising star Sarah Winifred Searle delivers a heartfelt story about love, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Select praise for THE GREATEST THING:
"Raw and beautiful. A story that finds the tiny holes in your heart, tears them wide open, and puts in hope. Searle's art and mastery of the medium shines. I wish I had this book as a teen." — Colleen AF Venable, author of Kiss Number 8
"Sarah Winifred Searle's comics look the way I wish the world did. She combines raw emotions with gorgeous artwork to create stories full of feeling, intention, and heart. Give this book to the teens in your life." —Tillie Walden, author of Spinning and Are You Listening?
Girl’s Life review: “This graphic novel will give you serious feels... You'll cry, laugh, and smile through this slice-of-life read.”
Kirkus review: “A poignant, honest, and deeply engaging work.”
THE GREATEST THING by Sarah Winifred Searle (First Second Books, Feb 2022)
Booklist review: “In her crisp, precise art, Searle deftly depicts the emotions of her characters, largely through their expressive body language; Winifred’s slumped shoulders as she curls into herself are easily worth a thousand words... this is a sensitive, compassionate portrayal of teenage mental health struggles that emphasizes the importance of community, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to ask for help.”
Publishers Weekly review: "Searle’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel covers teen relationships, mental health... and disordered eating with crackling specificity...a visually and emotionally satisfying read about escaping depression and loneliness through art-making."
School Library Journal review:"...a lovely graphic novel that takes an honest look at how easy it is for teenagers to get lost in despair...This sensitive read is a must-have on library shelves."