A Talent Show of Nerves - (The Nhia Normal) by Sheelue Yang

About the Book

"Eleven-year-old Nhia confronts stage fright at the school's talent show in this installment of The Niah Normal graphic novel series. Eleven-year-old Nhia "Silver" Lee's brother convinces hear to join the talent show and showcase her storytelling know-how. Just one problem: She's got a serious case of stage fright! Can Nhia overcome her fears and take home the top talent trophy? Or will her anxieties upstage her act?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Nhia confronts stage fright at the school's talent show in this installment of The Niah Normal graphic novel series. Eleven-year-old Nhia "Silver" Lee's brother convinces her to join the talent show and showcase her storytelling know-how. Just one problem: She's got a serious case of stage fright! Can Nhia overcome her fears and take home the top talent trophy? Or will her anxieties upstage her act? Written by Hmong American Sheelue Yang, this graphic novel is a darkly humorous, normalizing exploration of coming-of-age anxiety through the lens of authentic preteen. More Books in This Series: Losing It in Translation School of (Negative) Thought What-a-Bummer Camp

Review Quotes

Nhia, 11, struggles with uncertainty and anxiety in this graphic novel series containing four short, episodic entries perfect for emerging readers. Within the four stories, readers glimpse the comforting parts of Nhia's life, like the stray cat she adopts, home-cooked comfort foods from her Hmong culture, a supportive mother and brother, and her friends at school. Although Nhia shows and tells readers repeatedly that she is worried and scared about upcoming events, she overcomes her anxieties and finds new confidence through perseverance. A successful talent show performance, a fun visit with her Hmong-speaking grandparents, transferring to a new school, and going to sleepaway camp give Nhia ample opportunities to work through her struggles. Nhia's emotions and tone shine beautifully through Donnelly's illustrations, perfectly complementing and enhancing Yang's text. Young readers will find the middle school settings exciting and consider Nhia likable and relatable as she approaches her new locker, a new lunchroom, and the possibility of a new soccer team. The death of Nhia's father is mentioned in one line in the fourth book and may leave questions in readers' minds as to just what happened. VERDICT This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.--Kim Gardner "School Library Journal"