🏆 Winner of 2 Jewish Comics Experience Awards from The Center for Jewish History 🏆
⭐ Named one of the American Library Association‘s best graphic novels for children of 2024 ⭐
GROWING UP CAN BE STINKY…
As he and his sister Alana prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah, twelve-year-old Micah Gadsky and his whole family feel the world shifting beneath their feet when they learn a heartbreaking truth about his grandmother. The stress of the season leads Micah’s introspective nature and Alana’s outgoing disposition to collide, creating division and discord at a time when the family needs each other most. Before Micah can become a man, he must brave the storms of grief, confront the complexities of growing up, and ultimately, learn to lean on love when life trips him up.
The Effects of Pickled Herring by Alex Schumacher is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel about sibling dynamics, faith, and the enduring bonds of family. A perfect blend of humor and heart, this book explores self-worth, identity, and the challenges of supporting someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. You will laugh and cry alongside Micah as he grapples with questions of faith and navigates the challenges of growing up.
With its unique approach to the coming-of-age genre, the book has earned write-ups from several literary and pop culture outlets such as School Library Journal, Boing Boing and AiPT!
PRAISE:
Focusing on family, friendship, and faith, this work provides insights into adolescent difficulties.
Few works manage to intertwine the complexities of culture, the innocence of youth, and the universal challenges of cognitive decline as poignantly as The Effects of Pickled Herring.
An insightful and provocative read!
—Derf Backderf, Eisner Award-winning author of Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio
Recalls all the pitfalls and perils of childhood with cartooning that is both heart-warming and hilarious!
—Raúl the Third, New York Times best children’s book award winner for the ¡Vamos! series
alexschumacherart.com 