Click

Click (2019) is the first installation in a series of middle-grade graphic novels by Kayla Miller, an author and illustrator based in New York state. The story follows a fifth-grade student named Olive who struggles to find her place at school. When her teacher announces the upcoming variety show, Olive discovers that all her friends are partnering up and forming groups without her. Rooted in Olive’s point of view, the graphic novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and friendship as Olive navigates new social dynamics.

Kayla Miller received their BFA in illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and has built a wide reputation for creating accessible and highly acclaimed graphic novels that authentically capture adolescent experiences. As Miller’s debut novel, Click received widespread acclaim and became an indie bestseller. Miller has published five other books in the Click series, as well as two books in a spin-off series called Besties.

This guide refers to the 2019 Harper Collins e-book edition.

Plot Summary

Fifth-grader Olive has many friends at school. She navigates easily among different friend groups, such as her lunch buddies, her bus friends, and the friends who like to watch horror movies after school. Olive is easygoing and cheerful, and she is comfortable with her social life.

At school, Mr. Florez announces the annual variety show, and the students excitedly discuss their ideas. As Olive’s friends quickly form groups and plan their acts, Olive feels excluded. Increasingly isolated as time goes by, Olive daydreams about joining different cliques but becomes more dejected. Olive’s family notices her distress, and her mother suggests calling other parents to help Olive join a group, but Olive feels that this solution would be embarrassing. Aunt Molly, who has a close relationship with Olive, reassures her and suggests that it might take her some time to find her place.

Feeling overwhelmed, Olive dreams of being pulled in different directions by various cliques. The next day, she reluctantly goes to the park with her family, where she feels even more left out as her friends discuss their variety show acts. Olive’s mother unsuccessfully tries to cheer her up.

Aunt Molly suggests that Olive come to her house for a sleepover. Aunt Molly treats Olive to Chinese food and tells her about her own adolescent experience with learning to express her individuality. Aunt Molly rents some DVDs of old television variety shows and watches a few episodes with Olive, encouraging her to observe the different acts as research for her own. Olive is particularly inspired by the self-assured, comedic hosts who introduce and comment on each act. Olive decides that she wants to be the host of her school’s variety show instead of joining one particular act. She is excited about this new idea and practices her hosting skills on her family.

At school, Ava, one of Olive’s friends, finally invites her to join their group act. Olive isn’t sure what to say and promises to think about it. Later in class, Olive announces that she wants to host the variety show. Mr. Florez is supportive of her idea. Olive explains to a miffed Ava that hosting is important to her and represents who she is. Ava changes her attitude and supports her. Olive practices her hosting duties, creating jokes and introductions for each of the acts. She becomes more connected with her friends through this new role.

On the night of the variety show, Olive floats amongst all of her friend groups backstage to encourage them and introduce them to each other. She has found a way to connect with her friends while embracing her individuality. When it is time for the variety show to begin, Olive steps onto the stage and smiles as the spotlight illuminates her.