Olive thinks in words. Mattie thinks in pictures. Can they find a way to speak the same language?

"Thoughtfully exploring learning disabilities, divorce, crushes, and the struggle to fit in, this inviting, cleverly constructed story with richly multifaceted characters poignantly captures the difficulties and joys of sisterhood." - BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW

"A feast for lovers of words and comics alike that tackles real-life challenges." - KIRKUS REVIEWS

Beautifully told in words and comic panels, Mattie and Olive's story will stay with you.

Olive collects words. Rare words, common words, fancy words, funny words. She expresses herself by writing poetry, making crossword puzzles, and creating dictionary definitions for what she refers to as "neologisms."

Her sister, Mattie, could not be more different. Mattie struggles with words and so instead prefers pictures, expressing herself through cartoons and sketches.

Despite their differences, the two girls are inseparable. Or at least, they were. After their dad moves away and Olive develops her first crush, the sisters' dynamic changes. Olive wants to spend more time with people who aren't related to her, but Mattie doesn't want anything to change. When their dad starts acting suspiciously and Mattie's grades begin to fall, the sisters' relationship fractures. Olive and Mattie must discover that love isn't always how we envision it.