The Effects of Pickled Herring

“A warm and funny coming-of age story, but one that also packs an emotional wallop. The Effects of Pickled Herring is a wonderful tale about the gnawing self-doubt and daily humiliations we all suffer at age thirteen. An insightful and provocative read!”
—Derf Backderf, Eisner Award-winning author of Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio

“A wonderful story of all the directions we are pulled in our adolescence, and a reminder of the one thing that can ground us—the ones we love.”
—Jonathan Hill, author of Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy

“You’ll immediately recognize Micah Gadsky as yourself, your friend, or that slightly awkward Jewish kid in your class. The Effects of Pickled Herring is filled with humor and heart and some heartbreak too, but ultimately it’s about family and friendship and how these relationships help us navigate change. This is a must-read coming of age graphic novel and I hope not the last we’ll see of Micah. The bar mitzvah was one thing, how is he going to make it through high school?”
—Erica Lyons, National Jewish Book Awards Finalist

“The Effects of Pickled Herring is a heart-warming hoot that is full of laughs, heart and not the least bit fishy.”
—Judd Winick, author of the bestselling Hilo series

“Alex Schumacher has crafted a wonderful coming of age story (like literally: it hinges on a Bar and Bat Mitzvah). It’s a poignant tale about the importance of family and faith in a person’s life, both young and old. And even though you might need to keep a box of tissues handy for the especially emotional passages, it’s also leavened with Alex’s trademark sense of humor. A funny, moving story that I highly recommend!”
—Mark Reznicek, drummer of Toadies

“Micah’s realistic travails and eventual triumphs will interest readers who are experiencing their own awkward stages. Focusing on family, friendship, and faith, this work provides insights into adolescent difficulties.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“As a coming-of-age story, Schumacher draws you in with clean and expressive art and a touching story. Many teenagers will find it relatable, while its unique, slice-of-life focus sets it apart from the pack.”
—AIPT

“Rings heartbreakingly true for this age, but mostly it’s very funny with appealing artwork.”
—Boing Boing

“In the realm of storytelling, 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.”
—Geek Freaks

“One of the most heartfelt and charming graphic novels I’ve read in a long time.”
—Rabbitt Stew Podcast

“Recalls all the pitfalls and perils of childhood with cartooning that is both heart-warming and hilarious! Highly recommend!”
—Raúl the Third, New York Times best children's book award winner for the ¡Vamos! series