Cecil Hall and his family move from Florida to Massachusetts after Cecil’s dad takes a job near Boston. The youngster gets advice about making new friends, which includes connecting with all the Black kids simply because they are Black. But Cecil wants more out of life. It’s just too bad he’s too shy to speak up. Such is the story that Jonathan Todd weaves together in the graphic novel, Timid.
A New Town And School
Cecil and his family are deeply religious in Todd’s story. The youngster attends a Christian school in Florida, which has its perks and disadvantages. Cecil doesn’t really see the difference in culture at school until he and his family move to Weber, Massachusetts. It is at the local public school that the youngster really begins to understand how different he is from other kids in his grade.
Just Talk To The Black Kids
Before going off to college, Cecil’s sister advises him to befriend all of the Black kids at his new school in Weber. She likely knows her brother will be in the minority and wants to help him make the transition a little less awkward.
Cecil’s sister doesn’t realize the pressure she puts on her brother as Cecil is already shy and ends up having little in common with the group of Black boys at his school. In fact, several of them see him as an Oreo (a Black person perceived to have “White tendencies”). There is only one person in the group who admonishes the others to view Cecil as an individual and try to get to know him. That person ends up being his friend in the end.
Not A Puppet
Cecil has a lot to work through as he is shy by nature. He struggles to speak up for himself when he does graphics for one kid who tries to cheat him out of money they agreed upon. Cecil also takes issue with a girl petting him as if he were an animal but doesn’t speak up for himself.
It is not until the youngster has a heart-to-heart with his father that Cecil realizes the importance of growing out of the timidity that has led to him being a doormat and prevented him from speaking to a girl in church that he fancies. The tween ultimately conquers his fears and builds the friendship circle he desires.
For Middle Schoolers
Cecil’s story is great for Middle School kids who are trying to adjust to a new city or school. Timid may especially be helpful for those who identify as timid and struggle to make new friends.