Trigger warning: If you would rather not remember what middle school was like, you may not want to read “Timid,” the new middle-grade graphic novel by local cartoonist and illustrator Jonathan Todd, coming April 2 from Scholastic . But if you happen to be in middle school right now, or know someone who is, it’s unlikely you’ll find a better depiction of just how fraught and awkward those years can be. We find out how Jonathan did it when he appears on the latest Strip Search podcast! (For more on Jonathan and "Timid," check out his website here .) Also, we discuss the latest collateral damage from Gannett's comics page "consolidation" — specifically, female cartoonists — and give an update on "Nerd Dad!" the Pet Peeves collection coming later in 2024. Watch or listen (and check out some highlights from "Timid") below, and if you're in the Boston area, here are some places where you can catch Mr. Todd in person: Book release and talk , Bel