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4.5 AVERAGE
4.5 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Fatphobia
This book was a definite “window” book for me. And the poor girl doesn’t have any mirrors, because she thinks she’s a THING. Knowing the author wrote from her experiences, the only critique I have about this one is that it seemed to be wrapped up quickly. If I had had a timeline of how long it took Ellie to try to open up to her mom, I maybe would’ve felt the anguish more - the way it’s written, that one problem seems so quickly resolved. Also, I’m surprised at how quickly Ellie learned (and practiced!) some of the therapist’s ideas (such as changing the negative false thoughts into positive, true thoughts). What a great strategy to share in action, even so. I’m glad I read this, and I’ll be purchasing it for my seventh graders.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a book that little me desperately needed, and it definitely healed a little bit of my inner child.
This book belongs in the hands of my younger self, hiding during lunch in the library because I was too scared to try to make friends. It would have been so important to me. I was not so explicitly picked on about my weight, but I still internalized fatphobia as a kid. Just like Ellie, I felt like I wasn’t deserving of love, I needed to earn it. And just like Ellie, I thought I could earn it, (all together now, fellow fatties!)
*”If only I lost some weight!”*
Because of my own Fat Girl Rules, I turned down invitations to anywhere requiring a swimsuit, I never went to a school dance, never tried out for any sports. That kid needed to read this book and go to therapy and have Doc tell her how to stop making herself feel unworthy.
*”If only I lost some weight!”*
Because of my own Fat Girl Rules, I turned down invitations to anywhere requiring a swimsuit, I never went to a school dance, never tried out for any sports. That kid needed to read this book and go to therapy and have Doc tell her how to stop making herself feel unworthy.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Fatphobia
I am not the intended audience but would be great for tween age group.
Ellie is a young woman struggling with her weight and self image. Ever since she was 5 and cannon-balled into the pool, she’s been called Splash. It hurts her every time, but no one around seems to notice or care the impact of their words. Especially Ellie’s mother and brother. Finally, Ellie ends up in therapy and finds the confidence to speak up for herself and accept herself as she is.
I really enjoyed this one. I feel like it’s an extremely important addition to any middle school library, as self image, bullying, and weight issues are seemingly *always* on the mind of young women. I appreciated the frankness of this novel as well as the positive message.
I really enjoyed this one. I feel like it’s an extremely important addition to any middle school library, as self image, bullying, and weight issues are seemingly *always* on the mind of young women. I appreciated the frankness of this novel as well as the positive message.