A review by crosberg
The Greatest Thing by Sarah Winifred Searle

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

What a perfect book for my first read of 2022!  For the weird, artsy, LGBTQ+ kids, The Greatest Thing is a love letter to our teen selves.  It's gentle and kind with tough topics like eating disorders and gender identity, tackling them head on with unflinching grace and bravery.  The book is totally appropriate for YA readers and some advanced middle grade ones, and serves as an excellent reminder of just how important our friends and our dreams are.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Mental illness

Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, Dysphoria, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts

Though the book does mention a lot of tough topics that I've added as content warnings, it does so kindly and in age appropriate ways for teen readers. The kids are all supported by caring friends and loving, qualified adults.