
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels like an outsider due to their appearance or an invisible neurological difference. It is a deeply empathetic story about Libby, who is returning to school after being housebound due to grief and her weight, and Jack, who hides the fact that he has prosopagnosia (face blindness). The novel explores body positivity, the heavy weight of social labels, and the bravery required to be seen as you truly are. While it deals with bullying and the loss of a parent, the narrative is ultimately empowering. It is best suited for older teens (14+) due to its mature handling of high school social dynamics, romantic themes, and realistic language.
Deals heavily with the death of a mother and the resulting traumatic grief.
The book addresses grief, obesity with a direct, secular, and realistic lens. The bullying is depicted harshly but realistically. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing self-acceptance over societal approval.
A 15-year-old who feels defined by a single trait (like their weight, a learning disability, or a reputation) and needs to see a character take up space in the world with pride.
Parents should be aware of a specific scene involving a 'Fat Girl Grab' game which is emotionally difficult. The book contains some profanity and teen romance that reflects a realistic high school environment. A parent might see their child withdrawing from social activities or making self-deprecating comments about their body or struggling with social cues.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the romance and the 'fitting in' aspect, while older teens (17-18) will likely connect more with the themes of identity construction and the psychological burden of grief.
Unlike many 'body positive' books that focus on transformation, this book focuses on Libby's inherent worth exactly as she is, while introducing a rare look at face blindness.
The story follows two high school students, Libby Strout and Jack Masselin. Libby is returning to traditional school for the first time since her mother's death and a viral incident regarding her weight. Jack is a popular kid with a secret: he has prosopagnosia, meaning he cannot recognize faces and relies on identifiers like hair or gait to navigate his world. When a cruel high school 'game' brings them together, they form an unexpected bond that challenges their perceptions of themselves and others.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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