Short & Skinny

Reach for this book when your child starts comparing their body to their peers or feels like a late bloomer in the physical growth department. Mark Tatulli's memoir captures the specific anxiety of being the smallest kid in class and the lengths children will go to to feel more powerful, even falling for gimmicky comic book ads for muscle gain. It is an honest, funny, and deeply relatable look at the summer after seventh grade, focusing on self-acceptance and the discovery of creative passions. While the story deals with the pain of bullying and body dysmorphia, it is balanced by the joy of Mark's obsession with the original Star Wars. Parents will appreciate the historical 1970s setting and the way the book validates a child's internal struggles while showing them that physical size does not define their worth or their capability for greatness. It is an excellent conversation starter for families navigating the awkward transitions of middle school.