Published by Aladdin

Summary:  Ever since a bully called him fat in fourth grade, Will has been extremely self-conscious about his body.  He dresses in baggy clothes and often eats when he is depressed.  When he meets new kid and cool skateboarder Markus, he hopes to make a new friend.  In a desperate attempt to slim down, Will cuts way back on his eating, eventually fainting at school due to lack of food.  This crisis leads to some honest conversations with his parents and with Markus, and Will begins to get the help that he needs.  Although not every day is a good way, talking to a therapist and getting support from Markus and his parents helps Will to begin to accept himself and focus on good health rather than his weight.  368 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros:  This novel-in-verse is formatted to look like Will’s journal and sketchbook (he’s a talented artist) and makes for a quick read despite the 300+ page length.  It’s great to see a middle grade novel tackling issues of eating disorders and body dysmorphia in boys, and Will’s honest voice and expressive drawings will quickly draw readers in.

Cons:  I was bummed that Markus moved away at the end.