Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Insightful, inspiring romance full of surprises.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say that the book offers a poignant exploration of self-acceptance and mental health issues through relatable characters, but it is also criticized for its heavy use of language and mature themes, which some readers feel may not be suitable for younger audiences. Many find the narrative engaging, highlighting the difficulties faced by the protagonists, while others felt it fell short in terms of depth and pacing.
- self-acceptance
- mature themes
- relatable characters
- mixed reviews
- engaging narrative
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
HOLDING UP THE UNIVERSE follows the relationship that grows between Libby Strout and Jack Masselin, two teens who meet because of a vicious bullying "game" that lands them in group counseling. Libby, who became known as "American's Fattest Teen" when she had to be cut out of her home, is returning to school after years away mourning her mother and tending to her own health. Jack is hiding the fact he can't recognize faces, not even his own, so he overcompensates by trying to be the life of the party. To protect himself, he ends up making Libby a target for bullies. But Libby can stand her ground, and her confidence, enthusiasm, and hope make Jack take a long, hard look at his own choices.
Is It Any Good?
This unflinching look at courage in the face of bullying is unforgettable, primarily for its remarkable heroine: She's fierce, funny, and absolutely done with being mocked and targeted for her size. Libby and her counterpart, Jack, take turns telling their story in Holding Up the Universe: Both speak intimately and honestly, confronting difficult truths about themselves and the people they're closest to. Despite their unique circumstances, the struggles they face -- to be seen, to be heard, to be respected, to be given room to be themselves -- are universal.
Libby, Jack, and his brother Dusty are remarkably self-aware, empathic, and considerate -- almost overly so. Teen readers might find these characters rather unrealistic in their frank courage, but odds are they'll be adopted as inspirational heroes. This is a terrific book for encouraging teens to be their own wonderful selves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about integrity in Holding Up the Universe and why Jack sometimes acts against his better judgment. Is it hard to maintain integrity in the face of social media and peer pressure?
Do you feel that your friends, family, classmates, and strangers see you the way you want to be seen?
Is it "better to hunt than be hunted"?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 4, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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