Common Sense Media Review
Funny overweight girl goes through some heavy stuff.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an inspiring and relatable read for teenagers, particularly girls, with strong messages about self-esteem, body image, and the challenges of adolescence, despite containing some bad language and sexual content. While some believe it deserves recognition, others question why it has faced bans, with many readers noting its potential for helping those who struggle with similar issues.
- inspirational messages
- relatable characters
- language concerns
- maturity considerations
- body image themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Overweight Virginia thinks she's a misfit in her family, with two thin, gorgeous, successful parents and two thin, gorgeous, high-achieving older siblings. Her mother pressures her to lose weight, which she tries to do. But her anxiety leads her to minor acts of self-mutilation, as she tries to live by her Fat Girl Code of Conduct, which operates on the basic assumption that she is worthless. Then her brother, Byron, whom she idolizes, is suspended from college for date rape, and Virginia begins to see both her family and herself in a different light.
Is It Any Good?
Readers, especially teen girls, will likely relate to Virginia, and they will certainly respect her growing ability to stand up for herself. Though this book could use a bit more scathing humor -- and a deeper exploration of some of the more serious issues it raises -- Mackler is able to impart a message of self-acceptance through her self-deprecating narrator. Readers will appreciate the emails and journal entries that add realism to Virginia's coming-of-age story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the pressure Virginia's parents put on her to be thin. How do her feelings change throughout the book? Parents may want to check out Common Sense Media's tips for talking to girls about body image.
This book deals with some heavy themes, such as date rape and self mutilation. What do you think of the way the author handles these topics? Does it surprise you to see this material in a book for young adults, or is it realistic?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : February 19, 2004
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 246
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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