Big Boned

Everyone is thin and athletic at Bay Water High. Unfortunately, Lori, who just moved to town, is not. Not even a little bit. In addition, her artistic ambitions may stagnate at a school that values school spirit and athleticism, but the move was required for her younger brother. Zac’s autism needed a better school, and her mom needed space to rebuild after the divorce. Lori meets Jake, the most popular boy at school and the hottest thing since buffalo wings, while picking up her brother from school. An unexpected friendship blooms, but is there more? At her size, is she worthy of his attention? Questioning her worth creates an unexpected outlet for her artwork, but she cannot keep silent any longer, not about her weight, her parents’ divorce, or the general unfairness of it all.

This sympathetic, soulful, and sensitive story about the humiliation and pain of being overweight in a thin world is well overdue and fills a void in YA literature. Her gay friends are a driving force for helping Lori discover her worth while providing some comic relief. Therapy sessions and strong friendships help Lori find the value of her contributions and see herself as more than her weight.