Jemima Small is tired of standing out. Bullied for her weight, she's dubbed Jemima "Big" by the ringleader of the bullies, Lottie. Things get worse when she's made to enrol in a school run program called Health Club but which everyone at school calls "Fat Club." What keeps her together is her best friend Miki, her brother Jasper (even if he is annoying 90% of the time) her father and her aunt Luna. Her mother isn't in the picture, all Jemima knows is that one day she decided she needed to leave, that's it. It's a cloud that hangs over her head and when Jemima discovers the truth, it comes like a bucket of cold water. Keeping Jemima focused is her chance to be on Brainiacs, the most popular quiz show around. It's not just the money that is driving her, it's the idea that she can be something more than what everyone thinks she is. As the date for the Brainiacs tryouts approaches, Jemima struggles with her self confidence and finding her place in the world. I lvoed the characters in this novel. Jemima has a real friend in Miki, someone who relentlessly defends her against the tide of toxicity that spews from the bullies at her school. Tasmin Winter knows how to write the high school voice and the voice of the downtrodden and those who rise up against the hurt. This is an important book, it's a book that tackles tough issues in a way that is delivered flawlessly. Unfortunately Jemima's struggles mirror those of many students in the UK and around the world. Jemima struggles with the idea that because she doesn't look a certain way she isn't worth anything. This is a real issue causing real damage to our youth. This book is a message like a lightning bolt to anyone struggling with body image issues, bullying, doubt, anxiety, depression, the list goes on. It's a triumph and I already anticipate how popular it will be at our school. Perfect for ages 11 and up!
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India Smythe is 14 and can't seem to get out of her own way. She's funny, nice and has good friends but always finds herself in one awkward situation after another. When she discovers that Ennis, the most popular boy at her school, has taken a liking to her, her life goes into warp speed in an attempt to be cool enough to live up to what she thinks are Ennis' and his clique friends' expectations. What follows are a series of genuinely funny moments involving an expired and probably illegal perfume brand and a party where India's dad storms in, clueless yet overly protective of his daughter. Eventually India begins to wonder who she's becoming by trying to keep Ennis' eye. Not only that, she's not sure she likes who she's becoming. It can be hard to find funny novels for teens. As a Librarian, I'm always on the lookout. Sarah Govett has created a story here that would appeal to a 12 year old just as much as a 17 year old, and that's an amazing feat. It's warm, hilarious and has some important underlying issues involving social media, body image, friends, peer pressure and more. I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to get it into the hands of our students. Don't miss this one! |
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