Welcome to Litsy!

Beautiful, sad, and inspiring novel in verse centering on a young teen with an eating disorder that surfaced after being bullied.

To go along with this book, I would have students write in their daily journal responding to self-appreciation prompts. This will encourage students to be open about their feelings, recognize if they need to reach out for help, and encourage creative writing.

This book would be an excellent pick for a middle or high school ELA classroom. I would just make it abundantly clear, that if the book does have triggering content, and it's okay to opt out of reading it. Meaning, there would be an alternative assignment/book available to students who are uncomfortable. For students who are eager to read the book, they would gain valuable knowledge about eating disorders, and further, empathy.

“Me: I love when teachers read aloud.
Ms. Burns: Reading aloud is love.
Ms. Burns: May I hold your hand while you read to me?
Me: Yes, Ms. Burns.
Ms. Burns: Jake, are you OK?
Me: Yes.
Mrs. Burns: I can feel something is wrong. I can sense it. Teachers know these things, Jake“ (pg.s 60, 61).
This... really hits. One of my teachers was one of my saving graces while I was in recovery. We aren't just teachers to teach; we are here to support kids.

While I read this book, I keep on circling quotes that resonate with me over and over. As someone who experienced anorexia, I appreciate and treasure this book. Schu is speaking for those who are often too timid to speak on their trauma. Bringing attention to a very real, and all too common, issue that teens and adults suffer. This could be the most important book I keep in my class, it could save a life.

It was ok. Way too long and definitely too wordy. Cute graphics throughout the book and I enjoyed her alter ego.

For the rest of the review, visit my Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/_OebhhKLxKI

Enjoy!

What is louder than hunger? The voice in his head telling him he is a loser who shouldn‘t eat, doesn‘t deserve to eat. This portrait of a young boy suffering from anorexia and those determined to help him is inspiring. The voice feels genuine and telling the story in verse was genius.

Bought on a whim. Read in a day. I love a twisty turny political thriller.

First off, trigger warning for diet culture and eating disorders, particularly anorexia. This book deals heavily with anorexia and the toxic diet industry, so please be aware of that. I thought the book did a good job exploring these two topics. I found all the discussion on the diet industry and how it is designed to fail to be so fascinating.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/02/19/review-what-we-give-away-bold-jou...

I loved this book when it came out and felt the connection to "Frannie" that everyone told me I would feel about Holden Caulfield...I enjoyed getting to step back into this world