Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Late Elementary, Middle School

A heart-wrenching story about a chubby girl who is bullied by a troubled boy. Be prepared to have conversations with your young reader about the bullying they see at school.

Possible Concerns/Discussion Topics.

  • Bullying.
  • Obesity. The bully picks on a girl for being chubby.
  • Eating disorders/unhealthy interest food. If you have someone who struggles with eating disorders of any kind, consider this one with caution.
  • Name Calling. I recommend a chat with readers about “fatty” and other name-calling they will encounter here.

Things I liked:

  • Empathy. Joyce helps us see into the hurt that bullying can cause, the hurt that can cause a kid to bully
  • The triumph of kindness & resilience.