Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi's life: She is 16. And a size 17. Her perfect mother is a size 6. Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 2 months, and wants Ann to be a bridesmaid. So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less).
Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, endless run-ins with the cutest guy Ann's ever seen -- and some surprises about her not-so-perfect mother. And there's one more thing: it's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin -- no matter how you add it up!
"Telling the story in Ann's wry, realistic voice, this debut author effectively captures society's preoccupation with size and the resulting alienation of an overweight teen. With a chain-smoking grandmother whose language is peppered with 'fat-ass,' relatives and friends who are slyly disparaging about her weight, and a mother who constantly prods her about dieting, the message could be heavy-handed. But Barson lightens the tone with almost cinematic humor, ensuring that even the most painful scenes have a slapstick edge. The ticking clock behind the wedding deadline gives the story real momentum, and while the ending is all nuptial jubilation, it is also a realistic summer's end for Ann." -- Martha Baden, School Library Journal
Recommended Age | 12 and up |
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Author | Kelly Barson |
ISBN | 0670784826 |
Publication Date | Jul 11, 2013 |
Publisher | Viking Juvenile |
Language | English |