Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 1536229091
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Eighth-grader Jake is tormented by The Voice in his head who tells him to eat less, exercise more, and that he is unworthy of love and undeserving of anything good. He enters an inpatient treatment program at Whispering Pines Hospital where he refuses to participate in therapy sessions and resists treatment, continuing to rely on The Voice. In addition to anorexia nervosa, Jake is also diagnosed with depression and OCD and he finds himself in a one-step-forward, two-steps-back recovery cycle set in the late 90’s. The story ends on a hopeful note as Jake truly begins healing and sends The Voice packing.

This is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel-in-verse. Reading about Jake’s struggle as he goes back and forth between progress and regression is tough, but realistic. His issues with bullying, relating to his parents, self-esteem, as well as his close relationship with his grandmother will all be points of recognition for many middle school readers. This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. 

A letter from the author checking in with his readers and recounting his own experience with anorexia is included along with resources on eating disorders. 

Grades 6-8

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York