Taking Up Space by Alyson Gerber Published by Scholastic Inc. on May 18, 2021
ISBN: 1338186000
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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Taking Up Space by Alyson Gerber
Sarah is a 12-year-old 7th grader who isn’t getting enough to eat, even though her family makes plenty of money. Sarah loves basketball but she is also maturing and growing and her body isn’t the same. Her mother has issues of her own with food and these have spilled over to Sarah having disordered eating. Besides her eating problems, Sarah has a best friend with whom she is having issues over a boy, two girls on the basketball team who dislike her, and a cooking contest that may change Sarah’s life; if she can stand the stress.
Sarah finally is seen by her Guidance Counselor who gives excellent advice and encourages Sarah and her whole family to see therapists. This was one of my favorite parts where therapy was seen as such a positive way to learn to accept yourself.
Sarah and her teammates and friends were so authentically middle schoolers with their concerns and thoughts. This book is recommended for Cream of the Crop and for students in grades 4-7.
Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland