The New David Espinoza by Fred Aceves
Published by HarperTeen on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0062489887
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

David is tired of being picked on for being scrawny. When a video of him getting bullied goes viral, he decides to change his life. He joins a gym and begins lifting weights on a regular basis. As his obsession with getting bigger and bigger takes over, he enters the world of steroids and body building. The more he spirals down into steroid abuse, the more he begins to realize that his addiction may cost him everything.

This own voices novel is raw and, at times, very hard to read. David’s obsession with his body and getting bigger is all consuming. It really gives a clear picture of what happens with body dysmorphia, and the pull of drug abuse. The mental battle displayed in this book is real. The book does seem to wrap up a little too quickly for me, but overall, it’s a good and important read. Recommended for 9th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME