Skinny

Skinny by Donna Cooner
middle school & up

Ever is unmistakable at her school since she weighs over 300 pounds. She tries to tip-toe through her days without calling attention to herself. Which is hard when you are too big to walk between the rows of desks. Or when you can't even fit in the desk. Ever has an amazing singing voice but is much too mortified to sing in front of people. Even worse is when you have a voice inside your head whispering the cruel thoughts of others about you. Ever decides bariatric surgery is her best chance at losing the weight and gaining the confidence to try out for the school musical.


I really connected with this book. Just like Ever I've struggled with weight for a long time. And just like Ever I've had that mean voice whispering in my ear. This book captures the internal struggles of the truly overweight perfectly. Ever's feelings come across loud and clear. Especially the part at the school assembly. The description of Ever sitting in the chair was spot-on. Once Ever has the surgery she has to deal with the changes required in eating and lifestyle. (It's harder than you think.) Especially since the mean little voice is still there.
This book isn't just for people like me & Ever though. Anyone who has felt insecure about their appearance can relate to Ever. And seriously, just try to find someone who hasn't felt that way.

Verdict: highly recommended

cover peeve: For most of the book Ever is overweight. So why is a slender girl's face on the cover?