Module 15: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Citation:

Mackler, C. (2003). The Earth, my butt, and other big round things. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Summary:

Virginia Shreves doesn't think she belongs in her picture perfect family. They are skinny and popular, where she is "heavier-than-normal." She has an almost boyfriend, but everyone knows that "fat girls" like her are kept a secret, According to Virginia. Virginia's sister has left for the peace corps, and her best friend has moved across the country. Her mom is trying to take her to a doctor about her size, and everyone in her family, and some others, keep commenting on her weight. To top it all off her brother, someone she has looked up to her entire life, has been convicted of date rape. Her family issues and loneliness become extremely unhealthy, so at her breaking point Virginia finally stands up to her mom and says she is going to Seattle to visit her friend. Slowly but surely Virginia gains back confidence in herself to be herself and not live up to people's expectations.

My thoughts:

This book does two wonderful things that books rarely do: it discusses body shaming and confidence issues and it discusses rape. There is no "rape scene" but everyone involved, for the most part, discusses how serious the situation is, the consequences, and the permanent effects it can have on others. Throughout the book Virginia struggle with body positivity and confidence issues. This is shown from her point of view, and even shows she knows that others are trying to help. I would recommend this book to anyone high school age or older because it does so many great things. 

Professional review:
"Gr 7 Up-Virginia is the sassy, sad, chubby teen in a "perfect," prominent family. Cracks occur when idolized college brother, Byron, commits date rape. Piercings and wild clothes symbolize Virginia's rebellion, enhance her confidence, and unexpectedly help heal family rifts. The teen's funny, rocky journey to self-acceptance also includes a brush with self-mutilation, incredulity that the boy she experiments with sexually likes her, and the support of a sister who escaped to the Peace Corps."

Hofmann, M. (2005). The earth, my butt, and other big round things. School Library Journal, 51(11), 58. Retrieved from https://libproxy.library.unt.edu/login?url=https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2165/docview/211762632?accountid=7113

In the library:

This would be great for a banned book display or book talk. The book has so many exciting things and useful things outside of being banned that I believe the banned aspect will only be a source of drawing the attention of the teens.