Welcome to Litsy!

Beautiful, sad, and inspiring novel in verse centering on a young teen with an eating disorder that surfaced after being bullied.

To go along with this book, I would have students write in their daily journal responding to self-appreciation prompts. This will encourage students to be open about their feelings, recognize if they need to reach out for help, and encourage creative writing.

This book would be an excellent pick for a middle or high school ELA classroom. I would just make it abundantly clear, that if the book does have triggering content, and it's okay to opt out of reading it. Meaning, there would be an alternative assignment/book available to students who are uncomfortable. For students who are eager to read the book, they would gain valuable knowledge about eating disorders, and further, empathy.

“Me: I love when teachers read aloud.
Ms. Burns: Reading aloud is love.
Ms. Burns: May I hold your hand while you read to me?
Me: Yes, Ms. Burns.
Ms. Burns: Jake, are you OK?
Me: Yes.
Mrs. Burns: I can feel something is wrong. I can sense it. Teachers know these things, Jake“ (pg.s 60, 61).
This... really hits. One of my teachers was one of my saving graces while I was in recovery. We aren't just teachers to teach; we are here to support kids.

While I read this book, I keep on circling quotes that resonate with me over and over. As someone who experienced anorexia, I appreciate and treasure this book. Schu is speaking for those who are often too timid to speak on their trauma. Bringing attention to a very real, and all too common, issue that teens and adults suffer. This could be the most important book I keep in my class, it could save a life.

This was kind of tough to read but interesting all the same. It kind of induced my anxiety reading through the author‘s anxiety. It was so so because it was a little too over detailed for me as she went through her first few weeks of experiencing her OCD. I started to skim in parts because of how overly descriptive some parts were. It was strange that a dream of getting cancer induced all of this hell for her. OCD is more than germs and counting.

What is louder than hunger? The voice in his head telling him he is a loser who shouldn‘t eat, doesn‘t deserve to eat. This portrait of a young boy suffering from anorexia and those determined to help him is inspiring. The voice feels genuine and telling the story in verse was genius.

4.5/5 ⭐️ Loved this romance set at an Irish Pub. Excellent ADHD and OCD rep too.

I made Irish soda bread and shepherd's pie for St. Patrick's Day. Delicious and comforting! 🇮🇪🍀

#FoodandLit

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn‘t.”

#hope
#25Alive

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