Sometimes, it’s hard to be a body in the world. Movies, television shows, advertisements, “influencers”, well-meaning family – it seems like everyone has an opinion on what we should look like. At least one-third of the world’s population is fat, yet fat people are discriminated against in all aspects of daily life. We are often asked to take up less space, to be less, to accept less. All body shapes deserve care, love, and respect. And it can be hard to love your body when you hear nothing positive about it. Whether you are looking to do the work of accepting your body or want to see your body reflected in a story, I’ve got some great books for you!
Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
Six disgruntled teens are forced to spend their winter break at fat camp during Flagstaff, Arizona’s worst blizzard in a century, only to find that Camp Featherlite is even worse than expected because it is crawling with genetically-modified monsters.
Here the Whole Time by Vitor Martins
Felipe gets it — he’s fat. Not chubby. Not big-boned. Fat. And he doesn’t need anyone to remind him, which is, of course, what everyone does. That’s why he’s been waiting for this moment ever since the school year began: school break. But things get a little out of hand when Felipe’s mom informs him that Caio, the neighbor kid, will be spending the next 15 days with them because he’s had a crush on Caio since, well, forever.
Suddenly, the days ahead of him that once promised rest and relaxation end up bringing a whirlwind of feelings, forcing Felipe to dive head-first into every unresolved issue he has had with himself — but maybe, just maybe, he’ll manage to win over Caio, too.
The Queen of Ieflaria by Effie Calvin
Princess Esofi of Rhodia and Crown Prince Albion of Ieflaria have been betrothed since they were children, though the great distance between their kingdoms mean the two have never met. Upon coming of age, Esofi makes the long journey to Ieflaria for her wedding, only to learn Albion was recently killed in a tragic accident. With dragons threatening to overrun the kingdom, Ieflaria is desperate for an alliance with Rhodia. As a result, Esofi is offered a new betrothal to Albion’s younger sister, the new Crown Princess Adale. But Adale is irresponsible and wild and has no plans of taking the throne, leaving Esofi with more to battle than fire-breathing beasts.
Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson
Nala Robertson reluctantly agrees to attend an open mic night for her cousin-sister-friend Imani’s birthday. Tye Brown, the MC is perfect, except– he is an activist and is spending the summer putting on events for the community when Nala would rather watch movies and try out the new seasonal flavors at the local creamery. In order to impress Tye, Nala tells a few tiny lies to have enough in common with him. As they spend more time together, some of those lies get harder to keep up. As Nala falls deeper into keeping up her lies and into love, she’ll learn all the ways love is hard, and how self-love is revolutionary.
Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti
Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other’s orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire. As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen’s people–and discovers Lu’s in the process–the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together…but at what cost?
Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia
Curvaceous, clever, and an avid reader, seventeen-year-old bookseller Bobby Ashton never misses a main character moment. So when it comes to asking out his crush, he plans a grand, romantic proposal. Unfortunately, Bobby’s very public rejection ends up posted online for the world to see, putting a damper on his summer until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect it.
Take Up Space, Y’all by Tess Holliday and Kelly Coon
Make your own rules and treat your body well in this award-winning, inspirational, and fact-filled guide to navigating social media, taking care of yourself, and loving your body by top plus-size model Tess Holliday and award-winning author Kelly Coon
You can find even more titles on our book list: Taking Up Space – Teens!
