Friday, September 27, 2013

45 Pounds (more or less) by K.A. Barston - - Optional


Barson, K.A. 45 pounds (more or less), 264 pgs. Viking, 2013. $16.99. Language: PG13 (62 swears 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G.  

16-year-old Ann is very self-conscience about her weight.  She'd love to lose 45 pounds by the end of the summer so she can look great at her aunt's wedding,  but the expensive infomercial diet she bought is hard, the food tastes terrible and she's never been successful with dieting.  Her judgemental mother only makes things worse.  

This debut novel examines not only eating issues, but family dynamics.  Ann's relationship with friends, step siblings, her own brother, a supportive and a difficult grandmother and divorced parents contribute to this entertaining read. Teen partying (alcohol but no drugs) and a good amount of swearing give this book it's PG13 rating.  Still OK for a middle school library, though.  HS MS Optional. Lisa Librarian

1 comment:

Ms. Yingling said...

Food issues books always do well in my school, and this is no exception. I found that the packaged diet program angle was rather interesting.