Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado - HIGH

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
by Crystal Maldonado
343 pages. Holiday House, 2021. $19. 

Language: R (122 swears 26 Fs); Mature Content: PG (making out, talk of want to have sex); Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

16yo Charlie Vega has never kissed a boy, but she dreams about it all the time. More than anything, she would like a boyfriend. Charlie has a lot going for her: she's nice, outgoing, funny, and smart. She is also, admittedly, fat. Her best friend Amelia is pretty and thin, and Charlie always wishes people liked her as much as they like Amelia, especially her mom. Sometimes Charlie feels her mom wishes Amelia was her daughter instead. But when a popular football player asks Charlie to the dance, Charlie feels like her dreams are about to come true. But no one believes he is serious, what could he see in Charlie? 

Body image, high school drama, family drama, there's a lot going on but it doesn't weigh down this remarkable debut novel. I love the strong friend relationships and the message about being yourself. Charlie seems to have a positive body image, but still worries about shopping in the larger size stores. So realistic - can't wait to start recommending Fat Chance, Charlie Vega. 

Lisa Librarian

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