#MMGM: A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner
REVIEW
The unkind words of another kid during elementary school sends Will into a tailspin when he begins to believe them. Being called 'fat' leads Will down a road of self-reproach bordering on self-hatred that culminates in the loss of friends, confidence, and into disordered eating. The heart-breaking book focuses on Will as he struggles with not only his weight but even more with the way he sees himself. The free-verse conveys Will's thoughts so clearly and emotionally that I found myself in tears more than once. I wanted to leap into the book and give Will a hug while reassuring him that his weight has nothing to do with his value. Thankfully, Will meets someone who nudges him toward healthier thinking and friendship, but not before disaster strikes. Lerner's deceptively-simple illustrations show readers how Will sees things as an artist and combined with the poems makes for a powerful tale. As in Lisa Fipps, Starfish, readers get a glimpse into the hurt caused by the words of other people. Thankfully in both books, the main character finds the help they need but not easily and without a lot of mental anguish before hand. The easy-to-read text and the black-and-white drawings make this book highly appealing to young readers. The book does have a trigger warning at the beginning for those who might find it difficult to read. The book provides a powerful look into the mental anguish that too many children experience currently. An important read for both children in helping encourage empathy and also adults who work with children.
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