Louder Than Hunger

by John Schu

Revered teacher, librarian, and story ambassador John Schu explores anorexia—and self-expression as an act of survival—in a wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse.

But another voice inside me says,
We need help.
We’re going to die.

Jake volunteers at a nursing home because he likes helping people. He likes skating and singing, playing Bingo and Name That Tune, and reading mysteries and comics aloud to his teachers. He also likes avoiding people his own age . . . and the cruelty of mirrors . . . and food. Jake has read about kids like him in books—the weird one, the outsider—and would do anything not to be that kid, including shrink himself down to nothing. But the less he eats, the bigger he feels. How long can Jake punish himself before he truly disappears? A fictionalized account of the author’s experiences and emotions living in residential treatment facilities as a young teen with an eating disorder, Louder than Hunger is a triumph of raw honesty. With a deeply personal afterword for context, this much-anticipated verse novel is a powerful model for muffling the destructive voices inside, managing and articulating pain, and embracing self-acceptance, support, and love.

Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Young Adult, Mental Health, Realistic Fiction, Novel In Verse, Fiction

528 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

John Schu is the creator of the popular blog Mr. Schu Reads (mrschureads.blogspot.com), was the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and a former classroom teacher and school librarian. He has visited schools all over the world and has met with over 130,000 students, teachers, and administrators as he advocates for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books, schools, and the libraries — and librarians — that connect them. This Is a School is his picture book debut. John Schu lives in Naperville, Illinois. You can find him at JohnSchu.com and on social media at @MrSchuReads.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow....I wish I had the words to describe the experience that is this book. I highly recommend checking out content warnings before diving into this. CW: representation of disordered eating, depression, OCD, bullying.

Honestly, I've been putting off reading this book for a while. Although I haven't personally grabbled with disordered eating, I knew that the content would be raw and heavy.

What Worked: While I knew that Schu was writing from his own experience, there was still a level of rawness that was unexpected. I haven't read many youth related titles that explore disordered eating from the perspective of a teen boy. The pain associated with bullying and the shattered sense of self from his perspective was eye opening. And quite frankly, I believe that it will be eye-opening for a number of readers. While there were significant portions of the book that were dark and heavy, Schu does include lighter moments giving Jake the opportunity to connect with others. His process of recovery definitely resonated with me the most. It wasn't perfect. There are depictions of relapses that feel overwhelmingly real and raw, but were handled with care in way that informed the reader, but didn't exploit the trauma of Jake and the other characters.

Overall, this was a powerful read. I'm always fascinated by kidlit books that tackle difficult topics and this was no different.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When will you give yourself permission to take up space?”

John Schu was one of the first educators I followed and learned from in the early days of Twitter. His enthusiasm and love for books was and is infectious.

When he became a picture book author, I was elated for him. Both picture books (THIS IS A SCHOOL and THIS IS A STORY) follow that same joyful enthusiasm I experience whenever I am in John’s presence, whether digitally or IRL.

But when I found out he wrote a middle grade novel in verse based on his own experience as a teenager with an eating disorder, my heart broke for him. And it continued to break as I read this book. But just as Erin Entrada Kelly says in her blurb for this book, “He broke my heart and stitched it back together again.” That is what this book did for me too. And while the main character of Jake loves Emily Dickinson and frequently quotes the poem “Hope is the thing with feathers,” author Natalie Lloyd says about LOUDER THAN HUNGER, “Sometimes hope comes along and it’s book-shaped.”

John Schu has managed to write one of those rare books that can bridge the middle grade/YA divide, and while it is certainly about a really difficult topic that could be triggering for some readers, John writes with such gentleness and care for his readers that I hope was healing for his inner child.

If you teach upper elementary, middle or high school, LOUDER THAN HUNGER is a book that belongs on your bookshelf. Publishes March 2024.

[Erin Entrada Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book one million stars, I would.

[Jennifer Mangler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down (except when I forced myself to do so because I was in public and very nearly started sobbing and it's too hard to cry with a mask on, especially in public). Jake is the kind of character you want to protect at all costs because he loves books and musicals and his grandma and kids who've known him forever turn on him in 7th grade and make his life hell. And then he turns on himself. Reading about how he overcomes this and learns to see himself as valuable and worthy of taking up space is a heartbreaking and beautiful experience.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth a read! It’s hard to put into words the emotions you go through reading this book. It’s an important story.

[°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･Lissy of the hollow 🍎💔🦊(Olivia's version)°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't exactly my genre but it was sweet 🥹

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very early this morning, before daylight, as thunder rumbled for hours, I finished Louder Than Hunger (Candlewick Press, March 4, 2024) written by John Schu. Stretched beside me was my loving and loyal canine companion, Mulan. I was grateful for her calming presence as my soul struggled with Jake’s (and John’s) story. I wonder what she thought of my crying off and on for hours.

Before this novel-in-verse begins, a letter addressed to Dear Readers is written to us by Kate DiCamillo. She speaks of thirteen-year-old Jake and his heart and his eating disorder. She is right when she says reading this story will change you. Jake’s story is John’s story. John knows the power of story. He opened his heart so others can live their best lives. For this, we readers are grateful.

My full response is here: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Dana Burglin · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the subject matter is undeniably important, the story lacked the depth and emotional pull I was looking for. No twists or surprises to hold my attention. I struggled to connect with the main character, and the narrative didn’t evoke much of an emotional response. It’s more of a surface-level exploration of a difficult topic rather than a deeply immersive experience. I wanted more complexity, both in the character development and the storyline

While Louder than Hunger highlights an important topic, it fell flat for me as a reading experience. It’s a quick, straightforward read but didn’t leave a lasting impact.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning both on audio and in print. Highly recommended for all collections. I agree w publisher— grades 5+.

Best depiction of middle school rejection that I have ever read. It brought me right back to that experience of extreme bullying. The book is about anorexia, OCD, bullying, loss. Ultimately, however, this book is about survival.

[Adelaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really motivational book and I thought it was really cool that this story was based off the actual author’s life. Though that’s also sad to think about knowing someone had to go through this it’s even worse realizing many go through this and it’s only getting worse as America’s mental health slowly gets worse. This was an amazing book and it was so amazing I read it in one day I highly recommend and you should read it!

[˗ˏˋ Taryn ˎˊ˗ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this book. It made me feel so many feelings that I did not want to feel. But most of all, being a middle schooler, it seemed to play off of my insecurities. It was a really good book and it was also very meaningful. There were times I had to force myself not to cry at times, and also to not throw the book out the window. The parents really frustrated me at times (mostly the mom), but I understand that it is hard for them to understand. Wow. I just used "understand" twice in the same sentence and it actually made sense. Good job me. Anyways, this book was very powerful. I would definitely recommend. I flew through this book. An amazing story mixed with amazing characters. Ok, I did a review without rants.


Now for the rants. KELLA IS SO SWEET!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!!! I honestly wanted to ship them, but I forced myself not to. This book had such a powerful friendship between them and I couldn't ruin it.

HOW DARE YOU JOHN SCHU!! HOW COULD YOU KILL OFF THE GRANDMOTHER? To be fair, I knew it was going to happen from the very start. BUT STILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU RUINED A PERFECTLY GOOD CHANCE FOR AN AMAZING CHARACTER.

OMG, Jake was way to relatable. I am an absolute theater nerd. With insecurities... SO GOOD!!!!!!!! READ IT.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eating disorders are not about food. This book will help so many readers talk back to the voices in their heads. I appeciated the author's courage and vulnerability in sharing his story.

[braezyn°‧.ᐟ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I don't know what to say. This book was just amazing. It had me on the verge of tears, and books never do that for me. My heart goes out to anyone struggling the way Jake and the author did. I know what it feels like to struggle with self-image, but when it gets to this extent, don't be afraid to ask for help. You aren't going through this alone. I have a very close friend who spent some time at a mental hospital, and I wonder if their experiences with others were as connecting as Jake and Kella's. It also makes me think about how they felt when they first arrived because I remember they did not want to go. Jake helped me to better understand what this experience was probably like for them. I really connected to Jake and I wished I could give him a big hug. He deserved better than how he treated himself, and I'm so glad he realized it. On the back of this book, Dav Pilkey left a comment that said "It's the kind of book that adults will want to put into the hands of kids, but they won't need to. Kids will be giving it to each other." and I just love the way that is worded. I think this book is very important and it is a very quick read, so go check it out. I'm off to go reread it now, bye!

[Perrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

even if most parts are hard to read, it's a must-read to find out more about eating disorders, intrusive thoughts and what people who suffer from them go through
a book that everyone should read in their lives
to better understand your loved ones, yourself, or simply others

[Elliott Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first novel in verse that I have ever loved. I normally struggle to read novels in verse but this one had me sucked in. I finished it in one day and loved it!

[Tena Edlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a powerful book. I got 2/3 read last night before bed, and I was crying so hard, I wasn't sure I could calm down to even go to sleep. The story on its own is beautiful and moving, but so many aspects of the story hit me so hard personally... Into the Woods? Hope is the Thing with Feathers? Beauty and the Beast? Plus, even though my mom was only 45 when she died, she had written my brother and me letters to read in case something ever happened to her. Reading Jake's similar letter from his grandma is what really made me lose it and was my biggest connection. That letter, for Jake and for me, was a gift, but so painful to read because the loss was so great.

This book made me look at anorexia in a new way. For Jake, it wasn't really about body image; it was about not believing that he deserved to exist at all... that he didn't deserve to take up any space in the world. It hurt my heart beyond measure. I know I've had students that deal with those feelings every day. This book gives me hope that they can overcome and persist through. It didn't come easily for Jake, however. He learned that he had to "do the work." Boy, I was rooting for him. I'm glad he found a friend in Kella and that they could support each other.

My favorite scene in the book was the day trip with Jake and his dad. My heart sang over and over and over again during that trip. What a book for book nerds and theatre geeks like me. I loved it and can't wait to recommend it to others!

[Tory · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC

An important topic, but very sophomoric poetry. Nothing new under the sun, with Geronimo Stilton-style BOLD WORDS and >>small words<<.

Not to be crass, but for a narrative concerned with stripping weight, there's SO MUCH to strip out of this book. Repetitive, repetitive, repetitive.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw and gut punching novel in verse that had my jaw dropping over and over. Thank you John Schu for sharing this story with the world. Listening to you reflect upon your journey as "Jake" throughout the story was both brave and poignant. This is a book that will resonate with students of all ages, especially boys who may be going through something similar. To see their struggles and triumphs written on the page, knowing that there are people out there who understand what they are going through will make a huge impact on them. This book is definitely relatable to both girls and boys. This is one, that even though technically MG, I will be adding my personal copy to the HS collection. Thank you for writing this. Thank you for being a support to all those out there whose VOICE is louder than hunger and need that one person to say, it's going to be ok. I see you. I hear you. There is help out there and it's ok to ask for it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So moving, so well written- this book will save lives. It is a much needed novel in verse about Jake’s struggles with anorexia and his subsequent treatment. I listened to it on audio which was challenging because the chapters were very short.

[Bri Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5...Jake's journey is heartbreaking, but I loved going on this journey with him.

[Rebecca Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily a book I will pick up and reread, and I imagine my students will do the same. I cried, I laughed, and I wanted to shout back at “the voice” Jake struggled with until he was strong enough to do so on his own.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated due to reading for SLJ's Mock Newbery: Wanted to see if it still holds up.....and it absolutely, categorically, one hundred percent does.


Run don't walk to your nearest library or bookstore and read this book. This book must win the Printz Award. I'm sorry but this book is everything.

It is part memoir of John Schu's life, a fellow librarian, blogger, and star in the literary world. It's a glimpse into how eating disorders affect men and boys just as much as females. It brings an important light to this: we all struggle. We all can have body dysmorphia.

This book is beautiful in the free verse medium. I wouldn't have it any other way. Louder Than Hunger gets into the head of Jake in so many ways. Giving a voice to the anxiety. Giving a voice to the demons. Giving a voice to someone hurting and struggling...who longs to be loved and accepted and out of the middle school horribleness

The list of names who praised and reviewed this book is huge (Kate DiCamillo, Jason Reynolds, Dav Pilkey, Alan Gratz, Lisa Fipps) and now I add mine. I devoured in a night (staying up late to finish). Teens, yes, is the target audience but honestly adults need to read this book. Those struggling with an eating disorder need to read it. No one is alone

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, if you know me I don’t read much if any novels in verse. If there are a lot of words my brain trips over having to slow down and read in the pattern of the poetry. My brain doesn’t work that way when I normally read novels. However this was one that had a topic I was really interested in, and since the publisher sent me a copy, I was very intrigued to read it. So I brought it to school, and read a little bit every day that I had a few spare minutes at my desk. It was a long read, but since some of the pages were just about 10 or so lines spread out, that made it go faster. Such a great topic, made me cry, made me feel so much just with the words and the poems. Even though it is middle grade, I will be adding it to my high school library collection as I think my students could enjoy it just as much.

[Emma Yergin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is very clearly an important story that needs to be told. In the right hands, it could be really powerful. And there were parts and ideas that were powerful, but the way that it is written is cringey and takes away from the message. It is written in verse, but feels very immature and choppy. It was hard to get through, not because of the emotions but because of the writing style with words repeated or one word spaced out per line.

[Marit · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow dit was minder tekst dan ik verwachtte (zelfs ik schrok toen ik na een halfuur al op pagina 130 zat). De stijl deed me lichtelijk denken aan Toffee of Een. Het hielp om in het hoofd van Jake te kruipen, maar alle tekst zo
o
n
d
e
r
elkaar; het werd een trucje. Positieve noten qua representatie: het boek gaat over een jongen met een eetstoornis én het werd heel inzichtelijk hoe lang het proces van leren omgaan met/afkomen van eetgestoord gedrag duurt.

[Cora]

I don't know why, but this book scared me. I'm not sure if it's because of the undeniable way I relate to it or the intense concept that made me think. I completed this read in one sitting. The words written in a poem/verse style swarmed my brain with the definitions in a quick, timely manner. I'm not going to rate this book for reasons that can not be typed...

[Alyse Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about anorexia, OCD, anxiety, depression, loss, coping, The Voice, the impact of bullying. Also a book about bravery, friendship, therapy, joy, love, and overcoming obstacles. Wow (the good kind) 💝

[Emily McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard not to be immediately impressed when a brand new book has a foreword by Kate DiCamillo. And I don’t think I’ve read anything so likely to encourage empathy since Wonder. I think different audiences will absorb different messages—it was painful to read as a parent, but hopefully middle schoolers will learn from Jake that there’s so much more to a person than what they can see. Why not 5 stars? I can’t say exactly. But when I read a library book that I love, I buy it. Maybe I just don’t seeing it being something we’d be likely to re-read.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

My granddaughter read this book and I thought it would be fun to read a book that she’s read. It was super fast to read because it’s written in free verse.
I enjoyed it!

[♬♩Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

real Rating 3.34