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Top Heavy
This heart-stopping debut novel in verse about a talented dancer struggling to give herself grace in the wake of an assault is a gut-wrenching masterpiece.
Fifteen-year-old Esme lives and breathes dance. Alongside her best friend, Mia, she is happiest when in the studio… sweating, stretching, soaring. And after a summer of nonstop practice, Esme and Mia earn coveted spots on the Elite dance team. Now that they’ve proven themselves to Miss Regina and the senior girls, it should be smooth sailing.
Except that Esme and Mia took the spots of two popular, well-liked dancers.
Except that Esme's dad hasn't been able to work for months, and there’s hardly enough money for groceries, never mind dance tuition and recital costumes.
Except that a stranger touches Esme during a night out, touches the breasts that have always felt like giant targets.
After years of being oversexualized for her large chest, this is the violation that pushes Esme over the edge. Was it her fault? Could she have stopped it? Why can’t she just be different? Esme stumbles, off kilter and adrift from her loved ones, struggling to find the strong, central cord that will pull her up and allow her to soar again.
This dazzling, tour-de-force debut tackles friendship, first love, and sexual assault, along with the full emotional range of life as a teenage girl. Esme musters strength she didn’t know she had—and learns to lean on others to find the right support. An unforgettable read.
Fifteen-year-old Esme lives and breathes dance. Alongside her best friend, Mia, she is happiest when in the studio… sweating, stretching, soaring. And after a summer of nonstop practice, Esme and Mia earn coveted spots on the Elite dance team. Now that they’ve proven themselves to Miss Regina and the senior girls, it should be smooth sailing.
Except that Esme and Mia took the spots of two popular, well-liked dancers.
Except that Esme's dad hasn't been able to work for months, and there’s hardly enough money for groceries, never mind dance tuition and recital costumes.
Except that a stranger touches Esme during a night out, touches the breasts that have always felt like giant targets.
After years of being oversexualized for her large chest, this is the violation that pushes Esme over the edge. Was it her fault? Could she have stopped it? Why can’t she just be different? Esme stumbles, off kilter and adrift from her loved ones, struggling to find the strong, central cord that will pull her up and allow her to soar again.
This dazzling, tour-de-force debut tackles friendship, first love, and sexual assault, along with the full emotional range of life as a teenage girl. Esme musters strength she didn’t know she had—and learns to lean on others to find the right support. An unforgettable read.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 10, 2025
6 people are currently reading
3673 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda DeChambeau
1 book20 followersRhonda DeChambeau (she/her/hers) is a writer and poet for young people. After graduating with a degree in English from Harvard, Rhonda began her career in human resources in the federal government, where she saw herself as a professional problem-solver. But her lifelong passion has always been writing. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. A lover of libraries, Rhonda was honored to serve as the 2022-2023 Associates of the Boston Public Library Writer in Residence, during which time she wrote and sold her debut novel, TOP HEAVY. She lives south of Boston with her family and two cats who love to cuddle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 24, 2025
I don't pick up novels written in verse too often, but when I do they usually work for me. Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau was no exception. The story follows fifteen-year-old Esme, a passionate dancer who gets the opportunity to train in an elite dancing class at the beginning of the book. But while her talent is finally acknowledged in that way, she is also facing multiple struggles: with the other dancers in her class, with her family's money and health problems, and with self-doubt due to her body and all the people who consider it necessary to comment on it. This book was the perfect depiction of what it feels like to be super self-conscious about your body, constantly thinking about it in every situation of your life and how you can have a burning passion but still be limited in meeting your full potential. The writing style lent itself well to this kind of story and made everything feel very personal. The verse format also made it possible to show the movement of dance within the text, which was quite unique to see. The portrayal of different relationships – family, old and new friends, first love – was done nicely as well, and I think that the medical themes were handled with care. There were some minor things I didn't love, but I can hardly say anything negative about this book. (Spoiler: It's a quick read but doesn't fail to leave a lasting impression and I can broadly recommend it!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and alc!
top heavy was a beautifully impactful and heavy novel in verse — i have so much respect for authors that write in verse because, if done well, they can say so much in such few words. dechambeau does just that, and it resonated to me just as strongly as poet x did when i read it back around 2020.
top heavy tackles multiple different topics such as being a child from a low income family with a parent that has medical issues/bills, bullies, assault, and perhaps at the center, being a young woman with a body that society thinks they have the right to touch or comment on.
despite all of the depressing aspects highlighted in this verse novel, there are also plenty of good things: having a strong family unit, good friends, new friends found through your passion, and young love.
as for the audio, the narrated did a beautiful job reading and captured the emotion of the verse perfectly!
overall, top heavy deserves its spot right next to the poet x on the shelf, and will strongly resonate for with young female readers who struggle with their bodies, but learn to appreciate their beauty.
top heavy was a beautifully impactful and heavy novel in verse — i have so much respect for authors that write in verse because, if done well, they can say so much in such few words. dechambeau does just that, and it resonated to me just as strongly as poet x did when i read it back around 2020.
top heavy tackles multiple different topics such as being a child from a low income family with a parent that has medical issues/bills, bullies, assault, and perhaps at the center, being a young woman with a body that society thinks they have the right to touch or comment on.
despite all of the depressing aspects highlighted in this verse novel, there are also plenty of good things: having a strong family unit, good friends, new friends found through your passion, and young love.
as for the audio, the narrated did a beautiful job reading and captured the emotion of the verse perfectly!
overall, top heavy deserves its spot right next to the poet x on the shelf, and will strongly resonate for with young female readers who struggle with their bodies, but learn to appreciate their beauty.
June 13, 2025
A story about a dancer who is very aware of her body.
As an ex-dancer, I know how aware we are of our bodies. In leotards, in balancing, in partner work. Dance teachers slapping bums, stomachs, thighs; telling you to suck in and pull up - these are all completely routine.
It makes you feel like you are on show all the time and that everyone has the scrutinising eye of a dance teacher fixing your posture.
This is a novella on friendship, bullying, dealing with boys (the good and bad), dealing with economic divides, being supported by your family.
Despite the main tagline for this focusing on the sexual assault, this happened very late in the story and it is not graphic. I would feel fine giving this to middle grade readers.
I think I was expecting something more along the lines of Tiffany D. Jackson. Instead, this is short and sweet.
This was written in verse and I listened to this as an audiobook which flowed well and suited the language of dance well.
Audiobook gifted by publisher.
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As an ex-dancer, I know how aware we are of our bodies. In leotards, in balancing, in partner work. Dance teachers slapping bums, stomachs, thighs; telling you to suck in and pull up - these are all completely routine.
It makes you feel like you are on show all the time and that everyone has the scrutinising eye of a dance teacher fixing your posture.
This is a novella on friendship, bullying, dealing with boys (the good and bad), dealing with economic divides, being supported by your family.
Despite the main tagline for this focusing on the sexual assault, this happened very late in the story and it is not graphic. I would feel fine giving this to middle grade readers.
I think I was expecting something more along the lines of Tiffany D. Jackson. Instead, this is short and sweet.
This was written in verse and I listened to this as an audiobook which flowed well and suited the language of dance well.
Audiobook gifted by publisher.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
May 24, 2025
Esme is a dancer, a high school sophomore, and a girl who desperately wishes she looked differently. Her large chest makes dancing and dressing difficult and causes undue attention and bullying by boys and girls alike. I like how while this the focal point more than once, Esme’s life was still fully fleshed out and things such as passion, friendships, first love, and family are also highlighted. Esme is a wonderful character, and I found myself tearing up more than once as she dealt with being 15, with learning to accept her body even as others try to define it, and learning to gain confidence in herself and her talent.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
March 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & Holiday House for the ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review.
As someone new to novels in verse, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Top Heavy—but I absolutely loved it. This beautifully written story follows Esme, a fifteen-year-old dancer navigating the many struggles that young performers face: friendships, bullying, financial challenges, and most importantly, body image.
Esme’s struggle with her “top heavy” physique resonated deeply with me. As someone who was once told I “didn’t have a ballerina’s chest,” reading this felt like stepping into the diary of my 12-year-old self. Dechambeau captures the unspoken pressures of dance culture and the way young girls are often judged for their bodies, not just their talent. One line in particular struck me:
"How they judge me even though they don’t know me…
As though having this chest makes me a sexual thing.
As though having this chest was a choice I made instead of something I live with."
While the plot is simple and doesn’t revolve around major turning points, the emotional impact of Top Heavy is undeniable. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, completely swept up in Esme’s journey. This is the kind of story I wish I had when I was 15, and I have no doubt it will resonate with so many young readers today.
As someone new to novels in verse, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Top Heavy—but I absolutely loved it. This beautifully written story follows Esme, a fifteen-year-old dancer navigating the many struggles that young performers face: friendships, bullying, financial challenges, and most importantly, body image.
Esme’s struggle with her “top heavy” physique resonated deeply with me. As someone who was once told I “didn’t have a ballerina’s chest,” reading this felt like stepping into the diary of my 12-year-old self. Dechambeau captures the unspoken pressures of dance culture and the way young girls are often judged for their bodies, not just their talent. One line in particular struck me:
"How they judge me even though they don’t know me…
As though having this chest makes me a sexual thing.
As though having this chest was a choice I made instead of something I live with."
While the plot is simple and doesn’t revolve around major turning points, the emotional impact of Top Heavy is undeniable. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours, completely swept up in Esme’s journey. This is the kind of story I wish I had when I was 15, and I have no doubt it will resonate with so many young readers today.
July 23, 2025
so according to the synopsis we have a teenager with a large chest who is stigmatized for it and after she is assaulted she struggles with dealing with that. and while technically that is true for this book I feel like it's really misleading to be honest. The vast majority of this book is our main character dealing with bullying from peers, her home life, and navigating a new romantic relationship.
The assault happens at like 85% in and it really feels like an afterthought addition to the plot and not something that I personally would have included in the main synopsis of the story. I totally understand including it as a content warning but from my perspective, this book is so much more than Esme overcoming and getting through being assaulted/groped.
this book is told in verse and I listened to it in audiobook so it wasn't as apparent to me that it was told in verse. The audiobook is nice and I was surprised it was so long because the story is in verse. I would be curious to look at what a physical copy looks like.
overall I think that this is a very powerful story and one that is much needed about the oversexualization of girls and breasts and how difficult having a larger chest can be not only physically and mentally but also socially especially as a minor being sexualized by adults, men and women alike.
I think that the story thrived in the dance studio and in esme's personal and familiar relationships. The groping plotline I feel was unnecessary but I understand why it was included but again I don't find it as relevant as the synopsis of the book leads teaders to believe.
The assault happens at like 85% in and it really feels like an afterthought addition to the plot and not something that I personally would have included in the main synopsis of the story. I totally understand including it as a content warning but from my perspective, this book is so much more than Esme overcoming and getting through being assaulted/groped.
this book is told in verse and I listened to it in audiobook so it wasn't as apparent to me that it was told in verse. The audiobook is nice and I was surprised it was so long because the story is in verse. I would be curious to look at what a physical copy looks like.
overall I think that this is a very powerful story and one that is much needed about the oversexualization of girls and breasts and how difficult having a larger chest can be not only physically and mentally but also socially especially as a minor being sexualized by adults, men and women alike.
I think that the story thrived in the dance studio and in esme's personal and familiar relationships. The groping plotline I feel was unnecessary but I understand why it was included but again I don't find it as relevant as the synopsis of the book leads teaders to believe.
June 22, 2025
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
What an amazing novel in verse!
First off, I love novels in verse. I always find them to be so creative and moving and this book was no exception.
This is the debut book from the author and I was very impressed. The poems were all well crafted and really hit the mark, which is a tough thing to accomplish. Poetry can be so hit or miss and I didn’t feel as though any of them were misses. I also loved that all the poems had titles because titles hold as much meaning as the poems themselves.
As for the story, it was gripping and impactful. It covered many topics including first love, friendship, bullying, sexual assault, being big chested, and being low income. All of these topics were explored thoroughly and with care. The book never felt like it was trying to do too much and it captured teenage emotions perfectly. Another thing that I loved was that despite all the things the main character, Esme, was going through, she had an amazing support system around her. From her friends to her family, I loved seeing them rally behind her.
Overall, this was a debut to remember! If you love novels in verse, or want to give one a try, definitely consider this one.
What an amazing novel in verse!
First off, I love novels in verse. I always find them to be so creative and moving and this book was no exception.
This is the debut book from the author and I was very impressed. The poems were all well crafted and really hit the mark, which is a tough thing to accomplish. Poetry can be so hit or miss and I didn’t feel as though any of them were misses. I also loved that all the poems had titles because titles hold as much meaning as the poems themselves.
As for the story, it was gripping and impactful. It covered many topics including first love, friendship, bullying, sexual assault, being big chested, and being low income. All of these topics were explored thoroughly and with care. The book never felt like it was trying to do too much and it captured teenage emotions perfectly. Another thing that I loved was that despite all the things the main character, Esme, was going through, she had an amazing support system around her. From her friends to her family, I loved seeing them rally behind her.
Overall, this was a debut to remember! If you love novels in verse, or want to give one a try, definitely consider this one.
May 30, 2025
The title, the cover, the writing, the lead voice, the characters, the theme - everything is PERFECT!
One of the best reads of 2025!
The blurb says it all. The raw emotions in the writing inside out made me think, laugh and cry throughout.
The pull of body shaming, self doubt and acceptance is portrayed perfectly in the writing.
When you have a mom this amazing, you will fight the world!
The first love. The first kiss… well, I love it!
Trigger warning for assault (well mentioned in the blurb).
I feel that the voice of the main character is raw and real. The honesty in the writing is what made me give the book a perfect rating!
Highly recommended.
Thank you, Holiday House, for the advance reader copy.
One of the best reads of 2025!
The blurb says it all. The raw emotions in the writing inside out made me think, laugh and cry throughout.
The pull of body shaming, self doubt and acceptance is portrayed perfectly in the writing.
When you have a mom this amazing, you will fight the world!
The first love. The first kiss… well, I love it!
Trigger warning for assault (well mentioned in the blurb).
I feel that the voice of the main character is raw and real. The honesty in the writing is what made me give the book a perfect rating!
Highly recommended.
Thank you, Holiday House, for the advance reader copy.
June 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
I have become such a fan of novels in verse. This was another hit for me.
I have never been a dancer but I grew up too heavy like our MC Esme and I completely related to how she felt about her body.
This was such a beautiful story full of friendship, dance, family struggles, high school and heart ache. It’s woven like a tapestry that I was taking in.
Thank you penguin teen for the copy 🤍🤍
Pub Date: June 10th
September 14, 2025
you can fit so much class commentary and complex emotions of being oversexualized at a young age in this bad boy
June 9, 2025
A moving, heartfelt, extremely relatable debut YA novel in verse about a young dancer with large breasts and the ways she has to deal with unwanted physical advances, sexualization and misconceptions and her own sense of self-worth and self-acceptance. I loved the What would Dolly (Parton) do mindset, the strong female friendship and the exploration of breast reduction surgery and what that might mean for Esme's mental health and overall well-being. Great on audio and highly recommended especially for fans of books like The turning pointe by Vanessa L. Torres. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 13, 2025
I was sucked by that stunning cover and I found a tender story told in verse within the pages. I apparently took zero notes while reading since it was such a quick read, but I recall a prominent female friendship at the center of the story.
TW: sexual assault (groping), bullying, body dysmorphia, parent struggling with work-related injury, poverty
Top Heavy follows a teen dancer who is large chested and wanting a breast reduction, partly to alleviate her back pain and partly to feel more comfortable in her own body. She's subject to bullying from other dancers and is sick of the perverted attention she garners from men while just living her life.
I really appreciate that stories like this exist. Self-acceptance is one of the toughest lessons young people have to learn, but in our beauty obsessed society most do not learn to love their bodies until they're older. I also appreciated the discussion of body modification and bodily autonomy!
TW: sexual assault (groping), bullying, body dysmorphia, parent struggling with work-related injury, poverty
Top Heavy follows a teen dancer who is large chested and wanting a breast reduction, partly to alleviate her back pain and partly to feel more comfortable in her own body. She's subject to bullying from other dancers and is sick of the perverted attention she garners from men while just living her life.
I really appreciate that stories like this exist. Self-acceptance is one of the toughest lessons young people have to learn, but in our beauty obsessed society most do not learn to love their bodies until they're older. I also appreciated the discussion of body modification and bodily autonomy!
February 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House/Peachtree/Pixel+Ink, and Rhonda DeChambeau for the opportunity to read Top Heavy in exchange for an honest review.
Top Heavy is a HiLo novel-in-verse, written in a poetic verse style. This novel is a double-edged sword, as it explores the idea of one's beauty as they are, but also sometimes how we are causes physical problems, leading to thoughts of alterations.
Esme loves nothing more than to dance. It is her ultimate passion. The only problem is, as she has gotten older, puberty and maturity has graced her with a very large chest, of which causes physical problems such as neck and back pain, as well as sores from her bra. She is often looked at by others because of her physicality, and she also has a hard time with finding clothes that fit well, especially when it comes to matching outfits for her dance recitals. She wants nothing more than to look into breast reduction surgery with the idea that her joy of dancing and other aspects of life will be better, though she is afraid to ask her parents. Her dad was in a bad accident and needs surgery of his own, and money is scarce with him out of work.
Esme has her grandma, her best friend, and a newfound boyfriend to advocate for her, all of whom like her for who she is and not what she has. While she sees her physical feature as frustrating, seeking advice from a medical professional actually gets her to make some changes that don't involve altering the body, to see if that helps alleviate her physical pains. While it may not remove bullying and wandering eyes, Esme's loved ones help her with advice to which she can manage the anger and rage she feels at those circumstances into something positive.
This novel focuses on the idea that how we are made is an integral aspect of who we are and part of what makes us unique. While sometimes our physical features offer challenges in the world, such as bullying or unwanted groping (and I can relate, as I was bullied for physical features myself when I was in high school, though different than Esme's circumstance), there are more positives than negatives in the joys we can ultimately find in who we are.
I love the novel-in-verse style. DeChambeau offers a fun dance with the words themselves that tie into Esme's own rhythm and movement that make the verse format unique and articulate to the given topic. This is a great way to address self-image in a way that draws readers in and keeps their attention. This quickly-moving novel is perfect for a female teen audience, though anyone can enjoy and learn some life lessons from this gem of a book.
Top Heavy is a HiLo novel-in-verse, written in a poetic verse style. This novel is a double-edged sword, as it explores the idea of one's beauty as they are, but also sometimes how we are causes physical problems, leading to thoughts of alterations.
Esme loves nothing more than to dance. It is her ultimate passion. The only problem is, as she has gotten older, puberty and maturity has graced her with a very large chest, of which causes physical problems such as neck and back pain, as well as sores from her bra. She is often looked at by others because of her physicality, and she also has a hard time with finding clothes that fit well, especially when it comes to matching outfits for her dance recitals. She wants nothing more than to look into breast reduction surgery with the idea that her joy of dancing and other aspects of life will be better, though she is afraid to ask her parents. Her dad was in a bad accident and needs surgery of his own, and money is scarce with him out of work.
Esme has her grandma, her best friend, and a newfound boyfriend to advocate for her, all of whom like her for who she is and not what she has. While she sees her physical feature as frustrating, seeking advice from a medical professional actually gets her to make some changes that don't involve altering the body, to see if that helps alleviate her physical pains. While it may not remove bullying and wandering eyes, Esme's loved ones help her with advice to which she can manage the anger and rage she feels at those circumstances into something positive.
This novel focuses on the idea that how we are made is an integral aspect of who we are and part of what makes us unique. While sometimes our physical features offer challenges in the world, such as bullying or unwanted groping (and I can relate, as I was bullied for physical features myself when I was in high school, though different than Esme's circumstance), there are more positives than negatives in the joys we can ultimately find in who we are.
I love the novel-in-verse style. DeChambeau offers a fun dance with the words themselves that tie into Esme's own rhythm and movement that make the verse format unique and articulate to the given topic. This is a great way to address self-image in a way that draws readers in and keeps their attention. This quickly-moving novel is perfect for a female teen audience, though anyone can enjoy and learn some life lessons from this gem of a book.
June 9, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This book focuses on learning to be body positive in a world that sees a woman's body to be a topic that everyone gets to be a critic on even though it's not their body.
While I normally don't like books written in verse this is an exception. The fact that Esme is a teenager with bigger breasts then most of her peers and indeers the teasing and bullying from boys and girls, she still tries to find the beauty in herself and learns to love her body just the way that it is. The fact that she had to deal with someone touching her inappropriately and against her wishes is something that is becoming a big topic for teens to realize that it happens and it's not okay, to stand up for yourself. I felt like I was heard with this book because I, too am top heavy and have had many of people made comments about it, I have learned to accept my body the way it is but it took me years to realize that yes I can fix my problem but people don't have the right to make comments about it.
Esme is a dancing and we all know dancers are supposed to look a certain way and Esme doesn't fit that mold. This book shows that anyone can be a dancer if they put their mind to it and learns to accept the fact that there will always be people out there who don't like that a bigger person can do the same thing as a person who is slimmer and smaller.
This book focuses on learning to be body positive in a world that sees a woman's body to be a topic that everyone gets to be a critic on even though it's not their body.
While I normally don't like books written in verse this is an exception. The fact that Esme is a teenager with bigger breasts then most of her peers and indeers the teasing and bullying from boys and girls, she still tries to find the beauty in herself and learns to love her body just the way that it is. The fact that she had to deal with someone touching her inappropriately and against her wishes is something that is becoming a big topic for teens to realize that it happens and it's not okay, to stand up for yourself. I felt like I was heard with this book because I, too am top heavy and have had many of people made comments about it, I have learned to accept my body the way it is but it took me years to realize that yes I can fix my problem but people don't have the right to make comments about it.
Esme is a dancing and we all know dancers are supposed to look a certain way and Esme doesn't fit that mold. This book shows that anyone can be a dancer if they put their mind to it and learns to accept the fact that there will always be people out there who don't like that a bigger person can do the same thing as a person who is slimmer and smaller.
July 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐✨
In this coming-of-age debut novel in verse, we find fifteen-year-old Esmee. We follow along as she faces some changes in her dance career, friendships, relationships, and everything in between, with constant care by the author. One of the main topics treated in it is how she struggles with having a larger chest, facing sexualization, medical issues, and even affecting how she faces dancing. I found the topic at hand treated very tactfully, exploring the nuances it can bring up and how a young teen could face them. While I loved how we generally moved through the plot, I found myself pretty distanced from the main character even though I related to her greatly. I assume it probably was because it is told in verse and thus lends itself to fewer inward monologues. Listened to it via audiobook; the narrator, Ellie Gossage, does a great job of bringing the story to life, an especially important task taking into account it's written in verse.
Overall a great read, hard-hitting for both teens and adults alike.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In this coming-of-age debut novel in verse, we find fifteen-year-old Esmee. We follow along as she faces some changes in her dance career, friendships, relationships, and everything in between, with constant care by the author. One of the main topics treated in it is how she struggles with having a larger chest, facing sexualization, medical issues, and even affecting how she faces dancing. I found the topic at hand treated very tactfully, exploring the nuances it can bring up and how a young teen could face them. While I loved how we generally moved through the plot, I found myself pretty distanced from the main character even though I related to her greatly. I assume it probably was because it is told in verse and thus lends itself to fewer inward monologues. Listened to it via audiobook; the narrator, Ellie Gossage, does a great job of bringing the story to life, an especially important task taking into account it's written in verse.
Overall a great read, hard-hitting for both teens and adults alike.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 26, 2025
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I’m a huge fan of novels in verse, especially navigating difficult topics and hitting me hard in the emotions. Top Heavy definitely delivers all of that! Esme is struggling with her self image because it’s hard for her to feel seen beyond her larger-than-average bust. She’s gotten so accustomed to being hypersexualized by people, even adults, around her, and it makes it hard for her to keep dancing without feeling self conscious. I love that Esme has such a supportive community in her parents, Grammy, and the friends she makes over the year. The sexual assault referenced in the synopsis happens a lot later than I expected because it is part of the synopsis, but I still really like how that element was navigated and handled. Esme finding her confidence is such a great journey.
I’m a huge fan of novels in verse, especially navigating difficult topics and hitting me hard in the emotions. Top Heavy definitely delivers all of that! Esme is struggling with her self image because it’s hard for her to feel seen beyond her larger-than-average bust. She’s gotten so accustomed to being hypersexualized by people, even adults, around her, and it makes it hard for her to keep dancing without feeling self conscious. I love that Esme has such a supportive community in her parents, Grammy, and the friends she makes over the year. The sexual assault referenced in the synopsis happens a lot later than I expected because it is part of the synopsis, but I still really like how that element was navigated and handled. Esme finding her confidence is such a great journey.
June 26, 2025
Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau is about 15 year old Esme, a dedicated dancer, and thanks to a sudden growth spurt feeling way too top heavy. Between the back pain, unwanted stares, and costumes that no longer fit, her once-confident self is starting to unravel. And when a public groping leaves her shaken, she’s forced to confront what it really means to live in her body.
Told in gorgeous free verse, Top Heavy dives deep into body image, girlhood, and all the complicated emotions that come with both. Esme’s voice is honest and vulnerable, and the poetry feels like movement, like dance. There’s also sweet romance, a shifting best friendship, and a big decision about whether or not to get breast reduction surgery.
This one hits hard in all the right places. It’s messy, empowering, and full of heart. Perfect for anyone who remembers what it felt like to suddenly not fit into your own skin.
Told in gorgeous free verse, Top Heavy dives deep into body image, girlhood, and all the complicated emotions that come with both. Esme’s voice is honest and vulnerable, and the poetry feels like movement, like dance. There’s also sweet romance, a shifting best friendship, and a big decision about whether or not to get breast reduction surgery.
This one hits hard in all the right places. It’s messy, empowering, and full of heart. Perfect for anyone who remembers what it felt like to suddenly not fit into your own skin.
June 7, 2025
⟢ 3.25 out of 5 ✮⋆˙
Fifteen-year-old Esme is a talented dancer who loves flying on stage, practicing and stretching with her dance teammates. Told in verse, Top Heavy is a coming-of-age story about the oversexualization of young women and the struggles of friendship. Sadly I didn’t feel a strong connection to the main character and this might have been because of the writing style. Although Esme's struggles are clearly explained on the page, I couldn't feel her emotions. I really enjoyed the third act of the novel, the experience of the sexual assault was deeply moving and sadly relatable, but the resolution came too quickly and I wish we could have seen more of the aftermath from Esme's perspective.
ARC kindly given by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own!
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the story of a talented dancer who is facing a lot of challenges in her life, told in verse. excited to read this soon🧡
Fifteen-year-old Esme is a talented dancer who loves flying on stage, practicing and stretching with her dance teammates. Told in verse, Top Heavy is a coming-of-age story about the oversexualization of young women and the struggles of friendship. Sadly I didn’t feel a strong connection to the main character and this might have been because of the writing style. Although Esme's struggles are clearly explained on the page, I couldn't feel her emotions. I really enjoyed the third act of the novel, the experience of the sexual assault was deeply moving and sadly relatable, but the resolution came too quickly and I wish we could have seen more of the aftermath from Esme's perspective.
ARC kindly given by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own!
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the story of a talented dancer who is facing a lot of challenges in her life, told in verse. excited to read this soon🧡
July 3, 2025
This was a great short read. It really encapsulated what it's like to be a girl with a body that isn't like everyone else's. The way it approaches assault is fabulous. It empowers the victim without highlighting/glorifying their assailant. This would be an awesome resource for young girls (or anyone really) to broach the idea of assault and what to do when it happens, without making them afraid to take up space in the world.
Disclaimer: I was given access to this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I was given access to this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2025
Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau is a verse-style novel about Esme, a 15-year-old dancer navigating friendships, first love, financial hardships, family strengths and strains, medical concerns, body image, bullies, sexualization, and team dynamics. I wish this book would’ve existed when I was a kid/teenage dancer, but as an adult woman who does ballet just for fun now, it still left a memorable impact.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau. My comments are an independent, honest review.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Top Heavy by Rhonda DeChambeau. My comments are an independent, honest review.
November 13, 2025
Man I love it when you can see yourself in a book! This spoke to me so much as a high school athlete who felt plagued by large breasts that still dictate my life today. The stupid hold ups with insurance and doctors who find breast reduction an elective surgery when it is needed for us to all stand tall and live painlessly. I love that Esme never gave up and that Todd is a respectable boy who made an effort to look her in the eye, not at her breasts. If not my favorite book of the year, top 5 for sure!
June 21, 2025
A sensitive and heartfelt story about a high school girl with DD cups and a love of dance. It chronicles her struggle to be her best self while often being the subject of unwanted attention. She has to give up ballet and tap dancing because her body doesn’t conform, but she still leaps and twirls in her modern dance classes. Now she’s made the Elite 12 team but not all the other girls are welcoming of her achievement, playing mind tricks with her self esteem and confidence. It’s also a big-hearted story of friendship, family, and love. A confident debut! I look forward to reading more by this author. 4.5 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, #DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #TopHeavy for review purposes. It is now available.
My thanks to the author, publisher, #DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #TopHeavy for review purposes. It is now available.
August 5, 2025
This thoughtful teen novel explored self-love and acceptance with honesty and grace. The author addresses difficult topics with a delicate yet realistic touch, never shying away from the emotional complexity involved. I especially enjoyed the lyrical style of the writing, which added a poetic depth to the story without overwhelming it. A moving and beautifully written read.
July 16, 2025
Very short read (2 hours maybe). Novel in verse with a lot of very poetic lines throughout. This book got a lot of things right about girlhood and poverty and surviving it all but in the end it kind of fell flat for me. I'll get my full thoughts here later maybe.
January 30, 2025
4 stars ⭐️
Reading this book felt like following the characters on an important journey
Reading this book felt like following the characters on an important journey
January 13, 2025
HOW GOOD COULD YOU BE
if you just
ignored the voices in your head
trusted in your body
kept yourself TALL
and danced from the heart?
(Goodreads review formatting ruins it, I'm sorry, but the texts are like stairs descending to the right)
I feel seen.
That was the first thing that came up in my mind after reading Top Heavy. I'm not a dancer and I don't have the same body type as Esme, but I can relate to her experiences now and even more when I was a teenager. At some point I shed a tear or two given how much it felt close to my heart. The story started off upper MG-ish with shorter and more visual/concrete poetry, and for a second I doubt if it's a YA. But as Esme grew, it solidified into lower YA. It's beautifully and appropriately written; all sensitive issues are treated really well and easy to understand.
The theme is obviously about body autonomy, boundaries, and self-love, which is important, but I also want to point out one element that is Esme and Mia's friendship. Personally it was refreshing to see friendship breakup in YA and how the characters were handling it. They both learned from their mistakes and grew up. Another thing that's worth highlighting is adult characters in Esme's life whose roles are in good portion—not too meddling and not too nonchalant, enough involvement to guide her to decide what's best for herself. I also liked Esme's new friends and boyfriend who supported her in their own way. When they gave time for Todd to comment about what happened to Esme and before that he silently and patiently listened to the girls, we knew he was the one 🫶🫰
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing an eARC of this book.
July 1, 2025
Wow!! I was not expecting to be impacted the way I was from reading this!
I typically am not drawn to works written in verse but the description drew me in as I have personal experience with having a large chest early in life and wanted to see how the author handled it.
I consumed the audiobook and the narrator Ellie Gossage did a great job with matching her tempo to the style of the prose. Speaking at a very deliberate and slow metered pace.
While it was perfect for the verse style it wasn’t so great for me personally but it was an easy fix to speed it up. This changes the experience completely but for me it was for the better. The audiobook has a 3 hr and 30 minute run time at 1x speed so I was able to listed in under 2 hours at 2x speed.
As far as the story itself I think k it’s a must read for teens. It packs a lot into a relatively short story. The biggest impact for me was reading about the SA as for me growing up it was a common occurrence that I never thought twice about. We have come so far in society about educating people about what’s and what isn’t appropriate.
I really think this should be required reading for both boys and girls to get a glimpse into the on going’s of a life that you may have no idea of.
This book came out on June 10 so go grab your copy today as while I have the audiobook already, I’m
Going to get a print copy as well.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I typically am not drawn to works written in verse but the description drew me in as I have personal experience with having a large chest early in life and wanted to see how the author handled it.
I consumed the audiobook and the narrator Ellie Gossage did a great job with matching her tempo to the style of the prose. Speaking at a very deliberate and slow metered pace.
While it was perfect for the verse style it wasn’t so great for me personally but it was an easy fix to speed it up. This changes the experience completely but for me it was for the better. The audiobook has a 3 hr and 30 minute run time at 1x speed so I was able to listed in under 2 hours at 2x speed.
As far as the story itself I think k it’s a must read for teens. It packs a lot into a relatively short story. The biggest impact for me was reading about the SA as for me growing up it was a common occurrence that I never thought twice about. We have come so far in society about educating people about what’s and what isn’t appropriate.
I really think this should be required reading for both boys and girls to get a glimpse into the on going’s of a life that you may have no idea of.
This book came out on June 10 so go grab your copy today as while I have the audiobook already, I’m
Going to get a print copy as well.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
August 3, 2025
Fifteen-year-old Esme is an aspiring Elite dancer, comes from a family trying to make ends meet, and struggles with her DD breasts and how she and others in society see herself because of it. Esme and her best friend Mia make the Elite team, but Esme faces bullying from the dancers and at school while balancing struggles in home life, her failing friendship with Mia, and the judgment people give her for her breasts.
The descriptions of dancing/body movement were lyrical. The discussion of how much effort it takes to be a dancer is accurate. I feel like the friendship breakup with Mia wasn’t covered very much? Esme’s dad has health problems and then gets a surgery that helps. Touches on the role of money in quality of life and how money is a concern in homes (Esme’s struggle to pay for dance classes, costumes, college, bras, food, fun things, surgery). We see Esme have positive relationships with multiple adults - both of her parents, her grandma, Mia’s parents, and Miss Regina the dance teacher. We also see a positive, supportive first love experience between her and Todd (+no sex)!
We also see the struggles of having big breasts and being sexualized by everyone - boys, men, and women - for just existing. Some instances of hurtful comments and bullying, some instances of staring and negative reactions to her body. There is a groping scene that’s not too long or explicit and occurs closer to the end. We see the different emotions that come after being groped - fear, anger, confusion. Discussion on breast reduction surgery, therapy, and being comfortable in your own skin, owning the body you’ve been given, and standing tall. Stand tall and soar.
This book covered some heavier topics in a slightly lighter fashion than some works with older YA characters (not too lightly, but not too dark and explicit), which was nice. This work was also quite hopeful with positive support systems throughout that helped. Esme grows into her body and her skin and stands tall in herself and her abilities by the end of the work.
The font style for each section is great (bubble letter with shadow), and I love the cover design and side details. Even the typography of the title page is thoughtfully done. I like how the font got smaller in some sections and how the words reflected what the word was and took shape (glide, circle, careen, rise).
Some cursing. Brief mentions of alcohol. College-aged man hitting on high school girl. Hurtful comments about breasts and bodies. Bullying. Relatively clean in terms of sex mentions.
Quotes
“Why do people / (even people that I love) / feel like they have / the right / to comment on my body?” (74)
“I’ve replayed what happened, / over / and / over. And every time I do, / I am angry at myself / for being polite to the guy at the bar / for thinking he was good looking / and then for not screaming at the top of my lungs / for not doing anything but standing there / helpless and embarrassed / for not being in guard in the first place.” (247)
“The world is full of / pinheads and / wolves and / people who think / they can / grab you / jab you / trip you. / They want you to fall. / But if that is true / this is also true: / The world is full of love. / Of all kinds.” (342)
The descriptions of dancing/body movement were lyrical. The discussion of how much effort it takes to be a dancer is accurate. I feel like the friendship breakup with Mia wasn’t covered very much? Esme’s dad has health problems and then gets a surgery that helps. Touches on the role of money in quality of life and how money is a concern in homes (Esme’s struggle to pay for dance classes, costumes, college, bras, food, fun things, surgery). We see Esme have positive relationships with multiple adults - both of her parents, her grandma, Mia’s parents, and Miss Regina the dance teacher. We also see a positive, supportive first love experience between her and Todd (+no sex)!
We also see the struggles of having big breasts and being sexualized by everyone - boys, men, and women - for just existing. Some instances of hurtful comments and bullying, some instances of staring and negative reactions to her body. There is a groping scene that’s not too long or explicit and occurs closer to the end. We see the different emotions that come after being groped - fear, anger, confusion. Discussion on breast reduction surgery, therapy, and being comfortable in your own skin, owning the body you’ve been given, and standing tall. Stand tall and soar.
This book covered some heavier topics in a slightly lighter fashion than some works with older YA characters (not too lightly, but not too dark and explicit), which was nice. This work was also quite hopeful with positive support systems throughout that helped. Esme grows into her body and her skin and stands tall in herself and her abilities by the end of the work.
The font style for each section is great (bubble letter with shadow), and I love the cover design and side details. Even the typography of the title page is thoughtfully done. I like how the font got smaller in some sections and how the words reflected what the word was and took shape (glide, circle, careen, rise).
Some cursing. Brief mentions of alcohol. College-aged man hitting on high school girl. Hurtful comments about breasts and bodies. Bullying. Relatively clean in terms of sex mentions.
Quotes
“Why do people / (even people that I love) / feel like they have / the right / to comment on my body?” (74)
“I’ve replayed what happened, / over / and / over. And every time I do, / I am angry at myself / for being polite to the guy at the bar / for thinking he was good looking / and then for not screaming at the top of my lungs / for not doing anything but standing there / helpless and embarrassed / for not being in guard in the first place.” (247)
“The world is full of / pinheads and / wolves and / people who think / they can / grab you / jab you / trip you. / They want you to fall. / But if that is true / this is also true: / The world is full of love. / Of all kinds.” (342)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
💫ARC Review
Wow! This is a beautifully written, emotional novel-in-verse that pulled me in immediately. I’ve only read one other verse novel before, but there’s something about this format that feels so refreshing—every word feels more purposeful, every line resonating even more deeply. Rhonda’s writing is captivating and full of raw honesty and it made it easy to connect with Esmé and her journey.
Esmé’s story took me back to being fifteen, struggling with body image, friendships, bullying, and quiet financial challenges at home. The way the author captured the intensity of these years in Esmé’s voice was incredibly real. There’s a vulnerability in her that felt both familiar and profound, and I could feel her pain when she reflected on her body—particularly her chest. She wrestles with how others see her, how she sees herself, how that shapes her identity and all of the emotions that come with it.
But the heart of this story isn’t just in the struggles—it’s in the transformation. Esmé’s journey from shame to pride, from silence to finding her voice, is powerful. There’s a pivotal moment that leaves her consumed with fear and self-blame. But in a deeply moving scene, she claims her power back. The emotional weight of this moment stayed with me long after I finished reading.
“There is only me. Only me deciding what to let go of and what to keep. I let the cocky eyes and the gleaming smirk evaporate. I replace them with Zoe’s fiery eyes instead, I feel Todd’s arms around me, I hear Mom telling me to trust my heart, Dad calling me pumpkin from the dog chair, Grammy Jean looking at me like I am a work of art…”
That moment of reclamation was a turning point in the book—and in Esmé’s life. She doesn’t erase the trauma; instead, she takes back control over her narrative.
Her support system is another powerful part of this story. Her parents, Grammy Jean, and even her boyfriend Todd gave her the love and strength she needed to grow. Todd, in particular, reminded me of the beauty of first love—pure, steady, and filled with tenderness. Even the fallout with her best friend Mia felt real, as Esmé grapples with how people change and how sometimes we outgrow those we thought would always be by our side. And that’s okay.
I loved her quiet but profound growth. It wasn’t a loud or dramatic transformation, but one that felt so natural and earned. By the end of the book, she learns to carry the parts of herself she once wanted to hide with pride.
“If they are the first things that people see when they see me, and it seems like they always are, maybe I should carry them with pride. Maybe that is the best revenge. Maybe that is what TALL is all about.”
And perhaps the most powerful realization of all:
“I decide how hard I work. So I work hard. For me.”
Top Heavy may have a simple plot, but its emotional depth is anything but. It’s a raw, honest coming-of-age story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever struggled with self-image, body acceptance, or finding their voice in the face of fear. This book is something special, and it’s one that I truly believe should be in every school and library.
Wow! This is a beautifully written, emotional novel-in-verse that pulled me in immediately. I’ve only read one other verse novel before, but there’s something about this format that feels so refreshing—every word feels more purposeful, every line resonating even more deeply. Rhonda’s writing is captivating and full of raw honesty and it made it easy to connect with Esmé and her journey.
Esmé’s story took me back to being fifteen, struggling with body image, friendships, bullying, and quiet financial challenges at home. The way the author captured the intensity of these years in Esmé’s voice was incredibly real. There’s a vulnerability in her that felt both familiar and profound, and I could feel her pain when she reflected on her body—particularly her chest. She wrestles with how others see her, how she sees herself, how that shapes her identity and all of the emotions that come with it.
But the heart of this story isn’t just in the struggles—it’s in the transformation. Esmé’s journey from shame to pride, from silence to finding her voice, is powerful. There’s a pivotal moment that leaves her consumed with fear and self-blame. But in a deeply moving scene, she claims her power back. The emotional weight of this moment stayed with me long after I finished reading.
“There is only me. Only me deciding what to let go of and what to keep. I let the cocky eyes and the gleaming smirk evaporate. I replace them with Zoe’s fiery eyes instead, I feel Todd’s arms around me, I hear Mom telling me to trust my heart, Dad calling me pumpkin from the dog chair, Grammy Jean looking at me like I am a work of art…”
That moment of reclamation was a turning point in the book—and in Esmé’s life. She doesn’t erase the trauma; instead, she takes back control over her narrative.
Her support system is another powerful part of this story. Her parents, Grammy Jean, and even her boyfriend Todd gave her the love and strength she needed to grow. Todd, in particular, reminded me of the beauty of first love—pure, steady, and filled with tenderness. Even the fallout with her best friend Mia felt real, as Esmé grapples with how people change and how sometimes we outgrow those we thought would always be by our side. And that’s okay.
I loved her quiet but profound growth. It wasn’t a loud or dramatic transformation, but one that felt so natural and earned. By the end of the book, she learns to carry the parts of herself she once wanted to hide with pride.
“If they are the first things that people see when they see me, and it seems like they always are, maybe I should carry them with pride. Maybe that is the best revenge. Maybe that is what TALL is all about.”
And perhaps the most powerful realization of all:
“I decide how hard I work. So I work hard. For me.”
Top Heavy may have a simple plot, but its emotional depth is anything but. It’s a raw, honest coming-of-age story that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever struggled with self-image, body acceptance, or finding their voice in the face of fear. This book is something special, and it’s one that I truly believe should be in every school and library.
December 9, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Holiday House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rhonda DeChambeau’s “Top Heavy” is a poignant and beautifully written novel-in-verse that delves into the life of Esme, a 15-year-old dancer navigating the challenges of body image, friendship, and self-acceptance. Written with lyrical verse, the book captures Esme’s struggles and triumphs with a sensitivity and authenticity that resonates deeply. This book will be very relatable to younger YA readers. However, as the summary of the book notes, there is an SA scene around 80% of the way through the book where an adult man (a stranger) grabs Esme’s breast. This scene is handled delicately and Esme is able to persevere through the support of her family and friends, but this scene may be triggering for some readers.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is the creative use of the poetry, particularly in the dance scenes. DeChambeau’s willingness to experiment with the space on the page mirrors Esme’s movements, making you feel the rhythm and grace of her passion for dance. Esme’s journey is relatable to all readers, especially those grappling with issues like sports pressures, evolving friendships, and the sting of micro-aggressive comments about body image.
The depiction of Esme’s friendship with Mia is especially touching. Their bond is layered and realistic, capturing the bittersweet moments of growing apart as priorities shift during adolescence. This exploration of friendship pains is complemented by the broader theme of support—Esme’s relationships with her family, especially her well-meaning but occasionally distant grandmother, emphasize the importance of having a support system even when they don’t fully understand your struggles.
The book also tackles societal judgments about Esme’s body type with honesty and nuance. The commentary on the objectification of girls and women by both peers and adults is eye-opening and thought-provoking, adding depth to Esme’s story. Adding warmth to the story is a gentle and heartfelt romance between Esme and Todd, which feels realistic and sweet without overshadowing her personal growth. Watching Esme grow in confidence, embrace her body, and redefine her self-worth is one of the book’s most rewarding arcs.
Ultimately, “Top Heavy” is a story of hope, love, and self-acceptance. Esme’s journey to self-actualization is inspiring, and her closing reflections are both moving and empowering. This book is a tender, beautifully crafted ode to resilience, perfect for younger YA readers navigating their own paths of growth. It’s a book that lingers in your heart long after the final page.
Rhonda DeChambeau’s “Top Heavy” is a poignant and beautifully written novel-in-verse that delves into the life of Esme, a 15-year-old dancer navigating the challenges of body image, friendship, and self-acceptance. Written with lyrical verse, the book captures Esme’s struggles and triumphs with a sensitivity and authenticity that resonates deeply. This book will be very relatable to younger YA readers. However, as the summary of the book notes, there is an SA scene around 80% of the way through the book where an adult man (a stranger) grabs Esme’s breast. This scene is handled delicately and Esme is able to persevere through the support of her family and friends, but this scene may be triggering for some readers.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is the creative use of the poetry, particularly in the dance scenes. DeChambeau’s willingness to experiment with the space on the page mirrors Esme’s movements, making you feel the rhythm and grace of her passion for dance. Esme’s journey is relatable to all readers, especially those grappling with issues like sports pressures, evolving friendships, and the sting of micro-aggressive comments about body image.
The depiction of Esme’s friendship with Mia is especially touching. Their bond is layered and realistic, capturing the bittersweet moments of growing apart as priorities shift during adolescence. This exploration of friendship pains is complemented by the broader theme of support—Esme’s relationships with her family, especially her well-meaning but occasionally distant grandmother, emphasize the importance of having a support system even when they don’t fully understand your struggles.
The book also tackles societal judgments about Esme’s body type with honesty and nuance. The commentary on the objectification of girls and women by both peers and adults is eye-opening and thought-provoking, adding depth to Esme’s story. Adding warmth to the story is a gentle and heartfelt romance between Esme and Todd, which feels realistic and sweet without overshadowing her personal growth. Watching Esme grow in confidence, embrace her body, and redefine her self-worth is one of the book’s most rewarding arcs.
Ultimately, “Top Heavy” is a story of hope, love, and self-acceptance. Esme’s journey to self-actualization is inspiring, and her closing reflections are both moving and empowering. This book is a tender, beautifully crafted ode to resilience, perfect for younger YA readers navigating their own paths of growth. It’s a book that lingers in your heart long after the final page.
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