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Manning Up
Jack is at the top of his game. He's a senior running back on the football team, dominating every opponent in his way. To everyone else, Jack is totally in control. In reality, he struggles with an eating disorder that controls every aspect of his daily life. When Jack starts using steroids, he feels invincible, but will the steroids help him win the big game, or will he lose everything he's ever worked for?
200 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 24, 2023
Amazing book of interconnected free verse poetry that looks at the challenges faced by high school athletes. Jack is the varsity RB on his HS football team. As he enters his senior year he faces two problems: his eating disorder is gets even worse when he starts using steroids. After getting a scholarship to college Jack believes he just needs to 'man up' and help his team win the state championship. This would be a great gift for someone who may be pushing themselves hard in HS sports - every choice has consequences.
November 19, 2019
I love that this story talked about guys with body dysmorphic disorder. If you see books on the subject, they're usually about girls who suffer, but more and more guys are being diagnosed with this as well. The story was well done and I was happy that it had hope and healing. The poetry style was cool, but I wish there were more so we could really get into it and see Jack's journey in depth.
Good subject manner and I loved the family aspect of the plot.
Good subject manner and I loved the family aspect of the plot.
October 4, 2019
I was attracted to reading this book as it is a Hi Lo book which roughly means, when I googled it to explain it correctly, I found the following explanations “A hi-lo book, broadly defined, is a title that offers highly interesting subject matter at a low reading level. A number of publishers have focused on producing these books, though they often take slightly different approaches to creating the products that best fit a particular market.” Also, another description I have come across is, ““Books where stuff happens…but easy to read. Not a book for kids.” This is a common readers’ advisory question for reluctant or struggling teen readers (and their adults). Such readers often feel keenly the gap between the books they are able to read, and the topics they *want* to read. Must they read from the children’s section, with its juvenile topics and the same titles they would have picked in grade school? Not at all. This is a gap that hi/lo books aim to fill.”
I really like the cover of this book and in fact, generally like the covers of Hi Lo books as the ones I have come across are bright, colourful and certainly draw your eyes and attention to them. The genres listed for this book are Children’s fiction, Teens and YA and it does fit those genres but as an adult I still enjoyed reading this book, I would say personally I think the book is aimed at the teenaged end of children’s fiction rather than under 12’s though.
The books main character is Jack a high school soccer player who is already really good though he does watch what he eats fairly carefully. Where his team mates go for milkshakes and burgers after school, Jack will go along but by moving table to table, talking to different team mates he manages to get away with not eating anything and no one noticing he isn’t eating too. The soccer coach is constantly pressuring the team to play better, train harder to get to the championships. Though he is already a great soccer player when he see’s other team members receiving medication to help them bulk up more than he is already naturally with his gym sessions. Jack soon discovers the side affects of taking medication is a real problem.
Jack lives with his mum and sister Beth as his dad died years before. Jack sort of considers himself as the man of the house and takes a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He tries his hardest to be strong and doesn’t share his emotions and feelings very well. Jack worries about hi sister Beth being bullied at school, and worries when he hears his mother sat crying at the kitchen table surrounded by bills. He really takes on the whole family’s problems and issues. When his friends at school are counting the days to the end of school, thinking about who to ask to the homecoming dance and talking about going away to college and what they want from the years ahead, Jack cannot seem to get excited for leaving school and cannot see what his future will be.
I won’t go any further into the details of the book but I have to say I felt really pulled into the book. Even though it is a fairly short book it is a very quick read. I really didn’t want to put it down and became quickly attached to the character of Jack. The story and plot come across really realistic and I think this book would be a great one to be read in schools to prompt conversations.
I have to say I adored the characters in this book. The book illustrates perfectly that body dysmorphia and eating disorders are not exclusive to females. This book tells the story of a fantastic football player called Jack who doesn't believe he is good enough.
I really like the cover of this book and in fact, generally like the covers of Hi Lo books as the ones I have come across are bright, colourful and certainly draw your eyes and attention to them. The genres listed for this book are Children’s fiction, Teens and YA and it does fit those genres but as an adult I still enjoyed reading this book, I would say personally I think the book is aimed at the teenaged end of children’s fiction rather than under 12’s though.
The books main character is Jack a high school soccer player who is already really good though he does watch what he eats fairly carefully. Where his team mates go for milkshakes and burgers after school, Jack will go along but by moving table to table, talking to different team mates he manages to get away with not eating anything and no one noticing he isn’t eating too. The soccer coach is constantly pressuring the team to play better, train harder to get to the championships. Though he is already a great soccer player when he see’s other team members receiving medication to help them bulk up more than he is already naturally with his gym sessions. Jack soon discovers the side affects of taking medication is a real problem.
Jack lives with his mum and sister Beth as his dad died years before. Jack sort of considers himself as the man of the house and takes a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He tries his hardest to be strong and doesn’t share his emotions and feelings very well. Jack worries about hi sister Beth being bullied at school, and worries when he hears his mother sat crying at the kitchen table surrounded by bills. He really takes on the whole family’s problems and issues. When his friends at school are counting the days to the end of school, thinking about who to ask to the homecoming dance and talking about going away to college and what they want from the years ahead, Jack cannot seem to get excited for leaving school and cannot see what his future will be.
I won’t go any further into the details of the book but I have to say I felt really pulled into the book. Even though it is a fairly short book it is a very quick read. I really didn’t want to put it down and became quickly attached to the character of Jack. The story and plot come across really realistic and I think this book would be a great one to be read in schools to prompt conversations.
I have to say I adored the characters in this book. The book illustrates perfectly that body dysmorphia and eating disorders are not exclusive to females. This book tells the story of a fantastic football player called Jack who doesn't believe he is good enough.
November 24, 2021
All eyes are on Jack during his senior year on a Texas football team bound for the championships.
🏈
Jack worries a lot about a lot of things. He worries about his mom paying the bills, his sister crying herself to sleep over mean girls, his lack of a romantic life, how he’s doing on the football team and most of all Jack worries about his looks. He starves himself, throws up what he does eat and obsessively looks at his body flaws. When he gets into college on a scholarship his worries double instead of alleviate and Jack starts taking steroids. When he collapses during a playoff game it’s clear Jack needs help. Can he accept that help and do what’s best for himself and his family?
🏈
This YA novel in verse was a Lone Star book last year that I could never get my hands on because it was always checked out. I think the author did a fabulous job of showing body dysmorphia in a male instead of a female since that’s what most #books are written about. Jack’s POV was fresh and I loved the growth he went through in the book. This story is set in the close-ish town of Comfort, TX and shines a light on a topic not talked about too much in our state, with this sport in particular. My only complaint was that maybe it was wrapped up too quickly and nicely with not any repercussions for Jack. It made his recovery seem almost too easy, which I know it isn’t. I ended up giving this 4 ⭐️ for the representation and character growth.
CW: body dysmorphia, eating disorders, steroid use, muscle dysmorphia
🏈
Jack worries a lot about a lot of things. He worries about his mom paying the bills, his sister crying herself to sleep over mean girls, his lack of a romantic life, how he’s doing on the football team and most of all Jack worries about his looks. He starves himself, throws up what he does eat and obsessively looks at his body flaws. When he gets into college on a scholarship his worries double instead of alleviate and Jack starts taking steroids. When he collapses during a playoff game it’s clear Jack needs help. Can he accept that help and do what’s best for himself and his family?
🏈
This YA novel in verse was a Lone Star book last year that I could never get my hands on because it was always checked out. I think the author did a fabulous job of showing body dysmorphia in a male instead of a female since that’s what most #books are written about. Jack’s POV was fresh and I loved the growth he went through in the book. This story is set in the close-ish town of Comfort, TX and shines a light on a topic not talked about too much in our state, with this sport in particular. My only complaint was that maybe it was wrapped up too quickly and nicely with not any repercussions for Jack. It made his recovery seem almost too easy, which I know it isn’t. I ended up giving this 4 ⭐️ for the representation and character growth.
CW: body dysmorphia, eating disorders, steroid use, muscle dysmorphia
February 3, 2021
Fans of Crossover and Gym Candy will like this book.
January 16, 2021
Jack, a high school senior, feels like he's always got eyes on him. As a player on the football team, his coach is always challenging him to be his best. As the only son in his family, he feels responsible for taking care of his mother and little sister. And, Jack can't shake the feeling that he doesn't like who he is, or at the very least, the body he's in. Struggling with an eating disorder and terrified to let down everyone who believes in him, Jack turns to steroids to help make him bigger, better, stronger, faster--a choice that may cost him everything.
Manning Up is a hi-low book, meaning that it contains a storyline that is highly intriguing, yet is not very demanding for the reader, making it perfect for reluctant or struggling readers. (This book's publisher, West 44 Books, specializes in this audience.) Personally, I wanted something light and easy to get through, something to keep my mind at attention. I thought the book had good content, but just wanted it to be more in depth. In my opinion, it is a "just okay" read--2 stars. Please, however, remember that I (someone who likes longer, in-depth reads) am not the main audience for this book.
To be perfectly honest, this book (told in verse) is the kind of book we need. Books talking about mental health are important on their own, but this one takes it a step further by showcasing a male main character dealing with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, anm extremely common disorder that is usually shown in female leads. It also delves a little bit into drug abuse and the effects it can have on the body.
But, from a personal level, I still wanted something more in-depth. I wanted to see more of Jack's struggles, I wanted to experience his healing alongside him, instead of feeling like I was looking at it through a distant, clinical lens. But, for struggling/reluctant readers, this is the perfect book; it has a meaningful message, yet is easy to read. Also, as a side note, I am not a poetry person. I personally struggled with finding the rhythm of these poems, which likely affected my overall feelings towards it.
TW: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, steroid abuse
Manning Up is a hi-low book, meaning that it contains a storyline that is highly intriguing, yet is not very demanding for the reader, making it perfect for reluctant or struggling readers. (This book's publisher, West 44 Books, specializes in this audience.) Personally, I wanted something light and easy to get through, something to keep my mind at attention. I thought the book had good content, but just wanted it to be more in depth. In my opinion, it is a "just okay" read--2 stars. Please, however, remember that I (someone who likes longer, in-depth reads) am not the main audience for this book.
To be perfectly honest, this book (told in verse) is the kind of book we need. Books talking about mental health are important on their own, but this one takes it a step further by showcasing a male main character dealing with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, anm extremely common disorder that is usually shown in female leads. It also delves a little bit into drug abuse and the effects it can have on the body.
But, from a personal level, I still wanted something more in-depth. I wanted to see more of Jack's struggles, I wanted to experience his healing alongside him, instead of feeling like I was looking at it through a distant, clinical lens. But, for struggling/reluctant readers, this is the perfect book; it has a meaningful message, yet is easy to read. Also, as a side note, I am not a poetry person. I personally struggled with finding the rhythm of these poems, which likely affected my overall feelings towards it.
TW: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, steroid abuse
October 15, 2019
I absolutely fell in love with this book from the very beginning! Coming from a small town a little bigger than Comfort, the setting in this book I felt as if I was super connected to the characters. When I was in high school I was apart of the Friday night lights scene as a member of marching band. Football has always been a huge part of my life so I loved absolutely every minute of this book. I knew the pain he was feeling because I kept visualizing my hometown. It was beautifully written and I will continue to read her works. I highly recommend it!!
April 22, 2021
Jack is at the top of his game. He's a senior running back on the football team, dominating every opponent in his way. To everyone else, Jack is totally in control. In reality, he struggles with an eating disorder that controls every aspect of his daily life. When Jack starts using steroids, he feels invincible, but will the steroids help him win the big game, or will he lose everything he's ever worked for? [Amazon summary]
Not many YA books deal with male eating disorders. Quick read.
Not many YA books deal with male eating disorders. Quick read.
June 5, 2022
Yes, I did just read another book about a character with an eating disorder. No, I do not regret it. Although a short read, it was an incredibly good one. It's not often you find books about eating disorders with a male protagonist but it's done well. The line "I want to yell, 'DON'T LOOK AY ME.' But also, 'Please see me.'" really resonated with me, as did much of this book as a whole. Would definitely recommend.
July 16, 2022
I didn’t know “almost as many / males have / body dysmorphia / as females.” Although this novel written in verse took me less than half an hour to read, it was solid and good for so many student athletes. It basically outlines a bit of Jack’s senior year as the running back that is having a great year. The quote I took for my literary graffiti was “I am good. / And I am / enough.”
June 9, 2020
Here's a rare complaint: I wish this was 100 pages longer.
December 9, 2021
Tw:Eating Disorder
Really good book written in verse. It shows how even a boy can have an eating disorder. Recommend this to everyone. The writing style I love it was easy to read and understand.
Really good book written in verse. It shows how even a boy can have an eating disorder. Recommend this to everyone. The writing style I love it was easy to read and understand.
March 8, 2023
I rated the book Manning Up by Bee Walsh 5 stars because it was a very interesting book while also being a very short read.The book was about a Senior running back for the high school football team named Jack.To everyone Jack was a normal boy totally control of his reality.What people didn’t know about him was that he had an eating disorder that practically controlled all aspects of his life which makes him feel weak and loose confidence about stuff especially his football career.He starts working out at this gym where he discovers a really muscular man with a bag that to him looked like steroids.Jack willingly decides to start using steroids and decides to find out the effects himself which could either be good or bad.This book is written almost like a poem the pages are really short and is a good and fast read for anybody that likes sports books.I would read other books from this author because in my opinion i think the author does a really good job at making an interesting book and keeping it short at the same time.
May 3, 2021
DNF. The poetry aspect didn't do it for me with this story.
October 16, 2020
This debut novel from Bee Walsh looks at eating disorders and body dysphoria in boys, which is a welcome addition to the YA world. Even though Jack is a senior in high school, there is nothing in this book that would make it inappropriate for middle school. Recommended.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
March 24, 2021
The story: Jack loves football, his team, his mom, and his sister. He work hard, but he's afraid of disappointing any of them. What he doesn't love: the way his body looks. He starves himself, and works himself nearly to death on the football field, but nothing seems to help...not until he discovers steroids. That's when things really start going great--right up until he goes off a cliff.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content PG; Nudity G; Substance abuse PF-13; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (body dysmorphia, drug use) PG; overall rating PG. Good for grades 5-up.
Book trailer: https://youtu.be/IIyw_w6nRp4
Liz's comments: This novel in verse is a good fit for reluctant readers and those who enjoy sports stories. The first-person POV makes Jack's bad experience with drugs even more relatable. A good choice for MS libraries where sports stories are popular.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content PG; Nudity G; Substance abuse PF-13; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content G; adult themes (body dysmorphia, drug use) PG; overall rating PG. Good for grades 5-up.
Book trailer: https://youtu.be/IIyw_w6nRp4
Liz's comments: This novel in verse is a good fit for reluctant readers and those who enjoy sports stories. The first-person POV makes Jack's bad experience with drugs even more relatable. A good choice for MS libraries where sports stories are popular.
December 5, 2019
Found this set for publication date as of 2020 in the cover of the book yet it is 2019 still at the time I am posting this...just thought I'll put that there.
Jack has BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) and an eating disorder and abusing steroids. He is trying to man up and be the guy he is expected to be. His tale is told in free verse poetry.
I liked the general feel of the book. The verse is nice; the main character is relatable and caring. He feels greatly for his family in his podunk of community that he thought he will always be in. That he didn't mind being in. I liked it cause it wasn't just focusing on just an eating disorder or just steroid abuse instead it focused on a not so common ED and its ramifications. Said what those dangers are but didn't' harsh down on it to be so preachy.
Much love for the book.
Jack has BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) and an eating disorder and abusing steroids. He is trying to man up and be the guy he is expected to be. His tale is told in free verse poetry.
I liked the general feel of the book. The verse is nice; the main character is relatable and caring. He feels greatly for his family in his podunk of community that he thought he will always be in. That he didn't mind being in. I liked it cause it wasn't just focusing on just an eating disorder or just steroid abuse instead it focused on a not so common ED and its ramifications. Said what those dangers are but didn't' harsh down on it to be so preachy.
Much love for the book.
July 23, 2021
A YA novel in verse. The narrator is a high school senior, football player, son, brother, friend. I really liked how the novel showed the multiple identities, worries, and joys. This will be a good choice for reluctant readers looking for a quick and satisfying story.
November 28, 2021
As I am doing a school project on body dysmorphia/body issues, I realized that male body issues are never discussed. This book did a wonderful job showing readers how men are also affected by body issues.
October 19, 2019
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for my review.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Manning Up written in verse. A unique story about a young man with an eating disorder trying to be everything he thinks his world wants him to be.
Poems/chapters were short and engaging - while still tackling difficult subject matter. It has the potential to do great things for young men in a similar situation to the MC.
I did get hung up on two points - both of which diluted the storyline for me and made me lose focus on the more important things.
1. When Jack is asked to score a touchdown to prove he wants to go to the dance with Ellie he says “I don’t know how to tell her that’s not what running backs do.” Actually, that is what running backs do...they are one of the few positions that score more frequently then others. I don’t know a ton about football, but that seems like an important thing to correct.
2. It also mentions that Ellie’s family moves from OR because her dad is in the Air Force. If he’s active duty, which makes more sense why they would need to move for the military, the AF base is in the state of Washington, not OR. I’m sure it wouldn’t make a lick of difference to most folks - I’m just from OR so that made me pause.
I really did like this book, and it’s a unique male perspective of eating disorders/mental health issues/body challenges that I think could help a lot of kids. The ending was a bit far fetched with him still being able to play college ball - but overall, I think this could be a book I’d recommend to some of my students.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Manning Up written in verse. A unique story about a young man with an eating disorder trying to be everything he thinks his world wants him to be.
Poems/chapters were short and engaging - while still tackling difficult subject matter. It has the potential to do great things for young men in a similar situation to the MC.
I did get hung up on two points - both of which diluted the storyline for me and made me lose focus on the more important things.
1. When Jack is asked to score a touchdown to prove he wants to go to the dance with Ellie he says “I don’t know how to tell her that’s not what running backs do.” Actually, that is what running backs do...they are one of the few positions that score more frequently then others. I don’t know a ton about football, but that seems like an important thing to correct.
2. It also mentions that Ellie’s family moves from OR because her dad is in the Air Force. If he’s active duty, which makes more sense why they would need to move for the military, the AF base is in the state of Washington, not OR. I’m sure it wouldn’t make a lick of difference to most folks - I’m just from OR so that made me pause.
I really did like this book, and it’s a unique male perspective of eating disorders/mental health issues/body challenges that I think could help a lot of kids. The ending was a bit far fetched with him still being able to play college ball - but overall, I think this could be a book I’d recommend to some of my students.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2019
This review is based on an ARC of Manning Up which I received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher (West 44 Books).
3.75 stars
For such a short novel I spent a lot longer thinking about this one than I do with most books. Jack's story has a haunting and introspective air that I didn't imagine I'd find in a football story. (I don't read many male-centric YA books though, so what do I know?)
Manning Up is a novel-in-verse and therefore very reminiscent of some Ellen Hopkins classics. I definitely would recommend this read to Hopkins' fans! I'm really glad to have found another author similar to Hopkins with gritty, raw plotlines and almost unbearably real narrators. I hope there will be more to read from Bee Walsh in the future! The only downside I have in comparing Bee Walsh to Ellen Hopkins is that Manning Up, being so much shorter than any Hopkins novel, seems more like an outline or draft in comparison. If this novel was more fleshed out it could easily have been 4 stars or higher for me.
Lastly, I just want to point out how important a story this one is. When we think about eating disorders most people probably assume that it mostly affects women and girls. This story goes to show otherwise. Boys worry too much about their looks as well. Despite coming from an entirely different walk of life from Jack I could relate heavily to his thoughts and struggles. This is some fantastic expression in writing (even though it made me sad lol.)
I really enjoyed this novel-in-verse from Bee Walsh, I just wish it would have lasted longer!
3.75 stars
For such a short novel I spent a lot longer thinking about this one than I do with most books. Jack's story has a haunting and introspective air that I didn't imagine I'd find in a football story. (I don't read many male-centric YA books though, so what do I know?)
Manning Up is a novel-in-verse and therefore very reminiscent of some Ellen Hopkins classics. I definitely would recommend this read to Hopkins' fans! I'm really glad to have found another author similar to Hopkins with gritty, raw plotlines and almost unbearably real narrators. I hope there will be more to read from Bee Walsh in the future! The only downside I have in comparing Bee Walsh to Ellen Hopkins is that Manning Up, being so much shorter than any Hopkins novel, seems more like an outline or draft in comparison. If this novel was more fleshed out it could easily have been 4 stars or higher for me.
Lastly, I just want to point out how important a story this one is. When we think about eating disorders most people probably assume that it mostly affects women and girls. This story goes to show otherwise. Boys worry too much about their looks as well. Despite coming from an entirely different walk of life from Jack I could relate heavily to his thoughts and struggles. This is some fantastic expression in writing (even though it made me sad lol.)
I really enjoyed this novel-in-verse from Bee Walsh, I just wish it would have lasted longer!
September 3, 2024
"Jack is at the top of his game. He's a senior running back...dominating every opponent." From the jump we know about Jack, and we also know that all is not well in his Texas-football-world. While football is important to Jack, his thoughts are mostly about his inadequacies and physique.
As a quick problem novel for a sports-oriented reader intimidated by longer books (Pop or Gym Candy) this might work. Walsh spends a good deal of effort to make Jack's anxiety and body dysmorphia palpable. I was fine with it, but I wonder if this will distract readers looking for a story more clearly sport-centric.
This is another verse novel from West 44 Books. If readers like this, I might point them to Control Room or The Real Unreal.
As a quick problem novel for a sports-oriented reader intimidated by longer books (Pop or Gym Candy) this might work. Walsh spends a good deal of effort to make Jack's anxiety and body dysmorphia palpable. I was fine with it, but I wonder if this will distract readers looking for a story more clearly sport-centric.
This is another verse novel from West 44 Books. If readers like this, I might point them to Control Room or The Real Unreal.
October 22, 2025
Manning Up is a really great book, especially for people like me who like stories that move fast. I don’t enjoy books that take forever to get to the main point, but this one gets interesting right away. The story is about a boy who is a varsity running back and is getting ready to go to college. Everyone expects him to be excited, but deep down, he doesn’t really want to leave home. He wants to stay with his family because that’s where he feels happy and comfortable. As the book goes on, he talks about how college is coming up really soon and how nervous he feels. He says it’s hard for him to even chew his food because he’s thinking so much about leaving. He keeps remembering all the things he’s going to miss, like family dinners, movie nights, and going shopping together. You can really feel how close he is to his family and how hard it is for him to say goodbye. Overall, the book is great!!!
June 17, 2021
Manning Up is a novel in verse I would recommend to a reluctant reader, well any reader could try it. Jack is a senior in High School with very low self-confidence. He is a talented football player but just is not sure want he wants to do after high school, other than football. Jack is struggling with body dysmorphia, which is not typical written about with males. While Jack’s eating disorder is spiraling out of control he is also introduced to steroids. Can this drug help him to be the football player he aspires to be and one his coach, team and community needs? For me, I would have liked some more depth to the story since it is one of such importance. But, just hoping to get some reluctant readers to read this, it may be enough for them.
July 2, 2021
I love that this books is written in verse. I feel like it has a lot of potential, but I don't think the author did her research. She does admit in the author note that she doesn't know much about football. But surely an editor could help out a little.
1. Eating disorders are a great topic, but I highly doubt a high school student could be the strongest team member in the Texas heat by not eating for two days. (But on this, I will own up to not knowing much about eating disorders.)
2. States - they went to "states" for the football game. State. It's State Championship.
3. It's a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Comfort to Arlington (believable) just outside of Plano, Texas (Nope, not so much) p. 150.
1. Eating disorders are a great topic, but I highly doubt a high school student could be the strongest team member in the Texas heat by not eating for two days. (But on this, I will own up to not knowing much about eating disorders.)
2. States - they went to "states" for the football game. State. It's State Championship.
3. It's a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Comfort to Arlington (believable) just outside of Plano, Texas (Nope, not so much) p. 150.
October 1, 2019
Manning Up is about Jack, a high school football player with an eating disorder. Jack struggles with feelings of not letting anyone down--his mom, his sister, his coach, or his teammates. When Jack decides to use steroids, his body issues take a drastic turn.
A really good football book in easy poetry form for reluctant readers. The language is almost too simplistic for even some of our lower high school readers, but definitely good for middle school. Discusses male eating disorders and steroid abuse. Wrapped up a little too quickly and too nicely--I wish there was more depth.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
A really good football book in easy poetry form for reluctant readers. The language is almost too simplistic for even some of our lower high school readers, but definitely good for middle school. Discusses male eating disorders and steroid abuse. Wrapped up a little too quickly and too nicely--I wish there was more depth.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
May 4, 2021
See raamat sai väga kiiresti läbi. Nii lahe, et see luulelises vormis kirjutatud oli.
Toitumishäiretega tegelevaid raamatuid pole ma väga palju lugenud ja huvitav oli seda näha meessoost isiku silmade läbi. Lisaks kõnetas mind tegelase hirm muutuste ees, mis kooli lõpetamisega kaasnevad, sest mul endal on sama hirm.
Üldiselt, kiire ja kurb-ma nutsin-lugemine ja sellises stiilis raamatuid loeksin veelgi. (eelmine raamat, mis ma samuti täna hommikul läbi lugesin, oli samas stiilis)
Toitumishäiretega tegelevaid raamatuid pole ma väga palju lugenud ja huvitav oli seda näha meessoost isiku silmade läbi. Lisaks kõnetas mind tegelase hirm muutuste ees, mis kooli lõpetamisega kaasnevad, sest mul endal on sama hirm.
Üldiselt, kiire ja kurb-ma nutsin-lugemine ja sellises stiilis raamatuid loeksin veelgi. (eelmine raamat, mis ma samuti täna hommikul läbi lugesin, oli samas stiilis)
April 23, 2020
Excellent topic and great to find an engaging, fast-reading sports book. However, it is very sparse on details so while it tackles (pardon the pun) several important topics including steroids and body dysmorphia, it has zero depth. I'd like to see this written as a 200 page novel, too, with this version available for ELL and struggling readers.
March 27, 2021
3.5 stars.
The concept of a Hi-Lo book is high interest and low readability.
High school footballer has issues with body dysmorphia partly due to his father's premature death.
It was a very surface read meaning that it didn't delve any further into the issues at hand but I think that is one of the aims of Hi-Lo books.
Good read for reluctant readers grades 8 and up.
The concept of a Hi-Lo book is high interest and low readability.
High school footballer has issues with body dysmorphia partly due to his father's premature death.
It was a very surface read meaning that it didn't delve any further into the issues at hand but I think that is one of the aims of Hi-Lo books.
Good read for reluctant readers grades 8 and up.
April 15, 2022
This is a YA read in the form of poetry. Unusual in that it’s a boy with body dysmorphia. Somewhat unrealistic (she admits she knows nothing about football and it shows) but I hope it lets boys see themselves in struggles usually associated with girls. High school kid but still appropriate for middle school.
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