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Smaller Sister
Maggie Edkins Willis's Smaller Sister is a debut middle grade graphic novel about body image, confidence, and the everlasting bond of sisterhood.
Lucy's always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then Lucy notices Olivia start to change. She doesn't want to play with Lucy anymore; she's unhappy with the way she looks; and she's refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is struggling with an eating disorder.
While her family is focused on her sister's recovery, Lucy is left alone to navigate school and friendships. And just like her big sister, she begins to shrink.
But with time, work, and a dose of self-love, both sisters begin to heal and let themselves grow. Soon enough, Olivia and Lucy find their way back to each other―because sisters are the one friend you can never ditch.
Lucy's always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then Lucy notices Olivia start to change. She doesn't want to play with Lucy anymore; she's unhappy with the way she looks; and she's refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is struggling with an eating disorder.
While her family is focused on her sister's recovery, Lucy is left alone to navigate school and friendships. And just like her big sister, she begins to shrink.
But with time, work, and a dose of self-love, both sisters begin to heal and let themselves grow. Soon enough, Olivia and Lucy find their way back to each other―because sisters are the one friend you can never ditch.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2022
48 people are currently reading
3061 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Edkins Willis
6 books27 followersMaggie Edkins Willis grew up on the southern coast of Maine and studied design and art history at Penn. For seven years, she worked in-house for two major children’s publishers, designing, art directing, and illustrating dozens of covers. She worked on Newbery Medal-winners, Printz Honor recipients, a National Book Award shortlisted title, and numerous New York Times bestsellers.
A full-time author/illustrator, Maggie lives in New Jersey with her family.
A full-time author/illustrator, Maggie lives in New Jersey with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
May 6, 2022
I absolutely loved this and I hope every library will order a copy of Smaller Sister, because this is a book that NEEDS to be put into the hands of young readers. Whether they're dealing with a family member's eating disorder or mental health struggles or their own, or even simply struggling with classroom bullies and how to value themselves despite what others say, this would be such a valuable story. Lucy is a fun narrator to follow, the art is cute and colorful, and there's a nice mix of light stuff to offset the heavy topics of disordered eating and bullying. The fact that it's all semi-autobiographical is lovely and as someone who battled disordered eating for most of my life, it felt clear to me that it was written by someone who had been there, understood the issue, and treated it with the utmost care and respect. I'll be highly recommending this one for a long time to come!
✨ Content warnings for: disordered eating, anorexia, ED treatment, bullying
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
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✨ Content warnings for: disordered eating, anorexia, ED treatment, bullying
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
May 13, 2025
Read this graphic novel for my kindergartener. She and I loved the story! The title caught her attention as well as the first page. Olivia's reaction to Lucy's being her little sister was funny. They're a year a part. They played together and had disagreements. Olivia sometimes felt annoyed that Lucy copied everything she did from the art work to the Halloween costumes.
In Kindergarten, Olivia has friends even though she's shy. She played with the same group of friends in every grade. Lucy had trouble making friends even though she's not shy. She wanted to be with her sister but her sister told her to stop tagging along. In middle school, they started at a new school. Lucy was okay at the new school but Olivia couldn't deal with change. She started to change herself and her eating habits. She lost weight and lost herself to the eating disorder. Their parents took care of Olivia and Lucy was often ignored and left to herself. She wanted her sister but her sister was angry often. Later, the family moved and they started at another new school. Olivia slowly getting better but Lucy's dealing with peer pressures and mean girls troubles. Lucy wanted change and trying to lose weight. Her sister reached out and helped Lucy so Lucy wouldn't repeat what Olivia went through.
The sister's story was sweet. I liked their secret sister code letters. I liked how they have each other. The summer camp was good. My kindergartener liked when Lucy draw her camp mate as the big bird. There are some lessons to be learned in this book and I'm glad to teach my girl early about eating, dieting, friends vs mean girls and bullies.. we also enjoyed the illustrations!
Thank you MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review!
In Kindergarten, Olivia has friends even though she's shy. She played with the same group of friends in every grade. Lucy had trouble making friends even though she's not shy. She wanted to be with her sister but her sister told her to stop tagging along. In middle school, they started at a new school. Lucy was okay at the new school but Olivia couldn't deal with change. She started to change herself and her eating habits. She lost weight and lost herself to the eating disorder. Their parents took care of Olivia and Lucy was often ignored and left to herself. She wanted her sister but her sister was angry often. Later, the family moved and they started at another new school. Olivia slowly getting better but Lucy's dealing with peer pressures and mean girls troubles. Lucy wanted change and trying to lose weight. Her sister reached out and helped Lucy so Lucy wouldn't repeat what Olivia went through.
The sister's story was sweet. I liked their secret sister code letters. I liked how they have each other. The summer camp was good. My kindergartener liked when Lucy draw her camp mate as the big bird. There are some lessons to be learned in this book and I'm glad to teach my girl early about eating, dieting, friends vs mean girls and bullies.. we also enjoyed the illustrations!
Thank you MacKidsBooks for the opportunity to read and review!
December 12, 2022
This was a pleasant surprise! I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but I think that Willis did a great job tackling such a difficult and complex topic. CW: This book does go heavily into discussions surrounding eating disorders. A character deals with an eating disorder on page.
I'm not sure what I expected when I picked up Smaller Sister. I knew from some previous reviews that it did have some focus on disordered eating; however, I didn't realize the depth and complexity that would be presented through this story. At first, it appears that it is the stereotypical falling out between two sister close in age. But when Lucy and Olivia are forced to move and begin at new schools, Lucy begins to notice that their relationship isn't the only thing changing. Olivia develops a very complicated relationship with food that not only impacts her health and wealth begin, but also the very framework of their family.
Willis definitely attempted to cover so many different topics with this graphic novel. In addition to the conversations surrounding disordered eating, the main characters also experience bullying, issues with identity, and self-image/self-worth. Surprisingly, it's not only handled in a way that's digestible for a younger audience, but it wasn't overwhelming or done in a way where any of the topics are left underdeveloped. I had some minor issues with the art as well as the constant moving being too convenient as a plot device, but overall I think that this is one that a lot of middle grade readers will connect to on a variety of levels. A solid new graphic novels for readers to check out.
I'm not sure what I expected when I picked up Smaller Sister. I knew from some previous reviews that it did have some focus on disordered eating; however, I didn't realize the depth and complexity that would be presented through this story. At first, it appears that it is the stereotypical falling out between two sister close in age. But when Lucy and Olivia are forced to move and begin at new schools, Lucy begins to notice that their relationship isn't the only thing changing. Olivia develops a very complicated relationship with food that not only impacts her health and wealth begin, but also the very framework of their family.
Willis definitely attempted to cover so many different topics with this graphic novel. In addition to the conversations surrounding disordered eating, the main characters also experience bullying, issues with identity, and self-image/self-worth. Surprisingly, it's not only handled in a way that's digestible for a younger audience, but it wasn't overwhelming or done in a way where any of the topics are left underdeveloped. I had some minor issues with the art as well as the constant moving being too convenient as a plot device, but overall I think that this is one that a lot of middle grade readers will connect to on a variety of levels. A solid new graphic novels for readers to check out.
January 27, 2023
"Suddenly, a world that had seemed so small and dark and hopeless felt bright and full of opportunity. It was up to me to forge the path from here."
Oh my goodness, what a good book! I don't think I've ever read a book that addresses eating disorders in a middle grade format- and it was so lovely to see one.
Smaller Sister tells the story of Lucy, who has always looked up to Olivia, her big sister. But when Olivia is diagnosed with an eating disorder, her world is flipped upside down. Smaller Sister tells the story of Lucy: struggling to find herself when it appears no one has time for her, she struggles with bullies at school, and then, an eating disorder of her own.
This was such a beautiful book. I honestly think there needs to be more middle grade novels centered around heavy topics such as eating disorders- and this was the perfect example of on.
This book had such good plot, and the characters in it were realistic and multi-layered.
I guess this one of those books that is really good, but not good enough for five stars- I mean, still a great book, but I can't really see myself waving this around to everyone and being like "on my goshhhhh this book was sooooo good go read it!"
(I mean. It was. But in a sort of chill-you-should-read-this sorta way. That probably made no sense.)
Anyways, I suppose that's all I have to say about this book, so now the three questions. . .
Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely. It's a beautiful, necessary read, especially for middle grade readers.
If this was a movie, what would I rate it?
PG. Of course, TW include eating disorders, thought of suicide/self harm, but the way this is written and the main character who is telling the story makes it so that a middle grade reader could read and understand this. It's still heavy, but it's intended for a middle grade audience.
Will I read this author's other books?
I honestly don't know if she has any- but if she does, and I happened to stumble upon one, I'd most definitely be curious!
Oh my goodness, what a good book! I don't think I've ever read a book that addresses eating disorders in a middle grade format- and it was so lovely to see one.
Smaller Sister tells the story of Lucy, who has always looked up to Olivia, her big sister. But when Olivia is diagnosed with an eating disorder, her world is flipped upside down. Smaller Sister tells the story of Lucy: struggling to find herself when it appears no one has time for her, she struggles with bullies at school, and then, an eating disorder of her own.
This was such a beautiful book. I honestly think there needs to be more middle grade novels centered around heavy topics such as eating disorders- and this was the perfect example of on.
This book had such good plot, and the characters in it were realistic and multi-layered.
I guess this one of those books that is really good, but not good enough for five stars- I mean, still a great book, but I can't really see myself waving this around to everyone and being like "on my goshhhhh this book was sooooo good go read it!"
(I mean. It was. But in a sort of chill-you-should-read-this sorta way. That probably made no sense.)
Anyways, I suppose that's all I have to say about this book, so now the three questions. . .
Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely. It's a beautiful, necessary read, especially for middle grade readers.
If this was a movie, what would I rate it?
PG. Of course, TW include eating disorders, thought of suicide/self harm, but the way this is written and the main character who is telling the story makes it so that a middle grade reader could read and understand this. It's still heavy, but it's intended for a middle grade audience.
Will I read this author's other books?
I honestly don't know if she has any- but if she does, and I happened to stumble upon one, I'd most definitely be curious!
September 22, 2023
Guys, I don’t usually read graphic novels, but I glanced through this and was immediately hooked. I devoured it in a day. It’s crazy how similarly disorders affect a family, whether eating disorders or mental health disorders. I related so much to Lucy as she navigated her older sibling’s mental health struggles and her family dynamics in the wake of that. My sibling had depression, not an eating disorder, but the dynamics were very similar—walking in on conversations you weren’t allowed to be a part of, being on the back burner with your family because your sibling takes up all their time and emotional energy, having to walk on eggshells around your sibling, hiding in your room because it’s easier. I cried multiple times reading this. It brought back so many memories. But it was also a very healing book because it showed healing and growth and how it’s a journey, how you can backslide and struggle but that doesn’t mean you’re not growing. And I liked how it showed healthy friendships (and unhealthy ones in a negative light) and learning to appreciate and take care of your body and reunited siblings. Absolutely incredible. Still crying.
June 17, 2022
I loved this graphic novel! Will be a hit with fans of Telgemeier’s autobio books, and, dare I say, fans of my book Tomboy. This is not a memoir, but it reads like one.
July 16, 2022
Lovely look at a sibling relationship, but also body image and growing up and friendships and change. I wasn't sure what to make of this at first, but it quickly grew on me. I particularly appreciate the slow development of the various storylines—there isn't one quick storyline where Lucy struggles to make close friends, or one quick storyline where Olivia struggles with anorexia; instead those (along with plotlines about their sibling relationship, and puberty, and so on) ebb and flow over the course of the story, changing shape as both girls age and grow. The story ends up being much richer for it.
January 10, 2025
Finally read this after working up to it for many many years… 10/10 no notes.
February 11, 2023
A sisters story about Livy and Lucy. Lucy, the younger and smaller of the two sisters tells the story of the relationship between her and Livy, her older by a year and tall for her age sister. Theirs is a love/hate relationship as they navigate their tween and early teen years, move to new schools and perceive the changes in their bodies. What makes you too fat or too thin? How do you know if you have a distorted image of your own body?
Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile series or Drama, other sister stories like Bad Sister or those who like stories with characters who are in treatment like Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm's Sunny Side Up, Swing it, Sunny and Sunny Rolls the Dice.
Give this to fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile series or Drama, other sister stories like Bad Sister or those who like stories with characters who are in treatment like Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm's Sunny Side Up, Swing it, Sunny and Sunny Rolls the Dice.
April 8, 2022
This book was a very sweet, generous story about two sisters, both of whom struggle with self image, anxiety, and disordered eating. I wish I'd known that going in because it was jarring to realize two chapters in that eating disorders were going to be a primary topic, as well as bullying and toxic teen/tween friendships. For readers struggling with these things, or who want to know more about it, I would definitely recommend it! And I don't have an easy solution as to how to give folks a more explicit warning about the topic--it does specifically say eating disorder on the back cover, I just simply didn't see it.
I do wish someone had told the artist to be more intentional about how she draws lips on Black women and girls. The vast majority of the characters, their mouth is depicted without lips. But the first two Black girls are drawn with wide red-pink lips that evoke some very racist imagery. Most but not all Black girls are drawn this way, and a few (but far from the majority) white girls are similarly given visible lips. But artists and publishers need to be aware of the impression it gives, especially since it was very visible at the front of the book.
I do wish someone had told the artist to be more intentional about how she draws lips on Black women and girls. The vast majority of the characters, their mouth is depicted without lips. But the first two Black girls are drawn with wide red-pink lips that evoke some very racist imagery. Most but not all Black girls are drawn this way, and a few (but far from the majority) white girls are similarly given visible lips. But artists and publishers need to be aware of the impression it gives, especially since it was very visible at the front of the book.
April 13, 2024
tiktok sucked me into the beginning of this graphic novel and i couldn’t rest until i saw and read the rest, this was so special in the way it showed how hard it is growing up as a girl, how important finding your people is, and the complexity that is sisterhood and love
March 25, 2023
Think it was so good and important for middle grade girls especially!! And even for a sister 10+ years younger than me, not so close of an age difference feel relatable in ways!
March 8, 2024
I was recommended Smaller Sister and to my surprise, it’s a Graphic Novel!! Such a wonderful book. You follow Lucy and Livy. Lucy is growing up with her sister Livy who is starting to suffer from an eating disorder. You follow Livy with her healing journey. Then you start to follow Lucy and her dealing with her own eating disorder and bullying from the girls in her new school. Such a wonderful representation of life as a middle grader and the difficulties of bullying. I highly recommend this amazing Graphic Novel!!
January 25, 2023
HUHU BAGUUUS BANGEEEET😭😭😭😭 terima kasih libby telah mempertemukanku dengan buku ini karenaaa asdfhjjklslsls AKU SUKA BANGET!! Jujur pengen punya buku fisiknyaa dan reread lagi bcs i really love lucy & livy aaaaa dan ilustrasinya juga baguss kusukaa!
Jadii buku ini tuh mainly menceritakan hubungan kakak beradik lucy & livy yang selisihnya sekitar setahunn (20 bulan sih sbnrnya hehe jd technically haampir 2 thn tp scr grade cmn selisih 1 tingkat kelas). Yahh seperti hubungan kakak beradik pada umumnya ya tentunya ada berantem kecil dan perdebatan2 namuun they always have each other's back! Livy selalu berusaha utk ada buat lucy, terutama buat dengerin cerita Lucy yang struggling dalam pertemanannya—apalagi mereka ini pindah2 sekolah gt karena pekerjaan ayahnya. Di lain sisi, Lucy juga berusaha buat support Livy terutama setelah kakaknya didiagnosis menderita eating disorder. Nanti di buku ini akan lebih dijelaskan soal eating disordernya.
Aku juga suka hal yang diangkat oleh buku ini dan permasalahannya juga relatable! Aku inget waktu SD aku juga cukup struggling dalam masalah pertemanan terus pas SMP (awal2 sih terutama) juga sempet ga pede sama penampilan diri sendiri. Makanya aku tuh relate banget sama Lucy!! On the other side, aku juga merasa relate sama Livy soalnyaaa walaupun aku seneng main dan ngobrol2 sm adekku... ada kalanya aku gapengen diganggu dan suka sebel klo dia tbtb nyelonong masuk kamar. Nah si Livy jg mirip2 gituu hehehehe.
Bagian terpenting dari buku ini adalah mengangkat isu tentang body image. Mungkin ada banyak dari kalian (yah aku juga sih) yang merasa insecure sama bentuk tubuh sendiri, yang suka merasa not good enough aja gituu entah kurang kurus, kurang berisi, atau apalah. Kalau udah pada tahap yang parah, bisa jadi kyk si Livy ini... didiagnosis eating disorder. Eating disorder ini juga gabisa 'sembuh' dalam sekejap mata, ada proses yang dilalui. Ga semudah itu menerima bentuk tubuh kita sendirii, soalnya yaa memang namanya manusia pasti suka ngebandingin dengan orang lain deh hehe.
Duh pokoknya banyak pelajaran yang bisa diambil disini dan bukunya entertaining jugaa. Walaupun ini buku dengan audiens middle-grade, dibaca orang yang lebih tua pun masih relevan loh!
Jadii buku ini tuh mainly menceritakan hubungan kakak beradik lucy & livy yang selisihnya sekitar setahunn (20 bulan sih sbnrnya hehe jd technically haampir 2 thn tp scr grade cmn selisih 1 tingkat kelas). Yahh seperti hubungan kakak beradik pada umumnya ya tentunya ada berantem kecil dan perdebatan2 namuun they always have each other's back! Livy selalu berusaha utk ada buat lucy, terutama buat dengerin cerita Lucy yang struggling dalam pertemanannya—apalagi mereka ini pindah2 sekolah gt karena pekerjaan ayahnya. Di lain sisi, Lucy juga berusaha buat support Livy terutama setelah kakaknya didiagnosis menderita eating disorder. Nanti di buku ini akan lebih dijelaskan soal eating disordernya.
Aku juga suka hal yang diangkat oleh buku ini dan permasalahannya juga relatable! Aku inget waktu SD aku juga cukup struggling dalam masalah pertemanan terus pas SMP (awal2 sih terutama) juga sempet ga pede sama penampilan diri sendiri. Makanya aku tuh relate banget sama Lucy!! On the other side, aku juga merasa relate sama Livy soalnyaaa walaupun aku seneng main dan ngobrol2 sm adekku... ada kalanya aku gapengen diganggu dan suka sebel klo dia tbtb nyelonong masuk kamar. Nah si Livy jg mirip2 gituu hehehehe.
Bagian terpenting dari buku ini adalah mengangkat isu tentang body image. Mungkin ada banyak dari kalian (yah aku juga sih) yang merasa insecure sama bentuk tubuh sendiri, yang suka merasa not good enough aja gituu entah kurang kurus, kurang berisi, atau apalah. Kalau udah pada tahap yang parah, bisa jadi kyk si Livy ini... didiagnosis eating disorder. Eating disorder ini juga gabisa 'sembuh' dalam sekejap mata, ada proses yang dilalui. Ga semudah itu menerima bentuk tubuh kita sendirii, soalnya yaa memang namanya manusia pasti suka ngebandingin dengan orang lain deh hehe.
Duh pokoknya banyak pelajaran yang bisa diambil disini dan bukunya entertaining jugaa. Walaupun ini buku dengan audiens middle-grade, dibaca orang yang lebih tua pun masih relevan loh!
July 8, 2023
Omg this was so good! I couldn't put it down and devoured the whole book in one sitting.
What a beautiful coming-of-age graphic novel that draws inspiration from the author's own life. I absolutely adored Lucy and her relationship with Olivia. No doubt my favourite part of the book. The artwork is lovely too and I loved looking at Lucy's different outfits.
The book tackles so many important issues such as body image and eating disorders. I liked that it focuses not only on sufferers of an eating disorder, but how their loved ones are affected too. The book also discusses bullying, mean girls, insecurities, loneliness and the complexities of growing up. All of these are portrayed and handled extremely well.
Excellent read. Highly recommended!!
✨ "I didn't want to be a different person. I wanted to be the best version of who I already was."
What a beautiful coming-of-age graphic novel that draws inspiration from the author's own life. I absolutely adored Lucy and her relationship with Olivia. No doubt my favourite part of the book. The artwork is lovely too and I loved looking at Lucy's different outfits.
The book tackles so many important issues such as body image and eating disorders. I liked that it focuses not only on sufferers of an eating disorder, but how their loved ones are affected too. The book also discusses bullying, mean girls, insecurities, loneliness and the complexities of growing up. All of these are portrayed and handled extremely well.
Excellent read. Highly recommended!!
✨ "I didn't want to be a different person. I wanted to be the best version of who I already was."
September 27, 2022
I am so, so grateful for graphic novels like smaller sister. These books are wonderful, authentic, relatable stories that are important for tween and teen students. But the best part is they are perfect for reluctant readers and ELLs. We expect these kids to jump from picture books to novels and narrative nonfiction without any transition and, I think, in the process make them hate reading. This is the power of graphic novels: they LIKE reading them and want to keep reading. Also, who cares if this is all they ever want to read? They’re reading, right?
I could go on, but I’ll get off my soapbox. Thank you, Maggie Eldkins Willis, for Smaller Sister.
I could go on, but I’ll get off my soapbox. Thank you, Maggie Eldkins Willis, for Smaller Sister.
April 11, 2024
Ok truth be told this is a book intended for children (it’s literally a graphic novel), but I saw a slideshow of some of the pages on TikTok and I had to read it. Even though I’m well out of middle school, the lessons talked about in the book are oh so prevalent. Like honestly if you ever need a reminder of being kind to yourself and surrounding yourself with those who lift you up, please read this book. It does such a tasteful job of capturing the mind of a middle schooler, particularly around eating disorders and trying to fit in, without glamorizing it.
April 30, 2024
first time reading a YA graphic novel dealing with disordered eating/eating disorders, i thought the author did an amazing job making such sensitive topics approachable for middle school readers!
3.5/5
3.5/5
March 31, 2023
Wow! What a well written book with great artwork and a super important message.
May 8, 2024
like a 4-
good book (booktok recommended it), good topic and themes. you can tell it was meant for middle schoolers though. kinda made me think about me and my body during 2020-2021 era.
make good friends! love yourself! #yay
good book (booktok recommended it), good topic and themes. you can tell it was meant for middle schoolers though. kinda made me think about me and my body during 2020-2021 era.
make good friends! love yourself! #yay
December 8, 2023
This book fits a niche that could really use more material. There are a lot of books about ED for YA but not much for middle grade. In general I thought it did a good job of realistically depicting ED without giving too many 'tips' that can be emulated. It also had some good examples of how social & familial relationships can be damaging or hurtful.
On the other hand, a note: This book includes what I felt to be some questionable depictions of people of color. It is extremely subtle and I haven only seen it mentioned in one other review but I was really weirded out immediately at how some (not all) Black characters had extremely exaggerated lips. This was very noticeable in the beginning of the book and happens less later but I still found it very disconcerting. It's possible I'm overreacting but I can't in good conscience give this a generally positive review without mentioning this.
On the other hand, a note: This book includes what I felt to be some questionable depictions of people of color. It is extremely subtle and I haven only seen it mentioned in one other review but I was really weirded out immediately at how some (not all) Black characters had extremely exaggerated lips. This was very noticeable in the beginning of the book and happens less later but I still found it very disconcerting. It's possible I'm overreacting but I can't in good conscience give this a generally positive review without mentioning this.
July 8, 2022
Graphic novel about Lucy, a middle schooler whose older sister develops anorexia nervosa and becomes a different person for a while as she battles the disease. Lucy goes through her own struggles with mean girls and finding her own way. Decent read, middle school and up. I have concerns about this book for my own personal children; I'm tossing my copy because of the high level of the power of suggestion here as well as the different ways to act out and hide disordered eating that could serve as instructions.
April 9, 2024
um….i know this is like a middle school graphic novel comic book type beat but why did this actually destroy me?? plot follows younger sister watching her older sister struggle with moving and an eating disorder, and younger sister is essentially “glass child” of the family.
idk why some of these scenes hit so hard in the heart.
idk why some of these scenes hit so hard in the heart.
March 27, 2024
This is definitely a book that needs to be put in the hands of young readers. Because it is written as a graphic novel, it makes it even more accessible to younger readers while still bringing up important issues. Whether they are dealing with eating disorders, mental health struggles, bullying, or self value or even seeing family members/friends going through these things, this is such a valuable story.
Quick Summary: Lucy's older sister Olivia is dealing with an eating disorder and her parents are focused on helping her, leaving Lucy to navigate the complexities of a new school on her own. Lucy then begins to be bullied and wonders if she needs to change too. She also wonders if changing will help get her sister back, a friend she thought she could always count on but has been so distant and angry.
This book really brings up sensitive topics in a way that allows for understanding and conversation. Whether readers are struggling with these issues themselves or just want to know more about it, I felt like this story did a great job of explaining it in a genuine way. It shows the complexitites of this disease while also showing readers that there is hope and ways of healing. It also showed healthy friendships and unhealthy ones and how to navigate this while still being proud of who you are and not feeling like you must change for someone else. Definitely recommend! Quick read and totally worth it!
Quick Summary: Lucy's older sister Olivia is dealing with an eating disorder and her parents are focused on helping her, leaving Lucy to navigate the complexities of a new school on her own. Lucy then begins to be bullied and wonders if she needs to change too. She also wonders if changing will help get her sister back, a friend she thought she could always count on but has been so distant and angry.
This book really brings up sensitive topics in a way that allows for understanding and conversation. Whether readers are struggling with these issues themselves or just want to know more about it, I felt like this story did a great job of explaining it in a genuine way. It shows the complexitites of this disease while also showing readers that there is hope and ways of healing. It also showed healthy friendships and unhealthy ones and how to navigate this while still being proud of who you are and not feeling like you must change for someone else. Definitely recommend! Quick read and totally worth it!
April 27, 2024
OK9 không chỉ là một địa chỉ giải trí thể thao đỉnh cao, đặc biệt là bóng đá, mà còn sở hữu một hệ thống nền tảng vô cùng hiện đại và tiên tiến. Trang web của OK9 được thiết kế với giao diện trực quan, thân thiện với người dùng, tối ưu cho cả giao diện desktop và di động. Người chơi sẽ dễ dàng truy cập, tương tác và thao tác trên nền tảng này một cách nhanh chóng, mượt mà.
Bên cạnh đó, OK9 cũng không ngừng cập nhật các công nghệ streaming hàng đầu để đảm bảo chất lượng truyền tải nội dung giải trí luôn tối ưu. Người xem sẽ được thưởng thức những trận đấu bóng đá, esports với hình ảnh sắc nét, âm thanh sống động như đang có mặt tại sân vận động.
Nói đến esports, đây cũng là một lĩnh vực nổi bật tại OK9. Bên cạnh bóng đá, nhiều giải đấu esports lớn nhỏ của các tựa game nổi tiếng như LMHT, CSGO, Valorant... cũng sẽ được phát trực tiếp tại đây. Người xem có thể theo dõi những trận chiến nảy lửa giữa các đội tuyển hàng đầu thế giới và thỏa sức đặt cược cùng tỷ lệ cược hấp dẫn.
Không chỉ vậy, OK9 còn mang đến nhiều sân chơi giải trí casino ảo đa dạng với công nghệ trí tuệ nhân tạo AI thế hệ mới, mô phỏng chân thực trải nghiệm trực tiếp tại các sòng bạc lớn trên thế giới. Đội ngũ chuyên viên hỗ trợ khách hàng cũng luôn tận tình, chuyên nghiệp, sẵn sàng hỗ trợ 24/7.
Với nền tảng đầy đủ tính năng hiện đại, chất lượng giải trí đỉnh cao và đa dạng nội dung từ bóng đá, esports đến casino, OK9 cam kết sẽ mang đến những trải nghiệm giải trí tuyệt vời nhất cho người dùng.
Thông tin liên hệ:
Địa chỉ: 8/16 Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, Cầu Kho, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam.
Phone: 0971321289
Email: info@ok9.group
Website: https://ok9.group/
#ok9 #ok9group #trangchuok9 #dangkyok9 #dangnhapok9
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https://twitter.com/ok9group
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https://telegra.ph/ok9group-04-25
https://wakelet.com/@ok9group
https://visual.ly/users/ok9group/port...
https://forum.acronis.com/it/user/641891
Bên cạnh đó, OK9 cũng không ngừng cập nhật các công nghệ streaming hàng đầu để đảm bảo chất lượng truyền tải nội dung giải trí luôn tối ưu. Người xem sẽ được thưởng thức những trận đấu bóng đá, esports với hình ảnh sắc nét, âm thanh sống động như đang có mặt tại sân vận động.
Nói đến esports, đây cũng là một lĩnh vực nổi bật tại OK9. Bên cạnh bóng đá, nhiều giải đấu esports lớn nhỏ của các tựa game nổi tiếng như LMHT, CSGO, Valorant... cũng sẽ được phát trực tiếp tại đây. Người xem có thể theo dõi những trận chiến nảy lửa giữa các đội tuyển hàng đầu thế giới và thỏa sức đặt cược cùng tỷ lệ cược hấp dẫn.
Không chỉ vậy, OK9 còn mang đến nhiều sân chơi giải trí casino ảo đa dạng với công nghệ trí tuệ nhân tạo AI thế hệ mới, mô phỏng chân thực trải nghiệm trực tiếp tại các sòng bạc lớn trên thế giới. Đội ngũ chuyên viên hỗ trợ khách hàng cũng luôn tận tình, chuyên nghiệp, sẵn sàng hỗ trợ 24/7.
Với nền tảng đầy đủ tính năng hiện đại, chất lượng giải trí đỉnh cao và đa dạng nội dung từ bóng đá, esports đến casino, OK9 cam kết sẽ mang đến những trải nghiệm giải trí tuyệt vời nhất cho người dùng.
Thông tin liên hệ:
Địa chỉ: 8/16 Đ. Trần Hưng Đạo, Cầu Kho, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam.
Phone: 0971321289
Email: info@ok9.group
Website: https://ok9.group/
#ok9 #ok9group #trangchuok9 #dangkyok9 #dangnhapok9
https://www.facebook.com/linkok9group/
https://twitter.com/ok9group
https://www.youtube.com/@ok9group/about
https://www.pinterest.com/ok9group/
https://vimeo.com/ok9group
https://www.blogger.com/profile/01382...
https://gravatar.com/ok9group
https://talk.plesk.com/members/ok9gro...
https://www.tumblr.com/ok9group
https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/ok...
https://profile.hatena.ne.jp/ok9group...
https://archive.org/details/@ok9group
https://issuu.com/ok9group
https://www.twitch.tv/ok9group/about
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ok9group/
https://ok9group.bandcamp.com/album/o...
https://disqus.com/by/ok9group/about/
https://about.me/ok9group
https://www.mixcloud.com/ok9group/
https://hub.docker.com/u/ok9group
https://500px.com/p/ok9group?view=photos
https://vws.vektor-inc.co.jp/forums/u...
https://www.producthunt.com/@ok9group
https://ok9group.gitbook.io/ok9group
https://www.zillow.com/profile/ok9group
https://ok9group.notion.site/OK9-Grou...
https://gitee.com/ok9group
https://readthedocs.org/projects/ok9g...
https://sketchfab.com/ok9group
https://www.discogs.com/fr/user/ok9group
https://www.reverbnation.com/artist/o...
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/pro...
http://resurrection.bungie.org/forum/...
https://public.tableau.com/app/profil...
https://because-gus.com/forums/partic...
https://tvchrist.ning.com/profile/ok9...
https://cdn.muvizu.com/Profile/ok9gro...
https://flipboard.com/@OK9Group
https://www.credly.com/users/ok9group...
https://heylink.me/ok9group
https://jsfiddle.net/ok9group/j8arht1c/
https://community.fabric.microsoft.co...
https://www.walkscore.com/people/4094...
https://forum.melanoma.org/user/ok9gr...
https://hackerone.com/ok9group
https://www.diigo.com/profile/ok9group
https://telegra.ph/ok9group-04-25
https://wakelet.com/@ok9group
https://visual.ly/users/ok9group/port...
https://forum.acronis.com/it/user/641891
June 27, 2022
Premise/plot: Smaller Sister is a new graphic novel by Maggie Edkins Willis. Lucy and Olivia (aka Livy) are close in age and sometimes close in spirit. (They even have their own secret code for writing notes back and forth). Smaller Sister is both a coming of age (graphic) novel and a "problem" novel. Though perhaps the phrase "problem novel" is out of fashion??? Olivia, the older sister, has a problem, a big problem. She develops an eating disorder that shakes up the whole family. It isn't just Olivia's problem, it is everyone's. Lucy doesn't know how to process this--to put it mildly. Her *old* familiar Livy seems to have vanished literally and figuratively. Her sister is changing in dozens of ways including physically. But it is the emotional lost-ness that haunts Lucy.
So the book is about the sibling relationship. The book spans perhaps three years give or take. We see glimpses of several grades at two different schools. (Plus one flashback scene at a previous school, I believe). But the book is also about friendship in general. In particular, how TOXIC friendships can be. One can desire a best friend or a good friend so much that one is able to overlook a dozen red flags as to why the relationship may be unhealthy or toxic. Such is the case with these siblings. In particular, Lucy, since we see this through her point of view. There is no quick or easy shortcuts on making and keeping best-best-best friends that will stick with you through thick and thin for better or worse. Lucy's realizations are slow but sure in coming. (Probably VERY realistic. One pep talk probably not going to solve a girl's problems in middle school.)
Plenty of scenes depicting life at home, at school, at the mall, and at camp.
My thoughts: This book tackles a real problem realistically. Eating disorders. Body image issues. Low self-esteem. How so called friends--close "best" friends at that--can pick, pick, pick, pick, pick, pick on you, namely your physical appearance. If a person only can feel good about themselves by putting you down and keeping you down, they aren't really a friend worth keeping. Friendships in middle school especially can lead to DRAMA, drama, and more drama.
But what I loved especially about it was the focus on the relationship between two sisters. We see them at their best, their worst. Highs, lows, twists, turns. The relationship has its tense moments. Words are said that can't be unsaid, but that can be forgiven. The relationship between sisters can be ever-changing, but a solid foundation can be relied upon on the darkest of days. I love all the little, tiny details depicting this relationship. The development of both sisters is so well done. I liked both sisters very much.
Lucy is heading into fifth grade when the graphic novel begins, and by the end of the novel she's in seventh grade, I believe, or heading into seventh grade. Her sister is a grade above her--so sixth grade through eighth grade.
The subject of eating disorders may be triggering for some readers. But I also want to point out that in one panel, Lucy discovers her sister's diary and she reads that her sister has thought about swallowing poison because she doesn't want to live. This could certainly be triggering for some readers. The book warns of one but not the other?
So the book is about the sibling relationship. The book spans perhaps three years give or take. We see glimpses of several grades at two different schools. (Plus one flashback scene at a previous school, I believe). But the book is also about friendship in general. In particular, how TOXIC friendships can be. One can desire a best friend or a good friend so much that one is able to overlook a dozen red flags as to why the relationship may be unhealthy or toxic. Such is the case with these siblings. In particular, Lucy, since we see this through her point of view. There is no quick or easy shortcuts on making and keeping best-best-best friends that will stick with you through thick and thin for better or worse. Lucy's realizations are slow but sure in coming. (Probably VERY realistic. One pep talk probably not going to solve a girl's problems in middle school.)
Plenty of scenes depicting life at home, at school, at the mall, and at camp.
My thoughts: This book tackles a real problem realistically. Eating disorders. Body image issues. Low self-esteem. How so called friends--close "best" friends at that--can pick, pick, pick, pick, pick, pick on you, namely your physical appearance. If a person only can feel good about themselves by putting you down and keeping you down, they aren't really a friend worth keeping. Friendships in middle school especially can lead to DRAMA, drama, and more drama.
But what I loved especially about it was the focus on the relationship between two sisters. We see them at their best, their worst. Highs, lows, twists, turns. The relationship has its tense moments. Words are said that can't be unsaid, but that can be forgiven. The relationship between sisters can be ever-changing, but a solid foundation can be relied upon on the darkest of days. I love all the little, tiny details depicting this relationship. The development of both sisters is so well done. I liked both sisters very much.
Lucy is heading into fifth grade when the graphic novel begins, and by the end of the novel she's in seventh grade, I believe, or heading into seventh grade. Her sister is a grade above her--so sixth grade through eighth grade.
The subject of eating disorders may be triggering for some readers. But I also want to point out that in one panel, Lucy discovers her sister's diary and she reads that her sister has thought about swallowing poison because she doesn't want to live. This could certainly be triggering for some readers. The book warns of one but not the other?
January 29, 2023
WOW. Wow, wow, wow. This middle grade graphic novel about sibling relationships, bullying, and eating disorders packs a WALLOP of a punch of depth and complexity, far more than its simply illustrated cover would suggest. Smaller Sister takes a BIG bite in a very realistic exploration of big topics including self concept, body image, body dysmorphia, class tensions, bullying, and sibling tensions. It is rare for me to develop an emotional attachment to a character in a graphic novel, since they often do not lend themselves to deep character exploration, but I was sincerely rooting for the main character throughout with significant emotional investment.
Throwaway to those who've read it: WHERE can I go to a camp like the one in the book? Where can I find such a sleepaway camp for my son? I wish for that experience for every child who needs it.
Highly recommended for elementary and middle school library collections. The juvenile cover may require some selling to a middle school audience, but once middle and even high school readers dive in, they will find realistic characters and situations that are recognizeable.
Throwaway to those who've read it: WHERE can I go to a camp like the one in the book? Where can I find such a sleepaway camp for my son? I wish for that experience for every child who needs it.
Highly recommended for elementary and middle school library collections. The juvenile cover may require some selling to a middle school audience, but once middle and even high school readers dive in, they will find realistic characters and situations that are recognizeable.
June 23, 2024
Wow - this thoughtful look at navigating the middle grade years with an eating disorder is equal parts endearing and painful.
So, this book was prominently featured in scholastic book fairs this year, and I’m in a school book fair organizer social media group. There were SO MANY organizers who chose to remove this from their k-5 book fairs because of its “sensitive content.” I find that so concerning. I would so rather my child learn about eating disorders from this informed book than their “dieting” friends. When you’re a kid, you don’t even know what an eating disorder is, but you might know that you want to be skinny at any cost. And you may have friends with undiagnosed or burgeoning eating disorders who like share their “knowledge” of how to lose weight. This books gives kids at risk of developing an eating disorder the vocabulary and background to understand it a little better, as well as a glimpse into the dangers.
Long story short, I’d bought it for my library before reading it, but if I hadn’t already I’d be getting it in my first order next year. I may buy 1-2 more copies.
So, this book was prominently featured in scholastic book fairs this year, and I’m in a school book fair organizer social media group. There were SO MANY organizers who chose to remove this from their k-5 book fairs because of its “sensitive content.” I find that so concerning. I would so rather my child learn about eating disorders from this informed book than their “dieting” friends. When you’re a kid, you don’t even know what an eating disorder is, but you might know that you want to be skinny at any cost. And you may have friends with undiagnosed or burgeoning eating disorders who like share their “knowledge” of how to lose weight. This books gives kids at risk of developing an eating disorder the vocabulary and background to understand it a little better, as well as a glimpse into the dangers.
Long story short, I’d bought it for my library before reading it, but if I hadn’t already I’d be getting it in my first order next year. I may buy 1-2 more copies.
April 11, 2023
I curled up with this graphic novel and couldn’t stop reading. I have a sister, and we’ve been through the ringer together. There have been times in our lives that we hated each other and fought all the time, but I think a lot of that has come from the fact that we knew that at the end of the day we knew we would always be there for each other, no matter how much we needed to get all of our mixtures of growing-up-feelings out towards the other. This story is about growing up, an eating disorder or two, and choosing friends who help you see the best in yourself, but mostly about having a sibling and loving each other no matter what.
September 6, 2022
Lucy looks up to her older sister Olivia. When they move schools, Olivia develops and eating disorder. With help, Olivia begins to recover. When the family moves again, Lucy struggles to fit in and tries to lose weight to help. With her sister's help and new friends at camp, Lucy finds what she needs.
Very quick and engaging read. I'm happy to see that authors are tackling subjects for middle grades readers that would have once been a little taboo.
Very quick and engaging read. I'm happy to see that authors are tackling subjects for middle grades readers that would have once been a little taboo.
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