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A Work in Progress
A young boy struggles with body image in this poignant and “perceptive” ( Publishers Weekly , starred review) middle grade journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration.
Will is the only round kid in a school full of thin ones. So he hides…in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, in the back row during class, and anywhere but the cafeteria during lunch. But shame isn’t the only feeling that dominates Will’s life. He’s also got a crush on a girl named Jules who he knows he doesn’t have a chance with, because of his size—but he can’t help wondering what if?
Will’s best shot at attracting Jules’s attention is by slaying the Will Monster inside him by changing his eating habits and getting more exercise. But the results are either frustratingly slow or infuriatingly unsuccessful, and Will’s shame begins to morph into self-loathing.
As he resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance, Will meets skateboarder Markus, who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.
Will is the only round kid in a school full of thin ones. So he hides…in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, in the back row during class, and anywhere but the cafeteria during lunch. But shame isn’t the only feeling that dominates Will’s life. He’s also got a crush on a girl named Jules who he knows he doesn’t have a chance with, because of his size—but he can’t help wondering what if?
Will’s best shot at attracting Jules’s attention is by slaying the Will Monster inside him by changing his eating habits and getting more exercise. But the results are either frustratingly slow or infuriatingly unsuccessful, and Will’s shame begins to morph into self-loathing.
As he resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance, Will meets skateboarder Markus, who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
66 people are currently reading
1423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
September 25, 2023
Great audiobook and read! Struggling with weight is hard and sad but there's a good lesson in this story too.
This book followed Will. Back in fourth grade, a student called him fat out loud in the hallway. It affected him more than expected. He started to keep to himself. Destroyed his clothes and started wearing oversized clothes. He began criticizing himself and lose self confidence. He eat to feel better but later felt worse. He lost his friends and became a loner. Later he stopped eating to lose weight. He spent lunch in a secluded place alone to draw and starved himself. Along came a fellow student who has a story of his own and it played a role in changing Will for the better.
The organization of the book is fun and makes a quick read. The audiobook is a little over an hour so it took me two listens to finish. I had my middle schooler read too because this book is intended for readers ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7. A good read for kids to remind them to be mindful of others. A comment can change a person, so think before saying something.
Thank you SimonKids for the opportunity to read and review. Thank you SimonAudio for the opportunity to listen and review.
This book followed Will. Back in fourth grade, a student called him fat out loud in the hallway. It affected him more than expected. He started to keep to himself. Destroyed his clothes and started wearing oversized clothes. He began criticizing himself and lose self confidence. He eat to feel better but later felt worse. He lost his friends and became a loner. Later he stopped eating to lose weight. He spent lunch in a secluded place alone to draw and starved himself. Along came a fellow student who has a story of his own and it played a role in changing Will for the better.
The organization of the book is fun and makes a quick read. The audiobook is a little over an hour so it took me two listens to finish. I had my middle schooler read too because this book is intended for readers ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7. A good read for kids to remind them to be mindful of others. A comment can change a person, so think before saying something.
Thank you SimonKids for the opportunity to read and review. Thank you SimonAudio for the opportunity to listen and review.
July 27, 2023
I have mixed thoughts on this one. Part of me wants it for my students who have a tendency to name call and fat shame others, so they can see a new perspective and understand the damage being done. Part of me wants a book available for students struggling with being bigger than they want to be so they can read a story they identify with. Another part of me worries about those kids reading this book. I personally found a lot of the body hate and controlled eating fairly triggering and would not want the same for my kids. More of the book is taken up with that than with the redemption part of the story. I don’t know, those are my initial thoughts. I do, however, really appreciate these feelings and this story being shared. Especially from a male protagonist. There aren’t enough books that do that.
November 22, 2022
Wow, a must for your middle grades collections and to share in your classrooms, libraries, and everywhere you can. Words have so much power, and when Will is called fat in fourth grade he’s never the same, choosing to hide in baggy clothes and retreat from his friends. Three years later, Will’s inner voice begins to change with the help from a new classmate. Truly, every reader will realize we are all a work in progress. Thx to Simon and Schuster for the ARC, and to Jarrett Lerner for writing this important story.
April 18, 2023
A Work in Progress was the first book I read to start of 2023, and WOW what an amazing book it is. I mostly know Lerner from his humorous Enginerds book series, but I really must commend him for writing something that will surely touch so many kids' hearts, a story that as he has stated previously is very personal to him.
Will Chambers is hanging out in the hallway at school, like most fourth graders do, when he feels a slight tap on his shoulder. Upon turning around, he finds Nick Fisher, one of the boys in his grade who decides for whatever reason to take that moment in the already crowded hallway to call Will "fat." Not to mention that his three best friends are there to hear Nick blurt out that he's "fat and everyone knows it." Anyone who reads this story can surely relate to how that moment must have made Will feel. We've all had embarrassing moments, but Will takes Nick's words to heart. They follow him around; they weave their way into his consciousness and begin to change his friendships. Will starts to wear baggy clothing, avoids eating certain foods, and slowly his self-loathing leads him to abstain from eating altogether. Then one day while hanging outside, a new boy skateboards on by. Will likes the clothes this new boy wears, his hair, the way he has pink fingernails, but most of all he likes Markus's confidence. The way he does and says what he wants, and he likes that Markus sees him and talks to him like anyone else. With help from Markus, Will begins to see himself in a new light and through sharing their stories and being willing to put himself out there, Will begins to experience a positive change in his life.
Oh, this story, such a beautiful heart-tugging story. I could instantly relate to Will. His struggles will invoke all kinds of memories too, embarrassing moments, moments where a person's words hurt you (I still can't listen to Randy Newman's Short People song for the teasing that I endured). Hopefully people who read this book will see that words can wound you, change your whole perspective of yourself in an instant. On the flipside it also illustrates that an act of kindness or acknowledgement can make a positive change. Words do hold a huge weight, it's important to think about the things we say. Choose our words carefully and never use them to bring someone else down. We carry those words into adulthood. Often reflecting on those insecurities that they created.
I love that the story was told in verse, it makes it even more special. It truly has the feel of following Will's stream of thoughts as if reading his personal notebook. You feel his sadness, anger and his hunger, even his battle over his body image. I also loved the artwork that is intermixed within the words. How some words tumble down the page and others are written in big bold font. But what will stick with me the most about the book is the message that we all are a work in progress. Can't wait to get a finished copy in May to read it all over again.
** A huge thank you to Sarah at Wunderkind for putting this on my radar, and Edelweiss + for the E-ARC **
Will Chambers is hanging out in the hallway at school, like most fourth graders do, when he feels a slight tap on his shoulder. Upon turning around, he finds Nick Fisher, one of the boys in his grade who decides for whatever reason to take that moment in the already crowded hallway to call Will "fat." Not to mention that his three best friends are there to hear Nick blurt out that he's "fat and everyone knows it." Anyone who reads this story can surely relate to how that moment must have made Will feel. We've all had embarrassing moments, but Will takes Nick's words to heart. They follow him around; they weave their way into his consciousness and begin to change his friendships. Will starts to wear baggy clothing, avoids eating certain foods, and slowly his self-loathing leads him to abstain from eating altogether. Then one day while hanging outside, a new boy skateboards on by. Will likes the clothes this new boy wears, his hair, the way he has pink fingernails, but most of all he likes Markus's confidence. The way he does and says what he wants, and he likes that Markus sees him and talks to him like anyone else. With help from Markus, Will begins to see himself in a new light and through sharing their stories and being willing to put himself out there, Will begins to experience a positive change in his life.
Oh, this story, such a beautiful heart-tugging story. I could instantly relate to Will. His struggles will invoke all kinds of memories too, embarrassing moments, moments where a person's words hurt you (I still can't listen to Randy Newman's Short People song for the teasing that I endured). Hopefully people who read this book will see that words can wound you, change your whole perspective of yourself in an instant. On the flipside it also illustrates that an act of kindness or acknowledgement can make a positive change. Words do hold a huge weight, it's important to think about the things we say. Choose our words carefully and never use them to bring someone else down. We carry those words into adulthood. Often reflecting on those insecurities that they created.
I love that the story was told in verse, it makes it even more special. It truly has the feel of following Will's stream of thoughts as if reading his personal notebook. You feel his sadness, anger and his hunger, even his battle over his body image. I also loved the artwork that is intermixed within the words. How some words tumble down the page and others are written in big bold font. But what will stick with me the most about the book is the message that we all are a work in progress. Can't wait to get a finished copy in May to read it all over again.
** A huge thank you to Sarah at Wunderkind for putting this on my radar, and Edelweiss + for the E-ARC **
November 13, 2022
This was the first MG novel in verse I have read where the it focuses on the struggles a young male middle schooler has with body image. The author goes deep, showing through words and images the lengths Will goes to to hide from the world after another student calls him FAT in front of the whole elementary school. From there, we watch as Will spirals, trying to out run the food demons, only to see what happens when things get out of hand. The introduction to his new friend Markus is a breath of fresh air to Will, helping him realize that not all people judge a book by it’s cover. Don’t want to give too much more away, except that, like Will, we are all a work in progress and that this is a book that will be added to my MS library collection as soon as it is published! Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC and to Jarrett Lerner for a story that has been missing for quite a while.
February 7, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Will is a happy kid with a strong friend group until one day in fourth grade when an unpleasant classmate calls him "fat". He starts to wear baggy clothes, to not go to the cafeteria during lunch, and slowly grows away from his friends because he is so entrenched in thinking that he is fat that he imagines they won't want anything to do with him. Not wanting to talk to others isolates him, and sends him further into a spiral where he is obsessed with his weight. He thinks about dieting, but doesn't have good information, and alternately denies himself things like pizza that his mother brings home as a treat, but then binges and feels bad about himself. He likes a girl in his class, Jules, who loves to draw as much as he does, but after overhearing her friends say unkind things about him, is very reluctant to ever try to talk to her. When he is hanging out behind the school during lunch, he meets Markus, who skateboards. He doesn't want to talk to Markus even after the other boy spills all of his problems about trying to fit in as he moves from school to school, although Will appreciates that markus talks to him and doesn't seem to be repulsed by his weight. After Will restricts his food intake so much that he passes out at school, his parents finally realize that he has some problems that he needs to work through, and send him to a therapist. Markus teaches Will to skateboard in exchange for Will teaching him how to draw. Even though skateboarding is hard, Will starts to realize that many things are a struggle at first, and take practice. He finally gets up the nerve to talk to Jules, and his therapist helps him feel better about himself and his weight.
Strengths: There are books about weight issues and disordered eating going back to Levenkron's 1978 The Best Little Girl in the World. Since scientific treatment of this sort of condition changes all the time, I should probably go back and take a look at everything from Anderson's 2009 Wintergirls to Pollen's 2019 The Year I Didn't Eat and reassess their relevance. This illustrated novel in verse captures the feel of 2023, and Will's anxiety, centered around his body image, seems similar to Gerber's 2021 Taking Up Space. Will spends a lot of time in his own head, and can't manage to get out, even with Markus' help. The novel in verse format, with its short lines, helps give a good feeling of panic, and I do want to take a look at a finished copy, because the E ARC illustrations don't seem quite finished, and Lerner's art work is always well done. Markus is an intriguing character, and Jules is not mean to Will in the little we see of their interactions. The parents do eventually step in and get Will help. This is the most evocative book about a mental state I've seen since Klass' You Don't Know Me or Going's St. Iggy.
Weaknesses: Considering that almost a quarter of middle school students are obese, the social implications of being overweight in middle school might be somewhat different than they were when Lerner was young. Of course, many more students are anxious, so Will's reaction to his perception of how people see him will resonate with some readers. My students have indicated that people are not really made fun of for things like braces, glasses, and being overweight as much as they seem to have been in the past, although, again, it's hard to tell what children might internalize.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to read about mental health challenges with weight related components, like Fipps' Starfish or Baron's All of Me.
Will is a happy kid with a strong friend group until one day in fourth grade when an unpleasant classmate calls him "fat". He starts to wear baggy clothes, to not go to the cafeteria during lunch, and slowly grows away from his friends because he is so entrenched in thinking that he is fat that he imagines they won't want anything to do with him. Not wanting to talk to others isolates him, and sends him further into a spiral where he is obsessed with his weight. He thinks about dieting, but doesn't have good information, and alternately denies himself things like pizza that his mother brings home as a treat, but then binges and feels bad about himself. He likes a girl in his class, Jules, who loves to draw as much as he does, but after overhearing her friends say unkind things about him, is very reluctant to ever try to talk to her. When he is hanging out behind the school during lunch, he meets Markus, who skateboards. He doesn't want to talk to Markus even after the other boy spills all of his problems about trying to fit in as he moves from school to school, although Will appreciates that markus talks to him and doesn't seem to be repulsed by his weight. After Will restricts his food intake so much that he passes out at school, his parents finally realize that he has some problems that he needs to work through, and send him to a therapist. Markus teaches Will to skateboard in exchange for Will teaching him how to draw. Even though skateboarding is hard, Will starts to realize that many things are a struggle at first, and take practice. He finally gets up the nerve to talk to Jules, and his therapist helps him feel better about himself and his weight.
Strengths: There are books about weight issues and disordered eating going back to Levenkron's 1978 The Best Little Girl in the World. Since scientific treatment of this sort of condition changes all the time, I should probably go back and take a look at everything from Anderson's 2009 Wintergirls to Pollen's 2019 The Year I Didn't Eat and reassess their relevance. This illustrated novel in verse captures the feel of 2023, and Will's anxiety, centered around his body image, seems similar to Gerber's 2021 Taking Up Space. Will spends a lot of time in his own head, and can't manage to get out, even with Markus' help. The novel in verse format, with its short lines, helps give a good feeling of panic, and I do want to take a look at a finished copy, because the E ARC illustrations don't seem quite finished, and Lerner's art work is always well done. Markus is an intriguing character, and Jules is not mean to Will in the little we see of their interactions. The parents do eventually step in and get Will help. This is the most evocative book about a mental state I've seen since Klass' You Don't Know Me or Going's St. Iggy.
Weaknesses: Considering that almost a quarter of middle school students are obese, the social implications of being overweight in middle school might be somewhat different than they were when Lerner was young. Of course, many more students are anxious, so Will's reaction to his perception of how people see him will resonate with some readers. My students have indicated that people are not really made fun of for things like braces, glasses, and being overweight as much as they seem to have been in the past, although, again, it's hard to tell what children might internalize.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to read about mental health challenges with weight related components, like Fipps' Starfish or Baron's All of Me.
May 7, 2023
I have loved the work of Jarrett Lerner for a long time. His genuine care for kids and the people who care for them shines through in everything he does.
The way he fights for the rights for graphic novels, for independent reading, for kids to have fun with writing is inspiring and should be noticed by many.
I have loved his books as well, Enginerds is a treasured read aloud in our family.
But his latest forthcoming book may supersede even all of the things I love about him.
I read it on the plane back from NCTE, bleareyed, wistful, and missing my family. I read it despite needing sleep because I could not stop reading.
I finished it in one sitting because I had to. And then I wrote the following to Jarrett:
"Oh Jarrett, it's beautiful.
I finished it.
It's so good.
So powerful and real and all the things needed for boys who have not had many mirrors like this.
I cannot wait to recommend it, what a gift."
And I mean every word.
This graphic free verse novel following one ordinary boy's journey through fatshaming, self-doubt, lack of selfcare and ultimately finding his own strength is so well done, is so important, and is so timely. Great for 8 years and up, great for the 12 years old, great for the 15 year olds.
Great for so many ages, so many lives, so many experiences.
We don't have enough books like this, I hope this will be just one of many to come.
I hope this is placed in classrooms, used as a read aloud, used in lit circles, and held onto by so many.
The way he fights for the rights for graphic novels, for independent reading, for kids to have fun with writing is inspiring and should be noticed by many.
I have loved his books as well, Enginerds is a treasured read aloud in our family.
But his latest forthcoming book may supersede even all of the things I love about him.
I read it on the plane back from NCTE, bleareyed, wistful, and missing my family. I read it despite needing sleep because I could not stop reading.
I finished it in one sitting because I had to. And then I wrote the following to Jarrett:
"Oh Jarrett, it's beautiful.
I finished it.
It's so good.
So powerful and real and all the things needed for boys who have not had many mirrors like this.
I cannot wait to recommend it, what a gift."
And I mean every word.
This graphic free verse novel following one ordinary boy's journey through fatshaming, self-doubt, lack of selfcare and ultimately finding his own strength is so well done, is so important, and is so timely. Great for 8 years and up, great for the 12 years old, great for the 15 year olds.
Great for so many ages, so many lives, so many experiences.
We don't have enough books like this, I hope this will be just one of many to come.
I hope this is placed in classrooms, used as a read aloud, used in lit circles, and held onto by so many.
November 22, 2023
All it takes is one moment. Just two words from Nick Fisher, “You’re fat,” immediately change Will’s image of himself. And then Will begins to believe Nick. Maybe he is fat and everyone knows it. So, he starts hiding from his friends, his parents, and from the world. He won’t eat in front of others, and when he does eat, he’s ravenous, for he hasn’t had food in so long. Soon, Will begins to wonder if he needs to eat at all.
What a powerful novel in verse! I love how Jarrett Lerner made this book look like Will’s notebook. The words AND drawings show all of Will’s thoughts and emotions. Read will connect with Will. I know I did. I wish I had this book when I was in middle school. Maybe, just maybe, I would have felt a little different about myself.
But now, I can share Will’s story with my own children, and other kids. I can—will—encourage reads to remember that we are all works in progress.
What a powerful novel in verse! I love how Jarrett Lerner made this book look like Will’s notebook. The words AND drawings show all of Will’s thoughts and emotions. Read will connect with Will. I know I did. I wish I had this book when I was in middle school. Maybe, just maybe, I would have felt a little different about myself.
But now, I can share Will’s story with my own children, and other kids. I can—will—encourage reads to remember that we are all works in progress.
June 17, 2023
Having recently finished “A Work in Progress” by Jarrett Lerner, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing!
This was my first time reading a novel-in-verse and I was not prepared for the power these words, written in this form, conveyed from the first page to the last. Self image can be a struggle throughout our lives, and understanding that WE ARE ALL “a work in progress” can help to ease feelings of intense isolation. The power of one pink, green, or blue, fingernail painted friend to make a difference; to understand, to share, and to care. Everyone could use a friend like Markus.
This was my first time reading a novel-in-verse and I was not prepared for the power these words, written in this form, conveyed from the first page to the last. Self image can be a struggle throughout our lives, and understanding that WE ARE ALL “a work in progress” can help to ease feelings of intense isolation. The power of one pink, green, or blue, fingernail painted friend to make a difference; to understand, to share, and to care. Everyone could use a friend like Markus.
March 28, 2023
This book is incredibly powerful. A very fast read.
Just a little warning: if you were criticized about your weight, this book might be a little rough for you to read. It has a good and important ending, but definitely brought up a lot of feelings for me while reading it.
Just a little warning: if you were criticized about your weight, this book might be a little rough for you to read. It has a good and important ending, but definitely brought up a lot of feelings for me while reading it.
January 18, 2023
This is a powerful novel in verse about a kid who is fat and struggling with everything that goes with that. Wonderfully illustrated to give even more impact to the emotions Will is feeling. A book that everyone needs to read. Being in verse, illustrated and at a level that should make it accessible to many, I hope this reaches all the kids who need this book of the heart.
December 20, 2024
Dare I say…4.5 stars? Also, I wish it had a different cover! I get it, but it makes it seem childish, and it is anything but.
I was reluctant to pick this up, but once I got started I was so happy I did! It’s so quick but the way it’s presented through the verse and pictures is perfect. The narrator got that across exactly. Once I was into it, then I was worried it was sending the wrong message or giving g kids tips (who am I kidding with YouTube and IG and TikTok 🤣🤦♀️😑) but I’m so glad it so quickly got to the most important messages with friendship, therapy, believing in yourself and being able to see the real you when you look in the mirror and who cares what everyone else sees.
I’m 100% giving this audio to my 5th grade son. words are important and what Will heard in 4th grade will stay with him forever. Be kind and watch what comes out of your mouth. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but not at the expense of others.
Powerful book with an important message for pre teens and middle schoolers.
I was reluctant to pick this up, but once I got started I was so happy I did! It’s so quick but the way it’s presented through the verse and pictures is perfect. The narrator got that across exactly. Once I was into it, then I was worried it was sending the wrong message or giving g kids tips (who am I kidding with YouTube and IG and TikTok 🤣🤦♀️😑) but I’m so glad it so quickly got to the most important messages with friendship, therapy, believing in yourself and being able to see the real you when you look in the mirror and who cares what everyone else sees.
I’m 100% giving this audio to my 5th grade son. words are important and what Will heard in 4th grade will stay with him forever. Be kind and watch what comes out of your mouth. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but not at the expense of others.
Powerful book with an important message for pre teens and middle schoolers.
August 28, 2023
An earnest and affecting story that teaches empathy and acceptance of body diversity.
One of the Global Read-Alouds for 2023 (Middle School category), A Work in Progress comes with a fair share of trigger warnings, and with good reason: author Jarret Lerner astutely captures the painful self-recrimination and low self-esteem that accompanies childhood obesity. As main character Will narrates his story, the reader can't help but feel tremendous empathy for this lonely boy as he spirals through eating-to-regulate-emotions-that-are-disregulated-because-of-his-eating (ad nauseum). Lerner captures Will's inner monologue so perfectly that I (who was an obese child) was reminded of incidents I had long ago buried in my psychological graveyard. An overheard conversation where two girls debate "Would you rather kiss Will or drink a cup of someone's vomit" was particularly heart-wrenching. The novel ends with hope, but not the unrealistic Disney ending I feared, and that might be the novel's greatest strength.
May 13, 2023
This is an incredibly powerful verse novel about Will, a middle-schooler dealing with body image issues. A horrible comment from a bully makes him realise how other people must see him. He comes to hate his body and his need to eat, and ends up refusing to eat, thinking this is the answer. Thanks to supportive parents and a new friend, Will learns that he’s just a work in progress and that’s it’s ok to feel good and bad. It’s really good to read a verse novel about a male. I needed this book when I was 12.
September 23, 2023
I don’t usually read middle-grade books but picked this up at an ARC book sale my local bookstore has every year. I’d seen Jarrett Lerner in a local news program and know he frequently does readings at my bookstore. He’s written a lot of books and I was curious. It’s also good to read different genres, especially when thinking about writing children’s books.
Anyway, it’s a good read about an overweight kid, Will, who gets relentlessly teased in elementary school. I was picked on in elementary school and kicked out of the popular group by a school bully. I don’t even know why they didn’t like me but I’ve struggled with self-worth and to make friends ever since.
Will soon becomes an outcast who sits by himself and who everyone thinks is “weird” and fat. because he’s fat they think that he’s not a person that they should know. it’s sad. people can be mean. Will struggles with body image issues. Will loves to draw and read graphic novels. One day he decides to stop eating. A new kid comes to school, Markus, and he tries to befriend Will. But Will is skeptical. Markus keeps at it even when Will pushes him away. One day at school Will passes out because he’s not eating. Markus comes to visit and brings him a skateboard and says he’ll teach him to skateboard if he teaches him to draw. He tells Will that he immediately thought he was cool when they first met. Eventually Will starts seeing a therapist and begins to realize his value as a person. Markus moves away but they remain friends.
Very well done the way it’s written in verse and how the story builds up.
Anyway, it’s a good read about an overweight kid, Will, who gets relentlessly teased in elementary school. I was picked on in elementary school and kicked out of the popular group by a school bully. I don’t even know why they didn’t like me but I’ve struggled with self-worth and to make friends ever since.
Will soon becomes an outcast who sits by himself and who everyone thinks is “weird” and fat. because he’s fat they think that he’s not a person that they should know. it’s sad. people can be mean. Will struggles with body image issues. Will loves to draw and read graphic novels. One day he decides to stop eating. A new kid comes to school, Markus, and he tries to befriend Will. But Will is skeptical. Markus keeps at it even when Will pushes him away. One day at school Will passes out because he’s not eating. Markus comes to visit and brings him a skateboard and says he’ll teach him to skateboard if he teaches him to draw. He tells Will that he immediately thought he was cool when they first met. Eventually Will starts seeing a therapist and begins to realize his value as a person. Markus moves away but they remain friends.
Very well done the way it’s written in verse and how the story builds up.
January 7, 2024
So,so, so good. A novel in verse that so many readers can relate to. An example of when the negative thoughts and self-bullying take over. Also examples of how throw away comments can hurt others profoundly. We are all A Work in Progress!!!
I love this story and will book talk it every year in my class.
I love this story and will book talk it every year in my class.
November 28, 2024
I genuinely wanted Will and Markus to get together 😔
July 4, 2023
Should be required reading for adults and kids. At 40, was a great reminder we are all trying our best.
March 30, 2025
If you see me reading significantly more middle grade than normal, mind your business. I live in Missouri and work with kids in grades K-5, so we are very enthusiastic about the Mark Twain Award nominees.
A Work in Progress features some pretty heavy topics: mental illness, disordered eating, and body image. While I think the content of this book could be difficult for children in situations similar to that of the MC to read, I did feel that the subject matter was handled both honestly and with care. Much of what I see dealing with these themes features female main characters, so it was interesting and exciting to see that this book had a male main character. While I always try to encourage children to refrain from thinking about books as being either "for girls" or "for boys," it is sometimes a struggle to convince young boys to pick up books with female main characters. Because the topics discussed in this book affect both boys and girls, I hope having a male main character will both persuade more boys to read this book and allow them to recognize mental illness, disordered eating, and body image aren't just issues "for girls."
This book was written in a combination of prose, verse, and illustration, and I foresee that being an easy selling point as I recommend this as it was quick and easy without losing its impact.
A Work in Progress features some pretty heavy topics: mental illness, disordered eating, and body image. While I think the content of this book could be difficult for children in situations similar to that of the MC to read, I did feel that the subject matter was handled both honestly and with care. Much of what I see dealing with these themes features female main characters, so it was interesting and exciting to see that this book had a male main character. While I always try to encourage children to refrain from thinking about books as being either "for girls" or "for boys," it is sometimes a struggle to convince young boys to pick up books with female main characters. Because the topics discussed in this book affect both boys and girls, I hope having a male main character will both persuade more boys to read this book and allow them to recognize mental illness, disordered eating, and body image aren't just issues "for girls."
This book was written in a combination of prose, verse, and illustration, and I foresee that being an easy selling point as I recommend this as it was quick and easy without losing its impact.
December 4, 2022
I had to sit with this one awhile before reviewing because it’s important to me to accurately convey the importance and need for this book.
This book will do for the world, especially males (no I’m not being stereotypical, I’ll get into this more later) what Starfish by Lisa Fipps has done for me, as a 40ish year old woman. The young reader literary world at large is missing representation for people that struggle with weight. Bullying books abound, but none that so succinctly and eloquently demonstrate the impact ONE MOMENT can have on a life. And when Lerner describes the change from being bullied by an outside bully to bullying yourself - kids and adults alike will feel like their shared experience is seen.
The format of book in verse with Lerner’s wonderful art is what I think will really speak to males. In general, males are more visual, and the combination of the two elevates the content matter while keeping it accessible. I don’t want to spoil it too much, but the dark pages that are inserted do so much to bring home the darkness that Will is feeling. The insertion of Markus’ pages have tremendous impact and show you the true difference between the way that people that are different from us think and communicate. (I’m a Markus…allll the words!)
I will put this book into the hands of every person I can. This book is needed. This book fills a void that was lacking in a way that you couldn’t have even custom-ordered. I don’t care if you’ve been bullied, been a bully, or seen someone bullied and said nothing or something, this book needs to be read.
Jarrett, to allude to something you say in this book without directly quoting (I read the ARC), I wonder if you know the impact one thing you’ve written will have on the world?
This book will do for the world, especially males (no I’m not being stereotypical, I’ll get into this more later) what Starfish by Lisa Fipps has done for me, as a 40ish year old woman. The young reader literary world at large is missing representation for people that struggle with weight. Bullying books abound, but none that so succinctly and eloquently demonstrate the impact ONE MOMENT can have on a life. And when Lerner describes the change from being bullied by an outside bully to bullying yourself - kids and adults alike will feel like their shared experience is seen.
The format of book in verse with Lerner’s wonderful art is what I think will really speak to males. In general, males are more visual, and the combination of the two elevates the content matter while keeping it accessible. I don’t want to spoil it too much, but the dark pages that are inserted do so much to bring home the darkness that Will is feeling. The insertion of Markus’ pages have tremendous impact and show you the true difference between the way that people that are different from us think and communicate. (I’m a Markus…allll the words!)
I will put this book into the hands of every person I can. This book is needed. This book fills a void that was lacking in a way that you couldn’t have even custom-ordered. I don’t care if you’ve been bullied, been a bully, or seen someone bullied and said nothing or something, this book needs to be read.
Jarrett, to allude to something you say in this book without directly quoting (I read the ARC), I wonder if you know the impact one thing you’ve written will have on the world?
February 25, 2023
Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.
As the dedication says, this book is for “anyone who has ever felt less than.” And let’s be honest - who hasn’t?
Who hasn’t ever felt uncomfortable about the way they look? Who hasn’t ever been embarrassed to share their passions and talents? Who hasn’t ever felt like they don’t belong…aren’t good enough?
This book made my angry. It made me cry. It made me feel hopeful. And it made my think about my own past, my daughters, and my middle grade students.
Jarrett Lerner writes about farting robots. And my students love him for that. But I hope with all my heart that they love him for for his compassionate story about Will, a kid (who like ALL of us), is a work in progress.
Written in verse with illustrations throughout, Will’s story of self-loathing (after being called FAT by a classmate in 4th grade) showcases the inner pain inside of us when we’re dealing with feeling of inadequacy. Will’s story is essential for our readers to see that they are not alone, their negative thoughts are not true, and that they are deserving of love, friendship, and hope.
“Thinking of myself
as unfinished
in that way -
it’s gotten me to be
a lot kinder
to myself.
You know?”
Publishing May 2, 2023, this is a must add to your middle grade classroom library. Preorder now!
As the dedication says, this book is for “anyone who has ever felt less than.” And let’s be honest - who hasn’t?
Who hasn’t ever felt uncomfortable about the way they look? Who hasn’t ever been embarrassed to share their passions and talents? Who hasn’t ever felt like they don’t belong…aren’t good enough?
This book made my angry. It made me cry. It made me feel hopeful. And it made my think about my own past, my daughters, and my middle grade students.
Jarrett Lerner writes about farting robots. And my students love him for that. But I hope with all my heart that they love him for for his compassionate story about Will, a kid (who like ALL of us), is a work in progress.
Written in verse with illustrations throughout, Will’s story of self-loathing (after being called FAT by a classmate in 4th grade) showcases the inner pain inside of us when we’re dealing with feeling of inadequacy. Will’s story is essential for our readers to see that they are not alone, their negative thoughts are not true, and that they are deserving of love, friendship, and hope.
“Thinking of myself
as unfinished
in that way -
it’s gotten me to be
a lot kinder
to myself.
You know?”
Publishing May 2, 2023, this is a must add to your middle grade classroom library. Preorder now!
February 16, 2024
A novel in verse about how one word can affect a soul, throwing it into conflict with its body, desperately trying to be invisible and melt away from the world.
I have to say that I was disappointed in this book. I really appreciate every and all books about fat-acceptance and body image, particularly for boys. I really appreciate the portrayal of an eating disorder in a boy. I appreciate the easy-to-read verse and the blend with the artistic representation.
But, I guess, you can appreciate all that a book is trying to do, and still be disappointed with the results. The verse feels much more like a way to turn this novel into a sketch or short story. Instead of feeling like the poetry gives more to the story (such as in Starfish or Poet X), I feel like it leaves out so much and takes short cuts. This can be problematic in a story about eating disorders, which should be so carefully told. The verse/style/voice was just ok, and the illustrations as well. And this made it problematic because I don't think the book did enough to get Will to the point of self acceptance. Mostly, the story is just that he passes out and then sees a therapist. That feels so 1980s afterschool special to me. In a world where so many people still see diet culture as a cure for fat kids, any book that tackles this issue NEEDS to be very careful in developing and finding that acceptance and self love. He needs agency, not a magic skate board kid that tells him what to do.
All in all, an ok book with that's a good start at tackling these issues.
I have to say that I was disappointed in this book. I really appreciate every and all books about fat-acceptance and body image, particularly for boys. I really appreciate the portrayal of an eating disorder in a boy. I appreciate the easy-to-read verse and the blend with the artistic representation.
But, I guess, you can appreciate all that a book is trying to do, and still be disappointed with the results. The verse feels much more like a way to turn this novel into a sketch or short story. Instead of feeling like the poetry gives more to the story (such as in Starfish or Poet X), I feel like it leaves out so much and takes short cuts. This can be problematic in a story about eating disorders, which should be so carefully told. The verse/style/voice was just ok, and the illustrations as well. And this made it problematic because I don't think the book did enough to get Will to the point of self acceptance. Mostly, the story is just that he passes out and then sees a therapist. That feels so 1980s afterschool special to me. In a world where so many people still see diet culture as a cure for fat kids, any book that tackles this issue NEEDS to be very careful in developing and finding that acceptance and self love. He needs agency, not a magic skate board kid that tells him what to do.
All in all, an ok book with that's a good start at tackling these issues.
November 13, 2023
This is an intense and powerful middle grade book exploring Will’s descent into self-loathing and eating disorders after being publicly shamed for his size in grade 4. It is written in free verse, reads quickly and has lively visuals. There are many important themes and issues raised in this book. However, I could not give it 5 stars due to the weakness I outline below.
Strengths: the direct expression of despair, the struggle with mental illness and eating disorders
Weakness: Where were the parents in all this? At the grade 4 – 7 level a child is not likely to have gathered the tools all on their own with which to make healthy dietary choices. A child of this age needs to be guided towards a healthy lifestyle. I do not think it is acceptable for Will to have to realize, all on his own, starting at the age of 10, that he is in trouble. The protagonist’s parents actively encourage and support unhealthy eating and seem oblivious to the effect on their child. I find it a huge weakness of this book that parental responsibility is not addressed in any way. The responsibility for personal growth has been totally laid upon the child.
Strengths: the direct expression of despair, the struggle with mental illness and eating disorders
Weakness: Where were the parents in all this? At the grade 4 – 7 level a child is not likely to have gathered the tools all on their own with which to make healthy dietary choices. A child of this age needs to be guided towards a healthy lifestyle. I do not think it is acceptable for Will to have to realize, all on his own, starting at the age of 10, that he is in trouble. The protagonist’s parents actively encourage and support unhealthy eating and seem oblivious to the effect on their child. I find it a huge weakness of this book that parental responsibility is not addressed in any way. The responsibility for personal growth has been totally laid upon the child.
September 7, 2025
Global Read Aloud for middle grades 2023. Both a novel in verse and an illustrated chapter book, so a super-fast read, but it still manages to tackle some very serious topics. The main character Will struggles with his weight, and he internalizes an insult so much that it leads to him really hating himself and pushing away everyone in his life. I like the fact that it's a boy struggling with body image in this book instead of the more typical story of girls having that problem, and I think both boys and girls would enjoy this book.
July 21, 2023
Brilliant! A book about a boy fighting body shaming and coming to terms with a positive body image. For grades 3 to 7 and written in prose and verse with black and white illustrations by Jarrett Lerner. This novel is very well written, and the illustrations match perfectly with the storyline. I would definitely read more of Jarrett Lerner's work.
*****I won this book from the Pragmatic Mom Website and the author. I thank both for the opportunity to read and review this book. ****
*****I won this book from the Pragmatic Mom Website and the author. I thank both for the opportunity to read and review this book. ****
Read
December 14, 2023Richie’s Picks: A WORK IN PROGRESS by Jarrett Lerner, Simon & Schuster/Aladdin, May 2023, 368p., ISBN: 978-1-6659-0515-2
“Watching and waiting
For a friend to play with
Why have I been alone so long?”
– Justin Hayward and Ray Thomas (1969)
“Body shaming involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape. As well as ‘fat shaming,’ you may also hear negative comments if you're underweight or in reference to a specific body part. This type of criticism can be made to others or yourself.”
– HelpGuide.org “Body Shaming: The Effects and How to Overcome it” (10/3/2023)
“...he SPAT it.
That word.
He spat it at me
like it was the worst one
he knew.
Like I’d committed
a crime
and he wants
to make sure
I knew
I was GUILTY
‘You’re FAT,’ Nick said
and the whole entire hallway
fell silent.
Everyone
was listening.
And then
he said it
again:
‘You’re FAT
And EVERYONE
thinks it.’”
“Something like that happens to you–
something like what happened to me
in that hallway
with Nick Fisher
in fourth grade
–and it never
leaves
your head
It’s in there.
For ever.”
A WORK IN PROGRESS is a powerful, heartbreaking, coming-of-age, picture book story for older readers. Presented in an illustrated, prose poetry format, it’s the story of Will Chambers and the long-term effects of Nick Fisher’s name-calling and body shaming, back in fourth grade.
“More than three years ago…
But I’ve thought about it–
that handful
of never-ending moments
–every single day
since.”
The story quickly fast-forwards to middle school. The incident has led Will to extreme self-loathing and a serious eating disorder. Will essentially ostracizes himself from the school community, until the new-kid-in-town comes along and becomes a real friend to him.
Two significant issues develop in this satisfying, eye-opening read: the name-calling and the overweight health issue.
A WORK IN PROGRESS will serve as a perfect companion to James Howe’s groundbreaking 2001 tween tale, THE MISFITS, which spawned National No Name-Calling Week, an awareness campaign that has been commemorated since 2002. (No Name-Calling Week 2024 will take place January 15-19th.)
Will’s internal reactions to the fourth grade name-calling incident ring uncomfortably true. Readers–both young and old–who have been victims of similar cruelty, will repeatedly cringe in recognition while reading A WORK IN PROGRESS. (Here’s hoping that some other readers will cringe in recognition of what their hurtful words and behavior have likely done to others.)
The issue of people being overweight adds a complexity that can readily lead to great discussions and enlightenment. Many young people will wonder, “Being overweight is not like being born a certain color or gender, where you are what you are. Can’t fat people simply choose to change their eating and exercise habits and become more ‘normal’?”
Well, yes…and no. It turns out to be a complicated issue:
“When it comes to obesity, multiple factors are at play, many of which are beyond your control, including genetics, childhood habits, medical conditions, and hormones.
Though becoming overweight or developing obesity may not be a choice and shedding excess weight may be difficult, you can lose weight if you choose to.”
– Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN, “9 Reasons Why Obesity is Not Just a Choice” Healthline.com (1/19/2022)
The formatting makes A WORK IN PROGRESS a super-quick read, one that’s ideal for elementary and middle school audiences. Young readers will identify with and root for this quiet kid with a serious talent for drawing.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Watching and waiting
For a friend to play with
Why have I been alone so long?”
– Justin Hayward and Ray Thomas (1969)
“Body shaming involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape. As well as ‘fat shaming,’ you may also hear negative comments if you're underweight or in reference to a specific body part. This type of criticism can be made to others or yourself.”
– HelpGuide.org “Body Shaming: The Effects and How to Overcome it” (10/3/2023)
“...he SPAT it.
That word.
He spat it at me
like it was the worst one
he knew.
Like I’d committed
a crime
and he wants
to make sure
I knew
I was GUILTY
‘You’re FAT,’ Nick said
and the whole entire hallway
fell silent.
Everyone
was listening.
And then
he said it
again:
‘You’re FAT
And EVERYONE
thinks it.’”
“Something like that happens to you–
something like what happened to me
in that hallway
with Nick Fisher
in fourth grade
–and it never
leaves
your head
It’s in there.
For ever.”
A WORK IN PROGRESS is a powerful, heartbreaking, coming-of-age, picture book story for older readers. Presented in an illustrated, prose poetry format, it’s the story of Will Chambers and the long-term effects of Nick Fisher’s name-calling and body shaming, back in fourth grade.
“More than three years ago…
But I’ve thought about it–
that handful
of never-ending moments
–every single day
since.”
The story quickly fast-forwards to middle school. The incident has led Will to extreme self-loathing and a serious eating disorder. Will essentially ostracizes himself from the school community, until the new-kid-in-town comes along and becomes a real friend to him.
Two significant issues develop in this satisfying, eye-opening read: the name-calling and the overweight health issue.
A WORK IN PROGRESS will serve as a perfect companion to James Howe’s groundbreaking 2001 tween tale, THE MISFITS, which spawned National No Name-Calling Week, an awareness campaign that has been commemorated since 2002. (No Name-Calling Week 2024 will take place January 15-19th.)
Will’s internal reactions to the fourth grade name-calling incident ring uncomfortably true. Readers–both young and old–who have been victims of similar cruelty, will repeatedly cringe in recognition while reading A WORK IN PROGRESS. (Here’s hoping that some other readers will cringe in recognition of what their hurtful words and behavior have likely done to others.)
The issue of people being overweight adds a complexity that can readily lead to great discussions and enlightenment. Many young people will wonder, “Being overweight is not like being born a certain color or gender, where you are what you are. Can’t fat people simply choose to change their eating and exercise habits and become more ‘normal’?”
Well, yes…and no. It turns out to be a complicated issue:
“When it comes to obesity, multiple factors are at play, many of which are beyond your control, including genetics, childhood habits, medical conditions, and hormones.
Though becoming overweight or developing obesity may not be a choice and shedding excess weight may be difficult, you can lose weight if you choose to.”
– Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN, “9 Reasons Why Obesity is Not Just a Choice” Healthline.com (1/19/2022)
The formatting makes A WORK IN PROGRESS a super-quick read, one that’s ideal for elementary and middle school audiences. Young readers will identify with and root for this quiet kid with a serious talent for drawing.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
November 8, 2023
Words can harm, especially when one is young with a fragile self-esteem. Three years ago, in fourth grade, Nick Fisher, a bully, called Will Chambers "FAT" in front of everyone. Now, as a 7th-grader, Will is fixated on his physical appearance so much so that he stops hanging out with his friends, avoids people and things that bring him joy, and tries to hide himself away. Wearing baggier clothes and withdrawing into himself, Will begins to view himself as a monster because of his appearance. He refuses to eat in front of others and soon refuses to eat. He is so fixated on the idea that everyone views him as fat and stupid and horrible because he is larger physically that he cannot understand why Markus, a new student, wants to befriend him. It isn't until Will is so deep in his depression that he realizes that maybe he does have value.
I LOVED this novel. I read it with students for this year's Global Read Aloud, and we had very deep and interesting conversations. I openly cried as I read the novel because of how low Will was with his self-image. This is a book that needs more adults recognizing the problem and helping. Everyone seems to miss the signs that something is going on, so I made sure to share with my students that they always can talk with me. This is an amazing novel for the story, layout, illustrations, and overall appeal and topic. I highly recommend A Work in Progress. It is my favorite middle-grades novel of 2023.
I LOVED this novel. I read it with students for this year's Global Read Aloud, and we had very deep and interesting conversations. I openly cried as I read the novel because of how low Will was with his self-image. This is a book that needs more adults recognizing the problem and helping. Everyone seems to miss the signs that something is going on, so I made sure to share with my students that they always can talk with me. This is an amazing novel for the story, layout, illustrations, and overall appeal and topic. I highly recommend A Work in Progress. It is my favorite middle-grades novel of 2023.
June 2, 2023
This is such an important book, and one I wish I had read a long time ago. I wish it had been around when I was in middle school, but I’m glad it is I. The world for todays young (and any-aged) readers.
This is a story about a kiddo who was hurt by words and the emotional damage is severe. The internalized pain results in treating his own body poorly, first through overeating and then through starving himself. He is fortunate to find a friend who helps pull him out of the abyss of self-loathing, and loving parents who support him in the process of healing.
It was difficult to read the self-hating inner thoughts of a kid, even if it is common/we all do it/I’ve done it. It hurts to read about a kid hurting. But the author does not dwell on the pain; rather, he paints a picture of recovery and a path toward self-love. The final pieces of the book are reflective: getting to a better spot emotionally, the regressive and progressive cyclical nature of mental health and therapy, and how to find your inner circle of people.
This should be required reading for middle school. Let’s show kids not just the power of words, but the power of friendships, seeing a person for who they are and not what they look like, and how to love yourself. All of these lessons are laid out for young readers in this short, beautiful book.
Highly recommended.
This is a story about a kiddo who was hurt by words and the emotional damage is severe. The internalized pain results in treating his own body poorly, first through overeating and then through starving himself. He is fortunate to find a friend who helps pull him out of the abyss of self-loathing, and loving parents who support him in the process of healing.
It was difficult to read the self-hating inner thoughts of a kid, even if it is common/we all do it/I’ve done it. It hurts to read about a kid hurting. But the author does not dwell on the pain; rather, he paints a picture of recovery and a path toward self-love. The final pieces of the book are reflective: getting to a better spot emotionally, the regressive and progressive cyclical nature of mental health and therapy, and how to find your inner circle of people.
This should be required reading for middle school. Let’s show kids not just the power of words, but the power of friendships, seeing a person for who they are and not what they look like, and how to love yourself. All of these lessons are laid out for young readers in this short, beautiful book.
Highly recommended.
October 9, 2024
HELEN RUFFIN READING BOWL, 2024-2025
“A Work in Progress” is a fictional diary with illustrations mixed throughout (think “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” but realistic and more serious in nature).
Will is an overweight kid. One day a classmate says “You’re FAT!” Those two words crush Will and turn his life inside out. He withdraws from friends, destroys all of his tight clothes, starts starving himself, and begins to truly loathe himself. The rest of his diary is his journey from self-loathing to accepting that he is a “work in progress.”
I appreciate that there is a book for middle schoolers on this topic. I also appreciate that it’s a male character who struggles with his weight (so often this gets overlooked). Despite all of that, I feel like this is one of those books adults will appreciate . . . but I don’t know how many middle schoolers will appreciate.
“A Work in Progress” is a fictional diary with illustrations mixed throughout (think “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” but realistic and more serious in nature).
Will is an overweight kid. One day a classmate says “You’re FAT!” Those two words crush Will and turn his life inside out. He withdraws from friends, destroys all of his tight clothes, starts starving himself, and begins to truly loathe himself. The rest of his diary is his journey from self-loathing to accepting that he is a “work in progress.”
I appreciate that there is a book for middle schoolers on this topic. I also appreciate that it’s a male character who struggles with his weight (so often this gets overlooked). Despite all of that, I feel like this is one of those books adults will appreciate . . . but I don’t know how many middle schoolers will appreciate.
March 22, 2023
This is a powerful story written in verse of a young teenage boy who struggles with his body image. The use of text features such as capitalization, words spread across the page, and the verse format helps the reader feel the anxiety, anger, frustration, sadness, and scatteredness of Will's thoughts. The interesting illustrations are also exemplary of Will's emotions, ones which the author helps us feel and experience even as Will does when he faces so many challenges at school and even at home. Lerner gives readers an authentic and personal look inside the mind and emotions of a teen who feels he is unlovable and even unlikable because of his size. It was wonderful to hear Jarrett speak about this very personal book and the process he went through as he wrote it. Give this to your students in grades 4-8 and also read it yourself. :)
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