Taking Up Space

Where unhealthy examples at home and stress at school lead to an eating disorder, a friendship on the rocks, and intense family recovery. A thought provoking coming-of-age story that every girl should read.

Author:

Alyson Gerber

Contemporary fiction
Novels

11-14
Body Image
Self-discovery

Buy this Book:

amazon.com

SYNOPSIS

Sarah’s developing body is impacting her performance on her favorite basketball team.

Taking cues from her mom’s poor eating habits, Sarah begins skipping meals and losing weight.

For a while, her playing improves until she collapses on the court from exhaustion.

Her best friend intervenes by speaking to the coach and the school counselor, losing Sarah’s confidence.

Both adults involve Sarah’s parents in a plan to help her, while Sarah and her best friend make up.

And a new friend, Benny, helps Sarah enjoy food by entering a cooking competition together.

PERFECT AGE 11 – 14

We love

An important focus placed on body image, self-esteem, and eating habits in adolescent girls.
A nice alternative created by Sarah’s friend Benny and his excited attitude toward cooking and food.

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

A kind, thoughtful introduction to the topic of food discomfort, healthy eating habits, and family support.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

What are some of the confusing / conflicting messages Sarah gets from her mom? Why do you think her mom is struggling with her own eating habits?
How would you handle this situation if you were Ryan? Why?
What could the book’s title mean? In what ways is Sarah taking up space? Her thoughts? Her needs?