Module 15 - The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thingss

Book
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
Written by Carolyn Mackler

Citation
Mackler, C. (2003). The Earth, my butt, and other big round things. Cambridge [Mass.]: Candlewick Press.

Summary
Virginia Shreves has issues. Issues with her weight. Issues with her parents. Issues with her siblings. Issues with boys. Issues with everything every teenager has issues with. Doing the right things and fitting in sometimes takes priority over doing what is right and making your parents happy - this, Virginia knows, firsthand. Trying to fill footsteps while trying to be your own person; being who your parents want you to be while trying to be who you were meant to be: it can be so consuming and confusing. Virginia finds her way but at what cost?

Reviews
Horn Book starred (Spring 2004): When Virginia's brother, whom she worships, is found guilty of date rape, she finally begins to acknowledge her picture-perfect family's dysfunctions. An insecure girl desperate for the approval of her weight- and appearance-obsessed family, Virginia believably transforms into a confident young woman. Mackler does a fine job introducing girls to a very cool chick with a little meat on her bones.

Library Media Connection (February 2004): This is not your average, "fat girl finds faith in herself" story. Virginia has her own code of conduct, her own supportive teacher, and a real will to sort out the difference between the expectations of others and Virginia's expectations of herself to be happy. Common elements in many young adult novels are here: a recently moved best friend, an ambiguous romantic relationship with a male classmate, and the sense of being the "imperfect" child. Virginia's mother is a fascinating character study-the famous teen psychologist whose relationship with her teen daughter is mediocre at best. Readers will empathize with very real affronts to Virginia's sense of self and her own internal battle with her weight versus using food to cope with stress and disappointment. There are refreshing twists to this novel. One twist-original, daring, and very believable-is the fallout from her college student brother's accusation of date rape on campus. Not only did he commit the date rape and move back home, but also Virginia has to rewrite how she views each member of her family because of it and actually meets the victim. Multifaceted, buoyant, and consistent, this solid young adult novel is a must purchase. Highly Recommended

Suggested Use
This novel would be perfect for a small group for girls. Using journals, book study leaders could engage the girls in questions that get them talking about issues and struggles they face everyday. The journals could be kept confidential or shared; discussion topics could be predetermined or spontaneous. Working through each chapter, highlighting the major events, thoughts, and feelings, participants could create movie trailers or videos that depict their responses.

Impression
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I identified in so many ways with the main character. The humor and realistic depictions of conversations, thoughts, and feelings made the book come alive. I couldn't put it down. I think every high school aged girl could identify with some aspect of the novel.