Taking Up Space
"Thoughtful and powerful."
–The New York Times Book Review
A middle grade novel that is changing conversations about self-worth, body image, and food for a new generation.
Sarah loves basketball more than anything. Excelling on the court makes her feel like she matters. And it’s the only thing that helps her ignore how much it hurts when her mom forgets to feed her. But lately Sarah can’t even play basketball right. She’s slower now and missing shots she should be able to make. Her body doesn’t feel like it’s her own anymore. She’s worried that changing herself back to how she used to be is the only way she can take control over what’s happening.
Awards & Praise
Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee · Ohio Buckeye Children's and Teen Book Award Nominee · Oklahoma Library Association's Book Award Nominee · Denver Public Library's Favorite Kids' Books of the Year · Imagination Soup's Best Chapter Book + Middle Grade Books of the Year · A Mighty Girl's Books of the Year · #ReadThisNow Best Books of of the Year · Library Services Centre (LSC) Juvenile Notable
"Thoughtful and powerful."
—THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
"Gerber portrays Sarah's bodily discomfort and eating disorder with realism and compassion, highlighting both her desire to be healthy and her denial when things move beyond her control... This affirming novel offers a normalizing message about discussing body image and mental health."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"A positive representation of constructive approaches to an often misunderstood condition... Pragmatic and valuable."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS
"A well-developed narrative...this is both informative and entertaining, especially for younger teens."
—BOOKLIST
MORE BOOKS BY ALYSON GERBER
‘Thoughtful and powerful’
– The New York Times Book Review
Taking up Space
“An accurate and compassionate picture of growing up with ADHD is the icing on the cake of this well-told novel.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Focused
“Comparisons to Judy Blume’s Deenie (1973) might be inevitable, but Rachel stands admirably on her own.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Braced
Taking Up Space
"Thoughtful and powerful."
–The New York Times Book Review
A middle grade novel that is changing conversations about self-worth, body image, and food for a new generation.
Sarah loves basketball more than anything. Excelling on the court makes her feel like she matters. And it’s the only thing that helps her ignore how much it hurts when her mom forgets to feed her. But lately Sarah can’t even play basketball right. She’s slower now and missing shots she should be able to make. Her body doesn’t feel like it’s her own anymore. She’s worried that changing herself back to how she used to be is the only way she can take control over what’s happening.
Awards & Praise
Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award Nominee · Ohio Buckeye Children's and Teen Book Award Nominee · Oklahoma Library Association's Book Award Nominee · Denver Public Library's Favorite Kids' Books of the Year · Imagination Soup's Best Chapter Book + Middle Grade Books of the Year · A Mighty Girl's Books of the Year · #ReadThisNow Best Books of of the Year · Library Services Centre (LSC) Juvenile Notable
"Gerber portrays Sarah's bodily discomfort and eating disorder with realism and compassion, highlighting both her desire to be healthy and her denial when things move beyond her control... This affirming novel offers a normalizing message about discussing body image and mental health."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"A positive representation of constructive approaches to an often misunderstood condition... Pragmatic and valuable."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS
"A well-developed narrative...this is both informative and entertaining, especially for younger teens."
—BOOKLIST
"Thoughtful and powerful."
—THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
MORE BOOKS BY ALYSON GERBER