Heartstopper: Volume 3 by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, love this cover of the 3rd book in the Heartstopper series!!! Nick and Charlie are still discussing who to tell about their relationship and Nick is learning more about Charlie's issues with the bullying which include self harm, eating disorders, homophobia and tears, lots of them! The story grows immensely with the transgender relationship/friendship of Aled and the class trip to Paris is oh so good!!! I can't wait for the next in this sincere, wonderful story of Nick and Charlie!

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All of Me by Chris Baron

All of Me by Chris Baron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ari is a big boy; he is big like his mother and grandmother, bullied, self conscious with few friends. I was compelled to journey with Ari as he sees his artist mother and salesman father's marriage fall apart, how he cherishes friendships with Pick, Jorge and Lisa and his summer with them in a seaside town. But as he is bullied Ari struggles with his image, is set upon by bullies (but does nothing to stop their punches and kicks) Ari descends even further into depression. Ari's relationship with the rabbi as he readies for his bar mitzvah was hopeful since his parents were never around and the few times he talks to the rabbi help him through his agonizing self hatred. I rooted for Ari in a world where he receives little parental help and care but finds support and worth in his friendships and himself. Deeply unsettling, compelling and much needed reading; highly recommended.

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The Pain Eater by Beth Goobie

The Pain Eater by Beth Goobie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a realistic look at a young teen's rape, how it reduces her to self-harm, being invisible, and unable to communicate with her loving family. Maddy Malone has just watched the school show and is making her way home when 5 boys grab her and rape her. She tells no one and begins to withdraw from everyone. Maddy will not confide in her older sister (whom she is very close to) and really doesn't have any friends in school. What makes it worse is that she loses herself and in order to cope begins to burn herself to lessen the pain of remembering (she has nightmares all the time). When she returns to school in the fall things do not get any better - but there is a class project called The Pain Eater and each week a student (alphabetical order) must read aloud their chapter. Kara is the first and does a great job in setting up the story, but as time goes on the bullies in the class begin to influence the story through their intimidation/friendship tactics. The Pain Eater parallels Maddy and her predicament---and as time goes on the reader will root for Maddy to find the courage to take control and become the happy, fierce Maddy she once was. I have read and loved Beth Goobie books for some time now- students loved her books, especially reluctant readers. Her books deal with issues teens can relate to and will jump start conversations on many real issues teens deal with in today's world. Highly recommended!

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