All of Me
I'm not normally a huge fan of novels written in verse. I've read a few that I enjoyed like when I reviewed Sharon Kernot's The Art of Taxidermy... But I don't usually seek them out as a favorite style of novel.
But Chris Baron's All of Me is one of the best middle grade novels I've read in a while, verse or no verse!
All of Me is the story of Ari, a young boy with body-image issues. His mother is an artist and his dad travels around selling her art. His parents are never around so when would he have the chance to tell them about his being bullied at school because of his weight.
As Ari's feelings and difficulties reach a climax, his mom suggests he go on a diet and while it begins to work in terms of losing weight, it doesn't seem to be able to fix everything. His parent's marriage seems to fall apart, Ari struggles to understand his Jewish heritage, and he learns about making friends who care more about him than what he looks like. This novel is really all about growing up and learning to love one's own imperfections!
I read this book all in one day! Many of the verse novels that I've read end up being cryptic and convoluted and therefore, hard to enjoy the plot. But Baron's verse is so accessible and easy to follow but still very beautiful!
Immediately after closing the book, I held up the book to my family and asked who wanted to read it. I gave a brief description and one of my younger sisters picked it up immediately. I can't wait for school to start back in the fall so I can introduce this one to all of my students.
I'm certain that many young kids and teenagers can relate to so many of the feelings that Ari has about his weight, his looks, his friends, his family, his heritage. This book is so important for showing students the importance of loving who they are!
You can purchase a copy of this amazing novel here!
But Chris Baron's All of Me is one of the best middle grade novels I've read in a while, verse or no verse!
All of Me is the story of Ari, a young boy with body-image issues. His mother is an artist and his dad travels around selling her art. His parents are never around so when would he have the chance to tell them about his being bullied at school because of his weight.
As Ari's feelings and difficulties reach a climax, his mom suggests he go on a diet and while it begins to work in terms of losing weight, it doesn't seem to be able to fix everything. His parent's marriage seems to fall apart, Ari struggles to understand his Jewish heritage, and he learns about making friends who care more about him than what he looks like. This novel is really all about growing up and learning to love one's own imperfections!
I read this book all in one day! Many of the verse novels that I've read end up being cryptic and convoluted and therefore, hard to enjoy the plot. But Baron's verse is so accessible and easy to follow but still very beautiful!
Immediately after closing the book, I held up the book to my family and asked who wanted to read it. I gave a brief description and one of my younger sisters picked it up immediately. I can't wait for school to start back in the fall so I can introduce this one to all of my students.
I'm certain that many young kids and teenagers can relate to so many of the feelings that Ari has about his weight, his looks, his friends, his family, his heritage. This book is so important for showing students the importance of loving who they are!
You can purchase a copy of this amazing novel here!
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