Module 10 - The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS

Bibliographic Information

•           Mackler, C. (2003). The earth, my butt, and other big, round things. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Summary
Ginny is a girl who thinks she is too fat, and does not want to be seen as fat.  She does have a boyfriend and friends at school, but Ginny wears baggy clothes so that she will not be perceived as fat.  Her mother is a psychologist who obsesses over Ginny's weight, and her father is a lech who compliments skinny girls.  Ginny's older brother, who she loves, gets in trouble when he is accused of date rape.  Ginny's perceptions begin to change at that point.  She confronts her mother about the weight obsession, leaves town to visit friends without permission, dyes her hair and gets body piercings.  Her body begins to change through her kickboxing lessons, and she discovers that she was strong all along.

My Impressions
This book was banned for some frank language and graphic situations, but it is an alright book.  I have been a little disappointed in my last few books I have read for the blog, because they all seem to be feminine driven and about a very uncomfortable time in life for everyone.  This book is no exception.  I was glad to see Ginny take control of her life and find an independent spirit inside herself, but it was not as inspirational to me as it might be to a female.

Reviews
Todd, T. (2004). The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (Book). [Review of The earth, my butt, and other big round things, by C. Mackler]. Booklist, 101(7), 678.

From the title, one might think there’s a ribbon of humor running through the plot, but this 2004 Michael L. Printz Honor Book is a fairly serious coming-of-age tale. Parker does a good job with the material, bringing the characters to life with a light touch. Their stories are so rich and sophisticated that Parker wisely does not
embellish their parts. Even when the characters’ emotions run high, Parker is careful to smolder rather than rant. At the plot’s center is 15-year-old Virginia Shreve, who transforms from an overweight, insecure
outsider to a confident risk-taker just when her family seems to be falling apart. Parker allows Virginia’s development to unfold quietly and subtly, as blossoming often does. Very smart. --Traci Todd

Library Usage
This book could be used to provide a different take on growing up and body image to a student reader that is either advance, struggling with this issue, or both.