#fatrep

Belly Up by Eva Darrows takes a lot of preconceived notions and turns them on their head. Main character Serendipity Rodriguez, who goes by Sara, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and living with her grandmother and mother and keeping her baby. She falls for a Leaf, a fat and sweet boy at school. She explores her identity (she is Spanish and lives with her Swedish grandma) as well as exploring her sexuality. In sharp contrast to many teen pregnancy storylines, there is support on all sides and representation of all kinds. Great for fans of With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo and Juno. 

The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat & Fierce is written and edited by so many stars in the body positive world. A recent nonfiction release, young adult authors Mason Deaver, Amy Spaulding, and, Isabel Quintero, as well as influencers, middle grade writers, and adult essayists have written a gigantic anthology featuring essays, prose, and poetry discuss all things fat from a fat perspective. The book is for teens but it’s a great place to start discussion with adults as well! If you’re not quite sure where to start, this is a great anchor for lots of perspectives from a variety of folks. It’s also a good place to look for new YA authors and search for their other work. 

Welcome to the world of Nimona by Noelle Stevenson. Our main character, Nimona lives in an anachronistic world where science and magic are constantly at war. She is also a fat character who’s body has nothing and everything to do with her journey between the dark of her master Lord Ballister Blackheart and the light of his enemy, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin. Set in a somewhat medieval castle, Nimona is a shapeshifter who’s rapid changes into different animals is amusing and sometimes troubling. As a human, she looks so different from Lord Ballister, but is just as powerful in her magic, if not in her political power.

Check out this fun comic that has been around since 2012, when Noelle Stevenson started it as a webcomic. 

Photo credits: https://www.amazon.com/Nimona-Noelle-Stevenson/dp/0062278223 and https://www.splicetoday.com/writing/nimona-won-t-be-contained-in-your-female-hero-tropes

There’s something about the joy on the cover of teen romcom There’s Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon! Sweetie Nair is the fastest sprinter in her school district in California and is happily fat. These two identities confuse many, including her traditional Indian parents. When Sweetie meets Ashish Patel, the two hit it off. Sweetie has Ashish reexamining who he finds attractive - he’s so struck by Sweetie’s confidence and openness about being fat. The two begin dating on a series of discovery of their shared Indian heritage, involving both going to the Hindu Temple and celebrating Holi together. 

Sweetie is perfect for fans of Menon’s other hilarious romcom When Dimple Met Rishi, anything by Becky Albertalli and anyone who loves a sweet romantic comedy.

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright: This Stonewall Book Award winning title is different from a lot of other young adult books focusing on body positivity: the main character in question is a teen boy. Carlos Duarte likes to help people feel beautiful. When he gets a job at one of the makeup counters in Macy’s, he feels like life is starting to work out. However, this world is very competitive and combined with the homophobia Carlos faces, there’s a lot with which our protagonist grapples.

This book shows the intersection of sexual orientation and body image and positivity from a little represented voice in young adult fiction.