Libby Strout is a big girl. After the trauma of her mother’s unexpected death, Libby got so large that she had to be cut out of her house. This was such a huge deal that it not only made the local news, but the national outlets pulled it off the wire as well. Talk about everybody showing up for your worst day ever.
With the help of doctors, nutritionists, and sheer gut-wrenching determination, Libby got herself down into the neighbor of the much more manageable 300 pounds. She still wasn’t skinny – she’d probably never officially be considered skinny – but the weight loss allowed her to be more independent.
I am in awe of Libby Strout. This girl is half my age (don’t do the math, it’s not worth it) but she is twice as brave as I am. She goes back to high school for her junior year. That in and of itself is brave, but it’s especially meaningful considering all that Libby had been through.  She loves to dance and she is hoping that she can try out for the Damsels – the high school dance team. The cards are obviously stacked against her with this one, but that doesn’t mean that she’s afraid to try. 
Also, ladies and gentlemen, there is a guy. Jack Masselin is one of the cool guys at their school. He and Libby are thrown together after a disturbing round of Fat Girl Rodeo. Jack has some major issues of his own, and surprisingly, it’s Libby who helps him through it. I’m not the biggest fan of Jack, but I think he and Libby are a pretty good match. She doesn’t take any of his crap and Libby’s the only one he can tell about his problems. 
This is a YA book, if you haven’t figured it out already, but that doesn’t mean it’s wimpy. Libby Strout is one tough chick. I wish she could teach me how to have that much gumption. Us regular-sized girls have to stick together. WE ARE WANTED!
Happy reading…
:) Amanda
PS I don’t really like using the word “fat” to describe somebody. I prefer zaftig or, you know, normal. But in this case, I think Libby’d be ok with it.