The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

Mackler, Carolyn. The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things. Candlewick, 2003. ISBN-10:0-7636-1958-2


Plot Summary
Unlike her slim and attractive family, Virginia is fat. Between her father admiring skinny women on TV and her mother scheduling appointments with nutritionists, how could Virginia forget? Virginia is sort of starting something with Froggy, a guy in her class, but Virginia knows that fat girls shouldn't ask for too much in the relationship department. When her brother moves home from college, suspended because he's been accused of date rape, Virginia swears off boys completely. Her older brother, her idol, is suddenly not so admirable. When Virginia starts to doubt her brother, she sees her whole family in a new light and decides to take steps in her own direction.

Critical evaluation
Mackler tackles tough and timely issues in a humorous, realistic way. Mackler clearly draws a parallel between Virginia's overeating and her unhappiness at home. Thus, when Virginia takes action to improve her family relationships, her weight problems also improve. Although somewhat idealized and simplistic, Virginia's story encourages addressing core issues and standing up to those you're most afraid to stand up to. The message is not unusual- stand up for yourself and love yourself, but its a good message and its well told.


Readers Annotations
Virginia is living in the shadow of two perfect older siblings, who are slim, popular, beloved by classmates and teachers alike. On the other hand, Virginia is plump, chubby, maybe even fat.When her parents put her on a diet, Virginia finally wins some attention. But not the kind of attention her older brother is winning, who has gotten into trouble at college. As a result of "the ordeal", as her family calls it, Virginia gets angry. She's angry enough to see that her family isn't so perfect. And for once, Virginia is standing up for what she wants.

Information About the Author
Carolyn Mackler has written four books for young adults. This book was the winner of the Michael J. Printz award. She is married and lives in Manhattan.

Genre
Realistic fiction

Curriculum Ties


Booktalking Ideas
Read some of Virginia's lists.

Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 8-10

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
Subjects include date rape, bulimia and sexual activity of teens, although Virginia and her boyfriend go no further than french kissing.

Why Book Included
 Recommended for reluctant readers