LS 5623 Module Two: THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS by Carolyn Mackler

Mackler, Carolyn. 2005. THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS. New York: Candlewick Press. ISBN 0763620912

Virginia Shreves is SURE she was switched at birth. What else could explain the fact that she is a blonde, plump teenager in a house full of tall, then brunettes? Not only is every other member of her family thin, but they are also very put together and confident- something Virginia struggles with on a daily basis. But when her perfect specimen of a brother, Byron, gets kicked out of school for date rape, she begins to realize that no one is as perfect as they seem.

In this novel by Carolyn Mackler, readers will develop a connection to Virginia, whether they battle the same issues or not. While a person may look perfect physically, deep down each character is less than perfect. More importantly, in the end Virginia, as well as the audience, discover that it’s okay to have imperfections.

The main issue in this story is weight; an issue that many people, especially teenage girls, deal with at home and at school. “Readers will empathize with very real affronts to Virginia’s sense of self and her own internal battle with her weight versus using food to cope with stress and disappointment” (Perdue, 2011). Mackler does an excellent job of letting the audience into the head of a fifteen year old girl who feels lost, alone and unworthy- emotions that most young readers go through on a daily basis. Readers are also exposed to the not-so-perfect popular girl, to the surprisingly caring boy who sees past weight, and to the beauty of friend who knows just what to say once you look past her stutter.

THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG, ROUND THINGS is “not your average, “fat girl finds faith in herself” story” (Perdue 2011). Instead, Mackler takes a fresh approach in creating an edgy, spunky character that accepts and embraces who she is rather than taking drastic measures to change, both inside and out. The smart mouthed, charismatic Virginia not only makes the story a fun, easy read but provides the voice of a generation that will no doubt leave readers talking.

References:
Perdue, Julie. 2004. "The Earth,My Butt,and Other Big Round Things (Book)." Library Media Connection 22, no. 5: 72. Education Research Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed September 30, 2011).