The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things
ISBN13
9781681197982
Review published
24/07/2018
By Reviewer
Eileen
Star Rating
By Author / Illustrator
Carolyn Mackler
Age range(s)
11+
Review
I remember reading this on first publication an astonishing 15 years ago, long before instagram and iphones had even been thought of, but the messages and themes sadly remain as important as ever. Updated for a new generation, this 'girl-power classic' centres on Virginia, an overweight, body-conscious, tenth grade student in Manhattan with low-no self-esteem and a make-out buddy named Froggy. Her glamorous sister joined the Peace Corps, her older brother is a star University student, her mother is a psychologist obsessed with her daughter's weight and her dad continually puts her down. To survive, Virginia devises the Fat Girl Code of Conduct - a list of rules to ensure she can slip through life unnoticed. When her brother is accused of date rape, her flawless family falls apart and Virginia finally finds the opportunity - and the courage - to gain control of her life - with purple hair dye, an eyebrow piercing and a newfound love of kickboxing. Not nearly as light-hearted or laugh-out loud funny as the title would suggest, this is, in some ways, a problematic book; that it is a prize winner but also on the US banned books list gives a hint of its controversial contents. The most important thing is to read this book through a teenager's eyes rather than as an adult, librarian or teacher. The characters are relatable, the issues crucially important, the format (emails, lists and diary entries) highly readable. Adults will struggle with the portrayal of the selfish and damaging parents and the rushed ending, Virginia's sudden transformation and newfound popularity. We might argue too that the date rape plot of the idolised older brother needs more discussion in the current #metoo climate.* Ultimately though, Mackler's aim is to highlight positive and healthy ways to be a girl - focusing on health rather than weight, not conforming to instagrammed versions of reality, and self-belief above all. While some schools may struggle with the sex scenes and swearing this is a valuable addition to the library collection to promote Important discussion around body image. *The soon to be released sequel, The Universe is Expanding And So Am I, looks set to address this as well as exploring Virginia's new take on life. Other novels promoting the importance of a positive body image include Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven, Butter by Erin Lange and Big Bones by Laura Dockrill. Rainbow Rowell looks at standing out, fitting in and first love in Eleanor and Park. For a dystopian take on body image try the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld or Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill. For older teens, Louise O'Neill's Asking For It focuses on rape culture and victim-blaming while Laura Steven's The Exact Opposite Of Okay looks at slut-shaming and social media.
