In TAKING UP SPACE author Alyson Gerber tackles the subject of confidence when it comes to body image and speaking up for what feels right. Adults are so much in charge when it comes to middle grade kids, they sometimes forget that individuals have their own needs and they don't always mesh with the wants of even well-meaning parents.
Basketball is everything for Sarah. Her father plays pick up games with her whenever his schedule allows and her mother makes it a point to attend her games and cheer her on. When Sarah starts feeling sluggish and out of control on the court, she decides it's because her body has changed. Her clothes don't seem to fit the way they used it. Even she sports bra cuts into her shoulders and back in a way that doesn't feel normal. When her on-court speed comes into question, Sarah decides she should go on a diet.
Her coach is also her health teacher, and when the subject of healthy eating comes up, Sarah starts choosing her meals carefully. That has always been something her mother has emphasized, too. In fact Sarah's mother keeps very limited food on hand at home. She has always had rules for Sarah about what is healthy and how much she should eat. It sort of felt normal until Sarah realizes that her mother sometimes forgets to shop or have dinner prepared. Food becomes an issue that fills Sarah every thought.
Benny, Sarah's partner in health class, asks her to work with him in the Chef Junior contest with the hope of winning a spot on the show's YouTube channel. As they work together, Sarah learns that Benny's sister is in a treatment center for an eating disorder. This makes Sarah question her own food issues and those she has observed in her mother. She starts seeing her basketball performance as well as some of her friendships crumble, and it all seems to revolve around food.
TAKING UP SPACE will have readers taking a look at how they view food, family, and friendship. This novel is definitely worth adding to classroom and library collections.
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