Books about body-positivity

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega is a heartwarming and painfully honest coming-of-age story that follows Charlie, a smart, artistic, and fat Puerto Rican girl navigating life in a predominantly white Connecticut suburb. While Charlie is confident in her voice, she struggles with her relationship with her body—a struggle made harder by her mother's constant pressure to lose weight. This book is a perfect choice for readers who love stories about self-love, complicated family dynamics, and the beauty of finding someone who truly sees you for who you are.

When Charlie starts dating Brian, her first real crush, everything seems to be falling into place. However, a secret about Brian's past interactions with Charlie's best friend, Amelia, threatens to shatter her newfound confidence. Ideal for readers interested in diverse contemporary fiction, this novel explores the intersection of culture, body image, and the messy reality of teenage relationships. It is a great choice for fans of authors like Julie Murphy and Elizabeth Acevedo who appreciate a wry, authentic voice and plenty of chisme.

Highlights:

• A powerful exploration of body positivity and self-acceptance.
• Relatable and complex mother-daughter relationship dynamics.
• A diverse cast featuring a strong Puerto Rican protagonist.
• A sweet and realistic high school romance.
• Themes of loyalty and the importance of female friendship.

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso is an expert at unrequited love. With twenty-six crushes under her belt and zero actual relationships, she is terrified of the sting of rejection. As a fat girl, Molly feels she has to be extra careful with her heart. However, everything changes when her twin sister, Cassie, falls head-over-heels for a new girl. Suddenly, Molly feels the pressure to find her own match to avoid losing her sister to a new social circle. This leads her to a cute hipster boy, but she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to her coworker Reid—a nerdy, sweet Tolkien fan who doesn't fit her usual "crush" mold.

The Upside of Unrequited is a funny, honest, and deeply relatable novel that explores the complexities of sisterhood, identity, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Becky Albertalli captures the teenage experience with authenticity, making this a perfect choice for readers who love stories about self-acceptance and diverse relationships. It is an ideal pick for those interested in body-positive narratives and heartwarming contemporary romance.

Highlights:

• A powerful exploration of sisterhood and the changing dynamics of twin relationships.
• Authentic representation of body positivity and navigating self-image in high school.
• Diverse characters and inclusive LGBTQ+ themes.
• A charming and realistic portrayal of first love and geek culture.