This is the kind of book that lands on 'required reading' lists for good reason—it's tackling something real that kids are living through, and doing it with literary skill and emotional honesty.

The verse format keeps it from feeling preachy, and Ellie's voice is authentic without being overly precious. The swimming pool metaphor works because it's grounded in her actual life, not forced symbolism. And crucially, the book doesn't solve everything with a makeover or weight loss—Ellie's arc is about rejecting the rules imposed on her, not conforming to them.

That said, this isn't a feel-good beach read. It's emotionally demanding. The mother's behavior is painful to read, and the bullying is persistent. Some parents worry the constant focus on weight could be harmful rather than healing, and that's worth considering for kids who are particularly vulnerable around body image.

But for the right reader—especially kids who've felt the sting of being told they're 'too much' in any way—this book offers validation and a roadmap for pushing back. It's not perfect, but it's needed.