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lumos_libros's review
3.0
While reading this book it reminded me how tough the middle school years can be. You practically remember the smells of insecurity, and since I was a chubby girl myself at those times I could relate to our main character Celeste. I could feel her pain when she talked about the dreaded one mile run! So glad that's over.
Well, the story begins with Celeste trying on a bridesmaid dress for her cousin's wedding. While her family and her are leaving the store, her Aunt Doreen sees a pamphelt for a contest to become the face for the clothing line Peach Wear and be the next Miss Husky Peach. Celeste totally dismisses the idea of becoming a fat model. Who wants to be known for that? Before she knows it though she is one of the twelve contestants competing for the title Miss Husky Peach.
Our main character decides she can't win if she loses the weight so she creates a masterplan to purposely not win this contest, and this is where things start to pick up and....
Throughout this story you see friendships fall apart and new ones created and root for Celeste when she starts to gain confidence while the weight starts coming off. I really like the little twist in the end, but I couldn't have myself give it more stars for the sole reason that when I finished all I could think of was "that was a nice story". Highly recommended for middle school aged girls.
Well, the story begins with Celeste trying on a bridesmaid dress for her cousin's wedding. While her family and her are leaving the store, her Aunt Doreen sees a pamphelt for a contest to become the face for the clothing line Peach Wear and be the next Miss Husky Peach. Celeste totally dismisses the idea of becoming a fat model. Who wants to be known for that? Before she knows it though she is one of the twelve contestants competing for the title Miss Husky Peach.
Our main character decides she can't win if she loses the weight so she creates a masterplan to purposely not win this contest, and this is where things start to pick up and....
Throughout this story you see friendships fall apart and new ones created and root for Celeste when she starts to gain confidence while the weight starts coming off. I really like the little twist in the end, but I couldn't have myself give it more stars for the sole reason that when I finished all I could think of was "that was a nice story". Highly recommended for middle school aged girls.
rakishabpl's review against another edition
3.0
Thirteen year-old Celeste is spending junior high hiding behind oversized sweats, Oreo cookies, and her best friend to protect herself from her classmate's anti-fat taunts. She doesn't think much of her plus-size figure until her aunt enrolls her to be a contestant in a teen plus-size fashion show. Celeste can't think of anything worst than to not only be fat but to be the queen of the teen fats in her city, so she goes on a diet. I won't reveal any more as it will spoil the plot, but I was pleasantly surprised by this young adult novel despite some of the cliched mean girl antics. The teen characters have unique and believable voices, and Celeste is not afraid to eschew euphemisms and call herself fat. She uses it as a plain descriptor although her classmates use the word as a taunt. A must read for any teen struggling to accept themselves and emerge as free thinking unique individual.
liralen's review against another edition
3.0
A twist on other weight-loss for modelling stories: Celeste doesn't want to lose weight so that she can model, but so that she won't have to participate in a plus-sized modelling contest that her aunt has signed her up for. I didn't love how the bullying plotline was resolved, though: the Mean Girl is never given space to be anything other than a Mean Girl Who Is Very Very Mean, and she spends most of the book body-shaming Celeste...who 'solves' this by body-shaming the Mean Girl back and feeling very good about herself for doing so. I know there probably isn't a perfect solution, and I didn't need the Mean Girl to do a 180, but I really can't get behind body-shaming as a solution for body-shaming.
book_nut's review against another edition
4.0
A good story of an overweight girl learning to believe in herself. I don't like that she gets more interest in her (by the boys) after she loses a bit of weight, and that she she loses the weight before she gets confidence, but it's a process, and she's not stick-thin by the end. Honest, and interesting.
malaynachang's review against another edition
4.0
I liked reading this book, and it was very enjoyable and funny.
unitedstateshairforce's review against another edition
3.0
11 year old me had a weird taste in books.
Found this on an old “read” list.
Found this on an old “read” list.
trixie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Though I enjoyed the book, I was initially irritated that the main character's life changed so much for the better simply because she lost eight pounds. She suddenly enjoyed shopping for clothes and stopped hiding in ugly sweats, she gained all kinds of positive attention and rewards from adults (and a boy), and had the confidence and self esteem to stand up to -- and tell off -- some people.
On further reflection, I realized that the book is simply showing reality. The minute your weight loss becomes noticeable, people start praising and complimenting you like crazy, you start taking more of an interest in your wardrobe and shopping for clothing is more fun, and men or women sit up and take (more) notice of you. Unfortunately, that's current day life. I'm sure there are many confident, well-dressed, happy overweight people out there, but almost everyone I know is thrilled to lose weight.
On further reflection, I realized that the book is simply showing reality. The minute your weight loss becomes noticeable, people start praising and complimenting you like crazy, you start taking more of an interest in your wardrobe and shopping for clothing is more fun, and men or women sit up and take (more) notice of you. Unfortunately, that's current day life. I'm sure there are many confident, well-dressed, happy overweight people out there, but almost everyone I know is thrilled to lose weight.
mon_ique's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it!! Such a strong message, about sticking up for yourself and being healthier. And it was funny too!(I can't look at water bras and tennis balls the same again) The characters were well developed and well written. Love these kind of books
booksforlosers's review against another edition
4.0
Up to date and fast paced, realistic but entertaining