Slouch

Starred review from July 15, 2024
At almost 5’10”, seventh grader Stephanie “Stevie” Crumb feels like a “freakish giant” and is tired of people commenting on her height, getting bullied at school
for her ill-fitting clothes, and attracting unwanted (and scary) attention from older men while she rides the Brooklyn subway with her bestie Arianna. Yet at home,
Stevie’s parents prioritize her basketball-playing older brother, making her feel invisible. When her school launches a debate club, Stevie is elated to find an extracurricular activity that doesn’t rely on her physicality—plus a cute boy to crush on. Stevie doesn’t worry that she’s taller than him until Arianna points it out, leading to an argument that jeopardizes their friendship. And now that she’s avoiding Arianna, Stevie must navigate the subway—and its dangers—alone. This fresh, heartfelt slam dunk from Wyman (Jawbreaker) entwines enthralling details about debate into a story that probes financial precarity and adolescent insecurity. Whip-smart prose and potent middle school drama keep the pages turning, but it’s the accessible conversation about bodily autonomy, consent, privacy, and social media’s influence that make this a standout read. The Crumbs cue as white; secondary characters are racially diverse. An author’s note concludes. Ages 8–12. Agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary.

September 1, 2024
A girl who feels like a "freakish giant" navigates seventh grade friendships, family drama, and the New York City subway, bolstered by skills learned on her junior high debate team. Though she's not quite 13, at 5 feet, 10 inches tall, Stephanie "Stevie" Crumb is taller than her classmates and even most teachers; people routinely think she's older than she is. She's comfortable in casual clothes but tired of unkind nicknames (her brother Ryan's favorite: "Flood Watch"), leering men on the subway who treat her body as public property, and people's intrusive observations about her appearance and basketball potential. Although money is tight, Stevie can't help but notice her parents buy "Prince Ryan" new basketball shoes, while she's expected to wear too-short pants that pinch her middle. Stevie's curiosity is piqued when she overhears the newly formed debate team's after-school practice. Mrs. Crenshaw, the coach, expects her debaters to be as committed as athletes, and after joining the Opinionators, Stevie builds confidence, finds nonjudgmental peers, and learns to speak her truth to her family. Wyman imbues Stevie's story arc with blossoming self-awareness. Side plots include Stevie's crush on fellow debater Cedric, and the pressure Ryan feels to get a college basketball scholarship. Stevie's bestie's unsafe use of social media results in expository teachable moments. Stevie's family is cued white; secondary characters bring diversity to the cast. An upbeat "you do you" message delivered with a valuable side of "your body is your own" awareness. (author's note)(Fiction. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2024
Grades 4-7 At five foot ten, Stevie is used to being the tallest in her class, but she's uncomfortable with how everyone--family, friends, even strangers--discusses her height and makes comments about her body. From creeps on the subway to family friends to her best friend, everyone has something to say about Stevie and her body, except for Stevie. Her family struggles are laid bare, from communication issues to financial trouble, when her ill-fitting clothes make the problem worse. Aware of their money problems, Stevie compares the different socioeconomic situations around her, but the observations send her spiraling. After joining the debate team, she learns about researching facts, setting boundaries, and speaking up for herself. Wyman's character work shines in Stevie's relationships, as the highs and lows of friendship ebb and flow naturally; Stevie's relationship with her brother is especially realistic and poignant. Delightful spot art decorates chapter and section breaks. Stevie's self-consciousness, path to more confidence, willingness to take up space, and journey to finding her place are sure to be relatable for readers of all heights.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 20, 2024

Gr 3-7-As if starting seventh grade isn't horrible enough, Stevie Crumb is the tallest girl-possibly student-in her New York City middle school. She feels like she stands out in the worst possible way and has become the target of unwanted attention from family, friends, and strangers. Mom and Dad are caught up with money problems and hyper-focused on brother Ryan's high school basketball career. Stevie's best friend Arianna is obsessed with her jewelry business and getting the word out on social media, resulting in sketchy behavior. One afternoon, Stevie stumbles into a meeting of the debate club and is immediately drawn to the competitive activity. She joins the team, but she feels exposed and vulnerable. Meanwhile, whenever she rides the subway alone, she is approached by a different creepy older dude. How can Stevie learn to set up boundaries in her interactions with both strangers and those she loves? Much like Jawbreaker, the cover will attract an audience anticipating a graphic novel but they will stay for the compelling first-person narration. Themes such as safe social media practices, friendship, complicated crushes, self-confidence, and the plight of working families who can't make ends meet offer levity to the story that is sure to resonate with young readers. An author's note with resources for finding help is included. VERDICT A standalone companion to Jawbreaker, this sophomore offering by Wyman will attract fans of the first book, Alyson Gerber's work, and contemporary problem fiction.-Kate Nafz

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