A Work in Progress (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781665905152)

A young boy struggles with body image in this poignant and "perceptive" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) middle grade journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration.

Will is the only round kid in a school full of thin ones. So he hides...in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, in the back row during class, and anywhere but the cafeteria during lunch. But shame isn't the only feeling that dominates Will's life. He's also got a crush on a girl named Jules who he knows he doesn't have a chance with, because of his size--but he can't help wondering what if?

Will's best shot at attracting Jules's attention is by slaying the Will Monster inside him by changing his eating habits and getting more exercise. But the results are either frustratingly slow or infuriatingly unsuccessful, and Will's shame begins to morph into self-loathing.

As he resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance, Will meets skateboarder Markus, who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.

Author: Jarrett Lerner
ISBN-10: 1665905158
ISBN-13: 9781665905152
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Language: English
Published: 05/02/2023
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.90w x 1.30d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.8
Point Value: 2
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 521981 / Work in Progress


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2023
Publishers Weekly 03/20/2023
Shelf Awareness 05/19/2023
School Library Journal 09/29/2023 pg. 1