Slob by Ellen Potter

Pages: 199

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Real life / Social issues

Notes for parents: Contains issues of bullying and grief

The Back Cover

Give them back, I hissed.

Unfortunately, I was standing by the messed-up side of his face so that when he looked up, I was staring full-on at the misshapen sneer and the milky blue eye.

“Give what back?” he snarled.

“You know what.” I was trying to avoid saying it because it sounded sort of ridiculous. “Give me back my cookies.”

“Your cookies?” he snorted. “What would I want with your cookies?”

I stood there for a minute feeling especially fat. I mean, I always feel fat, but sometimes I feel like a boulder. And I just stand there, letting it happen because I’m a boulder and that’s what boulders do.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

I’m not sure I like when the description is taken straight from the book, but somehow this one works. Owen is a fat kid trying to survive a world full of cruel kids, crueller adults, harsh memories and hopeful dreams.

What’s good?

Owen had my heart from the very beginning. I wanted so badly for everything to work out well for him. I love how Owen sees his situation so matter-of-factly and relates his story with such unfiltered honesty. The author’s humour and beautiful use of language hooked me immediately so I’m looking forward to reading more by her.

Best part: The Nemesis. I prayed it would pift and his hopes would be realized.

What’s not so good?

There was definitely something likeable about Owen’s sister Jeremy (yes, Jeremy…sort of), but the entire purpose of her political crusade was completely lost on me.

Worst part: GWAB – I didn’t understand the point.

Recommendations þþþþo

I definitely recommend this for tweens, but I think it will be enjoyed by everyone. Owen is so endearing and so determined to be himself that it’s impossible not to cheer for him.

Potter, Ellen. SLOB. New York: Penguin, 2009