A review by amiegold
Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan

challenging emotional hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Big girl is a beautiful story about a young black girl growing up in Harlem in a body that is not universally accepted in the 90s. I think any girl who grew up in the 90s can relate to the hyper scrutiny on young girls bodies. But this book takes that experience and multiplies it by 10. As a morbidly obese young girl, everyone is constantly trying to shame her into being more healthy and losing weight. 

As the story unfolds, Malaya begins to learn to love herself and find motivation outside of the shame that is constantly thrust upon her. I love seeing her come into her own and become such a strong, inspiring character. I also love the setting in Harlem and the way the author portrayed gentrification there.  Beautiful and important story!
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