A review by joaniemaloney
Big Girl Small by Rachel DeWoskin

3.0

"So can someone please give me an example of something that isn't "ongoing?" Is there something in this life that's ever clearly, unequivocally finished? And is it just because I'm young that I have to ask that? I mean, here's a horrible possibility: even death can't exactly finish us."

Judy Lohden is sixteen years old, three feet nine, and has got the smarts and a stunning voice to land her a spot at Darcy Academy, a prestigious performing arts high school. It's affectionately known as D'Arts to those attending, and the students get privileges such as being able to decorate the outside of their lockers. (I went to a public high school and this just wasn't possible, even if I had an idea of what I wanted to do with mine.)

The story revolves around a scandal at D'Arts, involving Judy herself. She's hiding away from friends, family, and the media at a dingy motel, and the pieces slowly come together. Sometimes, too slowly. I enjoyed Judy's commentary, but it was a struggle to get through the tedious comings and goings at the high school, day after day. The mystery behind what she was so humiliated about kept me reading, but just enough. I can see the book being just as effective, possibly more, if some parts were trimmed.

I won't spoil anyone about the incident, but the hints leading up to it are telling and it's not hard to figure it out. It doesn't diminish the awfulness of it, but like I mentioned before, the story does drag. The sharpness of Judy's voice can be both a strength and a weakness, because there's almost a spectator-feel to how she tells the story, like she's not living through it all the same time we're reading about it. Judy does seem more mature than to struggle with teenage problems. I feel the fear but can't help seeing POV!Judy and past!Judy as completely different people.

I'm not sure if I could recommend this book. Rachel DeWoskin has a solid idea but it lost me through the execution. It's on my YA shelf for Judy's age, although it might not be marketed that way. I can't bring myself to give it 2 stars, but 3 stars would suffice. 2.5 stars might be most fitting.