When I was first given Holding Up The Universe to review I wasn’t overly taken with what the blurb had to offer. I can’t put my finger on why I felt this way exactly, but as I started reading I realised it was because I was worried this was just going to be another bullying book about an overweight girl. And it is that, to an extent, but it is so much more.

Libby Strout is overweight. After the death of her mother, Libby’s weight skyrocketed to the point that she couldn’t roll over in bed anymore. But, she has lost 302 pounds (approx 137kg) and is set to go back to school and face her demons. Libby knows it isn’t going to be easy. People know what happened to her and she is ready for the bullying and the nastiness. What she isn’t ready for is Jack Masselin.

Jack Masselin is a bit of a clown. Coming across as confident and slightly arrogant, Jack hangs out with a couple of friends who get up to no good and find the idea of harassing and belittling people funny. But, to an extent, this is all an act for Jack, he’s just trying to protect himself from people finding out his secret. But when Jack decides to involve Libby in a really cruel game he unintentionally throws himself into the spotlight.

This is a brilliant novel about bullying. The character of Libby has been done perfectly, showing a teenage girl who is bullied horribly because of her weight still stick to her guns and stand up for herself. She isn’t perfect, we all have flaws, but she is human. And while, at times, I found it hard to warm to Jack because of his behaviour, you see a young man with troubles of his own.

Move over Katniss, a realistic heroine is taking your place. Highly recommended for ages 13 and up.

Katherine Dretzke is a friend of Readings.