Powerful novel in verse that tells the story of a boy struggling with his image and eating. Incredibly recounted with emotions and illustrations that carry the story.

This book. I had been hearing a lot about it over the last few months. As a librarian I like knowing what options are available to my readers on a variety of topics, and I was anxious to read A Work in Progress. NetGalley came through for me. The book is beautiful. I needed to sit on my review, and re-read it. It is brave and courageous and I can see the impact it will have on young readers. I love the style; the almost poetic prose, then the staccato rhythm. The short sentences, white spaces, and illustration placement on the pages are a perfect balance for middle graders.

I've had a bit of experience with children's books. I was a bookseller for 16 years. Barnes & Noble helped me become a children's librarian, which led to SSYRA committees member Florida, reading hundreds of middle grade books each year to select books for children in the state. I’ve been at a high functioning private school and low socioeconomic urban Title 1 school. I recognize the difference between “librarian” books and kids. Work in Progress is both. In my minds eye I can see myself both hand-selling this book and giving it to young library patrons, believing they’ll get it…learn from it and appreciate it. It’s a true gift from author Jarrett Lerner. From my librarian, book-loving soul, thank you.

This powerful book, the only illustrated novel in verse I’ve ever read, brought me to tears. Middle schooler Will’s feelings of not being good enough are ones most people have experienced to some degree, but everyone should read this to get insight into what it is like to experience body dysmorphia. My heart aches for Will and this book goes to show how one moment of cruelty can have effects that last an eternity. I devoured this book in one sitting and then went back and reread it again from the part where Markus enters the story. I hope everyone has someone like Markus. This book is a must have for middle school. I know so many people that will connect to Will’s beautifully told story.

Jarrett Lerner is a great author! This book is a good look into how words can change, affect and shape us. When our character is called fat, it really consumes him and makes him feel awful. But we see how he is "a work in progress" and how he learns to deal with the harsh words and to love himself. It's a hard read and he goes through some really hard things. But this is a really great read because it deals with real stuff. A book that any and every kid needs to read. And parents need to read it too, to help any child or teen dealing with feelings like these.


Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

“I stick out like— like— like a fat kid.”
✍🏻
In 4th grade a boy calls Will FAT in the hallway in front of all of his friends. It’s the first time anyone has called Will that and did so with a sneering tone and hatred. Will then retreats into himself, disassociating from his friends, dressing in loose, baggy clothes and eating by himself in the cafeteria. As the years go on, Will’s shame turns to self-loathing so much so that he begins to starve himself in order to not get teased and so that a fellow artist named Jules will see him in a new light, but Will’s anorexia soon becomes life-threatening. As his parents and new friend, Markus, intercede, ultimately it’s Will who has to make the change for his future.
🛹
Had I known I was going to read one of my favorite MG books ever today I might have prepared myself a bit. This novel in verse was so incredibly relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with their weight. This is an amazing companion novel to Starfish by Lisa Fipps and I cannot wait for this title to be out in the world on May 2. We are all works in progress, but this one is a masterpiece. All the 😭 & all the ⭐️ for this one.

CW: fat shaming, binging, self-hatred, anorexia, eating disorder

"A Work in Progress" is a middle grade graphic free verse novel by Jarrett Lerner. It will be released on May 2, 2023. I received an eARC from NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing.
This book hurt. It really hurt to read this- in my heart, my head, and my soul. I could not put it down and finished it in one sitting. It is so so so good.
This book needs to be read. And felt. It really should be required reading in every middle school language arts classroom...perhaps even 5th grade. It is so powerful, real, and raw- it has the potential to change the world. No exaggeration.
I highly recommend this book for middle grade readers.