I read this in one sitting. It was moving and enjoyable in very many, different ways. It tells the story of friendship, growing up and the love for dance. The format the book is written in was very interesting and – at least for me – unique, and I think the format suited the text very well.

The book follows main character Esme and her best friend Mia as they are introduced to a higher advanced dance group with older girls and trying to fit in and prove their place there. It is the biggest part of both their lives; like the synopsis says; they live and breath dance.

One of the main themes of this book I’d say is body image – it is about Esme and how she views her body within this world of dance and very slender friends and dance group members. She gets bullied because how her body looks by her peers and as we follow her inner dialogue, we get to know how much this affects her. We also get to know that Esme comes for a more economically challenged background whereas Mia comes from a wealthy background. This is a big part of the story, and it’s told from a very realistic way. Esme’s family struggles and Esme doesn’t want to be a burden for her parents or grandmother.

What I enjoyed the most was the realistic way this story was presented. We get the good, the bad and the in-between.

This novel in verse made an INCREDIBLE use of space; I loved how the words felt like they were dancing on the page. Shape poetry made an appearance, which was lovely. I also appreciated the way it depicted first love and a slow build of friendship.

The rationale for my three star review: maybe I just expect more emotional upheaval with my novels in verse; I've been privileged to read so many that have made me bawl my eyes out. Unfortunately, this one lacked the same depth. I anticipated the assault, mentioned in the blurb, to be a major turning point for her and a catalyst of much of the plot. Instead, it happened toward the end and was resolved very quickly, so we couldn't see much of the impact on her. I just wish we could've seen more emotion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I don't pick up novels written in verse too often, but when I do they usually work for me. "Top Heavy" by Rhonda DeChambeau was no exception. The story follows fifteen-year-old Esme, a passionate dancer who gets the opportunity to train in an elite dancing class at the beginning of the book. But while her talent is finally acknowledged in that way, she is also facing multiple struggles: with the other dancers in her class, with her family's money and health problems, and with self-doubt due to her body and all the people who consider it necessary to comment on it. This book was the perfect depiction of what it feels like to be super self-conscious about your body, constantly thinking about it in every situation of your life and how you can have a burning passion but still be limited in meeting your full potential. The writing style lent itself well to this kind of story and made everything feel very personal. The verse format also made it possible to show the movement of dance within the text, which was quite unique to see. The portrayal of different relationships – family, old and new friends, first love – was done nicely as well, and I think that the medical themes were handled with care. There were some minor things I didn't love, but I can hardly say anything negative about this book. (Spoiler: For example, I didn't like that Esme and Mia suddenly fall out of their livelong friendship and never really speak about that, and also not the way how Esme's family had money problems but somehow all the bills and expenses were always covered in some way in the end.) It's a quick read but doesn't fail to leave a lasting impression and I can broadly recommend it!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

With a protagonist reminiscent of Jennifer Niven's 'Holding up the Universe', this verse novel has a central message that it doesn't shy away from: inclusivity in sport has a long way to go.
And it is this which elevates it beyond the typical teen, high school, coming of age story we're all used to. Dechambeau's writing style is unique and vivid, getting to the heart of the matter in verse in a way that prose simply cannot.

I feel seen.

That was the first thing that came up in my mind after reading Top Heavy. I'm not a dancer and I don't have the same body type as Esme, but I can relate to her experiences now and even more when I was a teenager. At some point I shed a tear or two given how much it felt close to my heart. The story started off upper MG-ish with shorter and more visual/concrete poetry, and for a second I doubt if it's a YA. But as Esme grew, it solidified into lower YA. It's beautifully and appropriately written; all sensitive issues are treated really well and easy to understand.

The theme is obviously about body autonomy, boundaries, and self-love, which is important, but I also want to point out one element that is Esme and Mia's friendship. Personally it was refreshing to see friendship breakup in YA and how the characters were handling it. They both learned from their mistakes and grew up. Another thing that's worth highlighting is adult characters in Esme's life whose roles are in good portion—not too meddling and not too nonchalant, enough involvement to guide her to decide what's best for herself. I also liked Esme's new friends and boyfriend who supported her in their own way. When they gave time for Todd to comment about what happened to Esme and before that he silently and patiently listened to the girls, we knew he was the one 🫶🫰

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing and eARC of this book.

Typically, I don't reach for books that are written in verse; however, I gobbled this one up. The prose was written so beautifully, and kept me wanting to read more. Top Heavy discusses many different topics such as friendship, family, dance, assault, first loves, and so much more. I highly suggest picking this one up when it comes out in June.

Thank you Netgalley and Holiday House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rhonda DeChambeau’s “Top Heavy” is a poignant and beautifully written novel-in-verse that delves into the life of Esme, a 15-year-old dancer navigating the challenges of body image, friendship, and self-acceptance. Written with lyrical verse, the book captures Esme’s struggles and triumphs with a sensitivity and authenticity that resonates deeply. This book will be very relatable to younger YA readers. However, as the summary of the book notes, there is an SA scene around 80% of the way through the book where an adult man (a stranger) grabs Esme’s breast. This scene is handled delicately and Esme is able to persevere through the support of her family and friends, but this scene may be triggering for some readers.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the creative use of the poetry, particularly in the dance scenes. DeChambeau’s willingness to experiment with the space on the page mirrors Esme’s movements, making you feel the rhythm and grace of her passion for dance. Esme’s journey is relatable to all readers, especially those grappling with issues like sports pressures, evolving friendships, and the sting of micro-aggressive comments about body image.

The depiction of Esme’s friendship with Mia is especially touching. Their bond is layered and realistic, capturing the bittersweet moments of growing apart as priorities shift during adolescence. This exploration of friendship pains is complemented by the broader theme of support—Esme’s relationships with her family, especially her well-meaning but occasionally distant grandmother, emphasize the importance of having a support system even when they don’t fully understand your struggles.

The book also tackles societal judgments about Esme’s body type with honesty and nuance. The commentary on the objectification of girls and women by both peers and adults is eye-opening and thought-provoking, adding depth to Esme’s story. Adding warmth to the story is a gentle and heartfelt romance between Esme and Todd, which feels realistic and sweet without overshadowing her personal growth. Watching Esme grow in confidence, embrace her body, and redefine her self-worth is one of the book’s most rewarding arcs.

Ultimately, “Top Heavy” is a story of hope, love, and self-acceptance. Esme’s journey to self-actualization is inspiring, and her closing reflections are both moving and empowering. This book is a tender, beautifully crafted ode to resilience, perfect for younger YA readers navigating their own paths of growth. It’s a book that lingers in your heart long after the final page.