Fact Friday: Chunky by Yehudi Mercado

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Chunky by Yehudi Mercado.  208 p. Katherine Tegan Books/ HarperCollins Publishers, June, 2021. 9780062972790. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

Happy Friday! Fact Friday features Chunky by Yehudi Mercado. This graphic novel memoir draws on the author's youth, his health struggles and desire to fit in. Readers meet Hudi in his imaginary world where he stars in a variety of sports. IRL, Hudi is at the doctor's office being weighed and told that he needs to lose weight. He deflects with humor, which cracks his doctor up, but annoys his mother. Hudi's not paying attention though. Something has caught his eye and that something is following their car home.

Hudi is surprised to see his dad home and his mom wants him to talk to Hudi. His sisters don't want to play with him, so he goes to his room to sulk and he discovers Chunky. Chunky isn't just an imaginary friend, he's an imaginary mascot and it's Chunky's mission to cheer Hudi on. He will need it, because his parents insist he try a sports team to get Chunky out and active. And so, he tries a series of sports.

Hudi has a bit of a hard time fitting in. He's the only half-Mexican, half-Jewish kid he knows. He lost a lung to an infection and is overweight. His stress increases when his dad loses his job. Chunky and Hudi's talent for cracking jokes at his own expense help him through tough times.

Hudi is a charmer. The art is vibrant and energetic. Back matter includes a touching author's note and photos. Chunky  should be a hit with fans of graphic novel memoirs and artists like Raina Telgemeier. 

Middle Grade Monday: Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Image: Penguin Random House

Starfish by Lisa Fipps. 256 p. Nancy Paulsen Books/ Penguin Young Readers Group, March, 2021. (Review of e-audiobook borrowed from public library.)

Happy Monday! I hope you had a spectacular weekend! I spent a lot of time in my garden and took Boo on some really long walks. I have a 17 hour biography loaded on my phone and was able to to do my three favorite things at once.

Middle Grade Monday features Stafish by Lisa Fipps. Twelve-year-old Ellie is struggling. Not only is she bullied mercilessly about her weight at school, but she finds no respite at home. Her older sister dubbed her "Splash" at a pool party when she was five and the nickname stuck, along with whale and others even crueler. Her mother dictates what she can and cannot eat and is investigating bariatric surgery even though the surgery is dangerous, almost killing her aunt and not recommended for children. Now, she feels extra alone because her best friend and next-door neighbor has moved away.

Ellie is a swimmer. She finds refuge in swimming laps in her pool every day. She also appreciates the efforts of her dad, her only ally, though he is often ineffective. She's especially disappointed to learn that she has to visit a therapist and vows not to say a word. Her therapist is very good and allows Ellie the time for silence. Soon Ellie grows into her own voice and learns to use it.

This verse novel is so real and raw that it was hard to listen sometimes. Jenna Lamia is always convincing as a teen. Her voice sounds naturally youthful and her performance is emotionally honest. 

Readers will root for Ellie and hopefully ponder why so many people feel it's okay to fat-shame another. Starfish is Ms. Fipps' debut and was inspired by her own childhood struggles. I look forward to reading her sophomore effort and can't wait to share this powerful story with my students.