45 Pounds (more or less)

Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:

She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 2 months, and wants Ann to be a bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less).

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, endless run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—and some surprises about her not-so-perfect mother.

And there’s one more thing—it’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin—no matter how you add it up!

Available in

Hardcover - ISBN 9780670784820 - 272 Pages - 11 Jul 2013 - Viking Books for Young Readers 

Paperback - ISBN 9780142422656 - 272 Pages - 3 Jul 2014 - Speak 

Ebook - ISBN 9781101602522 - 272 Pages - 11 Jul 2013 - Speak
 

For ages 12 and up

"With both humor and depth, the story of Ann’s resilience, determination, and strength will inspire readers on their own journey toward a sparkly new life.” 

–Susane Colasanti, author of Keep Holding On

“You’ll love this book so much that you’ll wish you had a friend like Ann.”

–Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author

“Deliciously relatable, with a lot of laughter on the side.” 

-Rita Williams-Garcia, New York Times best-selling author

* “Barson offers up a powerful and poignant novel about hope and love in the midst of common and controversial issues about weight gain, weight loss, and the ability to persevere despite our flaws and predispositions to “eating,” or not eating, our emotions.  It is a book readers will not want to wait to finish, and when it is done, they will pick it up again.” 

–VOYA, starred review

"Teens who struggle with their weight will find a funny, smart companion in Barson's charming heroine, and those who overlook or judge a classmate like Ann may find themselves taking a moment to get to know him or her. All readers will cheer for this winning character." 

-Jennifer M. Brown, Shelf Awareness