Mackler, Carolyn. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things. © 2003. (Fiction).

Overweight and hounded frequently by her mother about her appearance, Virginia Shreves struggles humorously throughout her freshman year to lose weight, deal with typical beginning-of-high-school traumas, and make new friends.

Besides her mother’s badgering, Virginia’s life is complicated when her best friend, Shannon, moves to Walla Walla, Washington, leaving her without protection when she is harassed by a group of thin, beautiful classmates. Additionally complicating are the attentions of her (male) friend, Froggy, who seems interested in more than just a friendship.Virginia handles these problems pretty well on her own, but a disturbing phone call brings news about her older brother that she struggles to cope with.  

Luckily, she’s maintained her strong friendship with Shannon, even though her friend is across the country, and the bond between the two of them is enough to sustain Virginia.

Fans of Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, Louise Rennison, and Joan Bauer will appreciate the humor and real-life story of Virginia, who is a likeable, and imperfect narrator, who gains strength from her experience and her friendship.