By all appearances, Jack should be a confident guy. He's a star football player with good grades and a supportive family. But in reality, he's plagued by anxiety.
He's constantly studying his body in the mirror. Are his muscles strong enough? Is there too much fat around his middle? He's become an expert at moving food around his plate to make it look like he's eating, and he's always at the gym lifting weights. He doesn't want to let anyone down, not his coach or his team, and especially not his mom and sister who depend on him since his father died years ago.
Anyone else in his position would have no problem dating, but Jack doesn't have the confidence to ask anyone out, not even the girl who keeps leaving notes in his locker.
When he starts taking steroids, he feels invincible. He's faster, stronger, and more confident. He just has to put this new underlying temper out of his mind and ignore his pounding heart.
Is he on the verge of something great, or too close to the edge for safety?
This debut novel from Bee Walsh looks at eating disorders and body dysphoria in boys, which is a welcome addition to the YA world. Even though Jack is a senior in high school, there is nothing in this book that would make it inappropriate for middle school. Recommended.
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