A poignant novel-in-verse about Ari, a large boy who learns to accept himself, to find his real self. Baron captures the bullying, the self-loathing, and confusion Ari feels. I liked the subtle references to the issues Ari faces without overdoing it: the end of his parents' marriage, a crush on a best friend whose mother is in rehab, and the pressure of his bar mitzvah.

Side note: The story is set in Marin, with very familiar references to those who live here!