Wintergirls

Wintergirls
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Published by Viking (2009)
278 pages; ages 15+

Synopsis: Lia and Cassie have one thing in common--life-threatening eating disorders. While Cassie is bulimic, Lia is anorexic. This bond creates a great friendship between the two girls. They are friends for several years until a few months before Cassie dies. Lia feels guilt and responsibility for Cassie death because the night Cassie dies Lia received thirty-three calls from Cassie, all of which Lia ignored. Lia is slowly killing herself, and her parents are too caught up in their own business to help Lia fight away the demon that is hunger.

Genre: New Realism/Problem; Friends and Society; Family

Warning: Graphic images of eating disorders, language, difficult themes, may appear as a pro-eating disorder book for some readers

Recommendations: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson; Cut by Patricia McCormack; The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle