Fran Orenstein's latest book Fat Girls From Outer Space is directed to 'Tweens'. It is, however, a book that can be read by everyone and each person can take and relate to much of it.
Freddy Gold is a 12 year old girl who is overweight and is miserable. She is made fun of by school bullies, she doesn't like herself, and desperately wants to change.
At summer camp, she meets an African American girl, Dolly Flowers, who is also overweight. Then when they start middle school, they meet an Hispanic girl, Eva Rios, who is also overweight. Together they form a friendship not only because each knows what the other is going through, but they have a common love and talent - music.
They form a band called Fat Girls From Outer Space and they gain popularity because they are great at what they do.
This is a book I can relate to - I was an overweight baby and kid. It was a struggle most of my life. But like Freddy, I was great in music, the smartest kid in class, and made my way through school with fantastic friends who saw me for myself. Some of my grade school friends are still my buds today!
I lost 100 pounds, but it is a daily battle. Folks who have never experienced it, well, it 'ain't' fun.
Ms. Orenstein writes with wit and humor while at the same time gets the point across - whether you are overweight, a different race, or culture, we are all in the same boat.
I am no longer a Triad reviewer, but that doesn't mean I can't review the books I pay for and love - Fran Orenstien is an asset to Triad, and her books are delightful.
Fat Girls From Outer Space is a book everyone can relate to, one way or the other. A fun read!
ellen george
Fat Girls From Outer Space, by Fran Orenstein, ISBN 10: 9817901-2-7, Triad Tweens (Triad Publishing Group), review by ellen george
