
Alt Ed follows Susan Calloway, an overweight tenth grader who endures daily bullying and humiliation. When her anger reaches a breaking point, she's placed in an alternative education class, a form of group therapy for students on the brink of expulsion. This class forces Susan to engage with her peers, including her cruelest tormentor, and to finally talk about her feelings and listen to others. The book explores themes of self-esteem, bullying, anger management, empathy, and finding one's voice. It's a nuanced look at adolescent struggles, highlighting how low self-esteem can manifest as cruelty in some and silence in others. This novel is ideal for teenagers aged 12-18 who are navigating complex social dynamics and personal identity.
Participating in a special after-school counseling class with other troubled students, including a sensitive gay classmate, helps Susan, an overweight tenth grader, develop a better sense of herself.