Holding Up the Universe

This poignant young adult novel introduces Libby Strout, who is re-entering high school after years of homeschooling following her mother's death and public scrutiny over her weight. She meets Jack Masselin, a popular student secretly struggling with prosopagnosia, or face blindness. Their paths intertwine through a forced community service assignment stemming from a cruel high school prank. The story beautifully explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, grief, and empathy, as Libby and Jack learn to see beyond superficial appearances and find solace in their shared vulnerabilities. It's a powerful narrative about finding your place and the courage to be truly seen.

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed "America's Fattest Teen." But no one's taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom's death, she's been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby's ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for every possibility life has to offer. Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he's got swagger, but he's also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can't recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He's the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything, but he can't understand what's going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don't get too close to anyone. Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game -- which lands them in group counseling and community service -- Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.