Louder Than Hunger

John Schu's 'Louder Than Hunger' is a powerful and sensitive verse novel for middle-grade readers (ages 10-14) that delves into the complex world of a boy named Jake who is secretly battling an eating disorder. Jake finds comfort and purpose volunteering at a nursing home, where he connects with residents through reading and music, all while trying to avoid his peers and the 'cruelty of mirrors.' The book explores themes of body image, self-worth, social anxiety, and the immense pressure to fit in, portraying Jake's internal struggle to disappear versus his desire to be seen and understood. It offers a poignant, hopeful, and ultimately empowering look at mental health and the journey toward self-acceptance.

"Jake volunteers at a nursing home because he likes helping people. He likes skating and singing, playing Bingo and Name That Tune, and reading mysteries and comics aloud to his teachers. He also likes avoiding people his own age...and the cruelty of mirrors...and food. Jake has read about kids like him in books -- the weird one, the outsider -- and would do anything not to be that kid, including shrink himself down to nothing. But the less he eats, the bigger he feels. How long can Jake punish himself before he truly disappears?"--Provided by publisher.