Looking for a novel about the power of image

[Lola]

Hello everyone,
I’m an English teacher from Belgium, and I’m currently working on the theme of body image, the importance of looks in today’s society, influence of our image on our career and everyday relationships, etc. with my class of tenth graders.

I’d like to have them read a contemporary novel that would cover this theme or that could relate to it in some way. It shouldn’t be too long (max 250pages) and should be “adapted to school reading” if I can say.


Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[Emma]

Maybe Dumplin? I’m not sure if it would fit all your criteria but the main character is having some issues surrounding her weight and self-esteem, also in relation to boys. I really enjoyed it!

[Cheryl]

I would recommend asking in a YA themed group. But I have heard good things about Dumplin' so take a look at it!

[Katie]

I read "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes" in middle school. It was on the approved reading list.

[Betsy]

Is Uglies too mature for 10th graders? How old are they?

[Claire]

Betsy wrote: "Is Uglies too mature for 10th graders? How old are they?"

I think for not native speakers, it might be asking too much to read that. I allways notice myself that fantasy is harder to read than lots o other genres.
Maybe a contemporary young adult novel like Eleanor & Park might work.

[Lola]

Actually, I teach advanced English in an international high school, so my students have an great level of English and some of them are even native speakers.

I had thought of Eleanor & Park, but I was afraid it’d be too ´cheesy’ - or do you think it could really start a discussion on the importance of image and first impressions anyway?

Thank you all for your help!

[Claire]

Lola wrote: "Actually, I teach advanced English in an international high school, so my students have an great level of English and some of them are even native speakers.

I had thought of Eleanor & Park, but I ..."

I’d say yes. I didn’t think it was too cheesy and actually thought it was really ok for a YA novel. Unless you have adult students, I’d go for it.