Fat Chance, Charlie Vega

In Fat Chance Charlie Vega, Crystal Maldonado is able to create a mirror of the self that is often wrapped by external voices or insecurities about image. By the end of the book, readers are able to take a step back from our internal mirrors and truly see ourselves with Charlie’s unflinching realism. The book champions friendship, builds on collective and independent relationships, and paints a contemporary portrait of teenager who is figuring out their place in the world. Overall, this was a beautiful read that embraced culture, body image, and finding a love for self that marks a promising start for 2021.