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Books Like...

'Holding Up the Universe' by Jennifer Niven is a young adult novel that follows the story of two teenagers, Libby Strout and Jack Masselin, who come from different backgrounds but find common ground in their struggles with insecurities. Libby, once known as America's Fattest Teen, is trying to start afresh in high school after losing weight and dealing with the grief of losing her mother. Jack, a popular jock, hides a secret condition called prosopagnosia, making it difficult for him to recognize faces. When they meet under unusual circumstances, they form an unlikely friendship that helps them navigate through their personal challenges and high school life.

The book is narrated through alternating perspectives of Libby and Jack, offering a moving and poignant portrayal of their individual journeys towards self-acceptance and personal growth. As they bond over shared experiences of feeling different, they learn to lean on each other for support and understanding, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of diversity. With themes of courage, friendship, and self-worth, 'Holding Up the Universe' delivers a heartfelt message of embracing one's uniqueness and finding strength in vulnerability.

If you liked Holding Up the Universe, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. #1
    Dumplin'
    Book 1 in the series:Dumplin'

    Dumplin' - Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
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    "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that follows Willowdean Dickson, a self-proclaimed fat girl who decides to enter a beauty pageant as a protest. The book explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and body image through the journey of Willowdean and her group of misfit friends as they challenge beauty standards and societal expectations. The writing style is bold, sassy, and humorous, addressing issues such as bullying, body positivity, and grief in a relatable and empowering manner.

    The song that sealed the deal was “Dumb Blonde” from her 1967 debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly. During the summer before first grade, my aunt Lucy bonded with Mrs. Dryver over their mutual devotion to Do...

  2. #2

    All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
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    'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven is a young adult novel that follows the story of Finch and Violet, two teenagers who meet on the ledge of a bell tower at school. Their unlikely friendship leads them on a journey to discover the natural wonders of Indiana, but also helps them uncover deeper truths about themselves and each other. The book delves into themes of mental illness, grief, and the complexities of teenage emotions, portraying a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Niven's writing style intricately weaves together the characters' struggles and emotions, creating a narrative that is both moving and thought-provoking.

    Finch and Violet's relationship evolves from a chance meeting on the bell tower to a profound connection that helps them navigate their personal challenges and find reasons to live. The book explores the depths of their characters, portraying their vulnerabilities, fears, and moments of hope with raw honesty. Niven's storytelling captures the essence of teenage emotions and the complexities of mental health issues, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.

    This is something I ask myself in the morning when I wake up. In third period when I’m trying to keep my eyes open while Mr. Schroeder drones on and on. At the supper table as I’m passing the green be...

  3. #3

    Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
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    Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of relationships, body image, and self-acceptance. The plot follows Charlie, a high school junior who navigates her insecurities, family dynamics, and friendships while exploring the nuances of first love. The writing style is engaging, insightful, and balances themes of body positivity and personal growth with humor and emotional depth.

    The tense moment just before the kiss, when they look right at me like there’s no one else in the room. The way they caress my cheek, maybe put their hand on the small of my back. To be so close to so...

  4. #4

    The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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    "The Problem with Forever" by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a touching and beautifully written story that follows Mallory and Rider, two abused foster kids who reunite after being separated for four years. The book delves into their past traumas, struggles, and the impact of their upbringing on their lives. It addresses themes of abuse, social anxiety, foster care, and the journey of self-discovery and healing. The plot unfolds with emotional depth, realistic characters, and a sweet romance that gradually develops throughout the story, keeping readers fully invested until the end.

    Hard to believe it had been that long. Four years since I’d set foot in a public school. Four years since I’d spoken to anyone outside a very small, very close-knit group of people. Four years of prep...

  5. #5

    The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
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    'The Sun Is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon follows the story of Natasha, an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica facing deportation, and Daniel, a Korean American poet. The book explores themes of fate, love, and immigration as the two characters cross paths in New York City on a pivotal day in their lives. Through a series of coincidences and interactions with other characters, Natasha and Daniel navigate their budding relationship while grappling with family expectations, cultural differences, and the uncertainty of their futures.

    I’M LATE. I enter the waiting room and head over to the receptionist. She shakes her head at me like she’s seen this before. Everyone here has seen everything before, and they don’t really care that i...

  6. #6

    Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
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    "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell is a heartwarming story set in the 80s about two misfit high school students, Eleanor and Park, who form an extraordinary love bond despite coming from different worlds. The book beautifully captures the emotions of young love, friendship, and bravery as the characters navigate through their struggles at home and in school. Written in alternating voices, the novel engages readers with realistic dialogue, achingly believable characters, and poignant moments that explore themes of first love, adolescence, and overcoming challenges.

    He could get back to New Wave in November, after he got his driver’s license. His parents had already said Park could have his mom’s Impala, and he’d been saving up for a new tape deck. Once he starte...

  7. #7

    Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
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    Madeline Whittier, a teenager with SCID, is confined to her house due to her severe immunodeficiency disorder. Her life changes when Olly, the boy next door, moves in and they start developing a friendship that challenges the limits of her sheltered existence. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and the desire for freedom, all depicted through a unique and heartwarming story with some unexpected twists. The plot unfolds through a mix of journal-style entries, texts, and illustrations, capturing the essence of teenage emotions and relationships in a compelling and engaging manner.

    She pulls a framed photograph from behind her back. My heart squeezes inside my chest. It’s an old photograph of the four of us—me, my mom and dad and brother—standing on a beach, someplace tropical. ...

  8. #8

    One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
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    'One to Watch' by Kate Stayman-London follows the story of Bea, a plus-sized fashion blogger who agrees to star on a reality TV show similar to 'The Bachelorette' in an attempt to find love and challenge societal beauty standards. The book is praised for its body-positive message, engaging plot twists, and likable characters. Readers found the writing style to be fun, light, and reminiscent of watching a reality TV show, with a mix of drama, humor, and relatable insecurities portrayed by the main character.

    The flea market at Clignancourt was at the far northern edge of the city, a few blocks past the final stop on the number 4 Métro, where the Parisian architecture grew more simple, more mundane—a remin...

  9. #9

    The Upside of Unrequited - Creekwood by Becky Albertalli
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    'The Upside of Unrequited' by Becky Albertalli follows the story of Molly Peskin Suso, a seventeen-year-old girl who has had 26 crushes but no kisses. Molly navigates through the challenges of unrequited love, self-esteem issues, and the complexities of relationships while her twin sister, Cassie, seems to effortlessly find love. is praised for its relatable characters, realistic portrayal of teenage emotions, and the diverse representation of LGBTQ characters. Readers appreciate the light-hearted and heartwarming nature of the story, which captures the essence of young adult romance and coming-of-age struggles.

    There are mirrors above all the sinks. I suck in my cheeks so it looks like I have cheekbones. And it’s quite a transformation. Sometimes I have the idea that I could maintain this. I could spend the ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Creekwood )

  10. #10
    Size 12 Is Not Fat
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Heather Wells

    Size 12 Is Not Fat - Heather Wells by Meg Cabot
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    Former teen pop star, Heather Wells, now a size 12 and working as an assistant dorm manager, finds herself in the midst of mysterious deaths in the college dorm she oversees. With a mix of humor, romance, and mystery, Heather sets out to prove that these incidents are not accidents, leading to an unexpected turn of events. The book combines light-hearted storytelling with elements of suspense as Heather navigates through love, self-esteem, and her career while trying to unravel the mystery behind the tragic incidents.

    “Because size twelve is the size of the average American woman,” I point out to him. I know this because I just read it inPeople magazine. “Are you saying that instead of being average, we’re all fat?...

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