Publisher Description

This story from the acclaimed author of The Closest I've Come unflinchingly examines steroid abuse and male body dysmorphia. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Matt de la Peña.David Espinoza is tired of being messed with. When a video of him getting knocked down by a bully's slap goes viral at the end of junior year, David vows to use the summer to bulk up— do what it takes to become a man—and wow everyone when school starts again the fall.Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym that's full of bodybuilders. Frustrated with his slow progress, his life eventually becomes all about his muscle gains. As it says on the Iron Life wall, What does not kill me makes me stronger.As David falls into the dark side of the bodybuilding world, pursuing his ideal body at all costs, he'll have to grapple with the fact that it could actually cost him everything. A Chicago Public Library Best Teen Fiction SelectionA Banks Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Author Biography

Fred Aceves is a Latino author who grew up in a community like the one described in The Closest I've Come. He attended five high schools and worked two jobs, before eventually dropping out of school. He later earned his GED and traveled around the world. He was born in the Unites States and currently lives in Mexico (his father's native land) where he teaches English as a Second Language. The Closest I've Come is his first novel.

Review

"Powerful, raw, and honest. A gripping and realistic tale of body image and toxic masculinity." — Adi Alsaid, author of Let's Get Lost"A much-needed novel about steroid addiction from the point of view of a high school boy who's the victim of bullying." — School Library Journal (starred review)"Stands out through its examination of toxic masculinity, body image, and the dangers of pursuing perfection." — Booklist"Searing and thoughtful." — Kirkus Reviews"An authentically told story that is both gripping and gut-wrenching." — Publishers Weekly"Aceves' novel addresses harsher details of steroid and muscle-sculpting drugs." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Review Quote

"Searing and thoughtful."

Details