by Dounya Awada
Zuiker Press, 2019. 95 pgs. Young Adult Comics
Dounya Awada is a 24-year-old devout Muslim and is very much alive. But just a few years ago, she nearly starved to death. Growing up, Dounya wanted to be perfect just like her mother, which meant being the prettiest, smartest girl in the room. Being perfect was exhausting, and Dounya fed her insecurities with food, reaching over 200 pounds at 15 years-old. After facing mocking from her peers, she became obsessed with exercise and dieting, losing over 125 pounds. With the help of her family and others, Dounya was able to overcome her eating disorders and now is an advocate for others facing the same trials.
I found this a beautiful, simple story about the real-life experiences of one girl and eating disorders. It is a quick read, but carries a powerful message about loving yourself and being willing to ask for help. The illustrations help to explain the emotions and perceptions that can be difficult to understand. This is an impactful story that could resonate with teens struggling with self-esteem, addictions, or peer pressure. Other books in this series cover topics like racism, cyber-bulling, and divorce.
TT
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