My Eyes Are Up Here

July 20, 2020
In Kennedy High sophomore Greer Walsh’s opinion, there are two things holding her back: Maude and Mavis, her size-30H breasts. She can’t find a bra that fits, and the tops her mother buys for her would “burst Hulk-style” if she tried to put them on. Greer hides in men’s XXL shirts, trying to avoid notice and ignore harassment from boys in her suburban Chicago school. Then Greer meets Jackson Oates, a transfer student who seems more interested in her mind than her physical attributes. She’s attracted to him, but is romance possible without Maude and Mavis getting in the way? Jackson gives her the encouragement she needs to try out for volleyball, and making the team leads to a series of life-changing experiences, including finding some creative solutions to her problem. Zimmerman’s debut has a witty, unabashedly honest voice, addressing the age-old issue of not fitting in. Employing a vibrant, often comedic first-person perspective, Zimmerman movingly depicts Greer’s low points, like not being able to find a dress that fits for winter formal, and her highs, exemplified when she’s playing volleyball. Ages 12–up. Agent: Tina Dubois, ICM.

Kristen DiMercurio captures the many emotions of a body-conscious teen as she voices the story of Greer Walsh, a high school student who is uncomfortable with her cup size. DiMercurio's amiable narration conveys how Greer learns to navigate feelings about her body, her identity, her spot on a sports team, and even her crush on a new boy. DiMercurio capably distinguishes a variety of characters--teenage girls, embarrassing parents, annoying younger siblings--weaving a cohesive yet well textured plot from these many different voices. Although the audiobook deals with serious teen issues, including body image and mental health, DiMercurio's playful narration makes it a fun and entertaining story, as well. She deftly communicates Greer's insecurities, hopes, and unique voice, making this personal yet relatable story all the more intimate and important. E.J.S. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine