The Year I Didn't Eat

Fourteen-year-old Max Howarth is living with anorexia. With the help of his therapist and his supportive, but flawed, family, he's trying his best to maintain his health. But things spiral out of control, and his eating disorder threatens to isolate him from everyone he loves. Beautifully crafted and honestly written, this debut YA novel tells the story of one boy's year-long journey toward recovery.

* "The raw and real portrayal of anorexia from a group often left out of the conversation." Kirkus Reviews, STARRED Review

* "[A] no-holds-barred debut novel based on the author's own experiences as a tween will be a significant addition to any library." Booklist, STARRED Review

In most ways, Max is like any other teenager. He's dealing with family drama, crushes, and high school-all while trying to have fun, play video games, and explore his hobbies. But Max is also living with anorexia and finds it impossible to be honest with his loved ones-they just don't understand what he's going through.

Starting at Christmas, a series of triggering events disrupt Max's progress toward recovery, sending him down a year-long spiral of self-doubt and dangerous setbacks. With no one to turn to, Max journals his innermost thoughts and feelings, writing to "Ana," the name he's given his anorexia. While that helps for a while, Ana's negative voice grows, amplifying his fears.

When Max gets an unusual present from his older brother, a geocache, it becomes a welcome distraction from his problems. He hides it in the forest near their house and soon gets a message from the mysterious "E." Although Max is unsure of the secret writer's identity, they build a bond, and it's comforting to finally have someone to confide in. As Max's eating disorder pulls him further away from his family and friends, this connection keeps him going, leading him back to the people who love and support him.

Writing from his own experiences with anorexia, Samuel Pollen's The Year I Didn't Eat is a powerful and uplifting story about recovery and the connections that heal us.

Author: Samuel Pollen
Publisher: Yellow Jacket
Published: 03/05/2019
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9781499808087
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 511137 / Year I Didn't Eat


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2019 pg. 72
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2018 pg. 160
Publishers Weekly 11/26/2018
Booklist 12/15/2018 pg. 97
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Samuel Pollen grew up in Cheshire, United Kingdom, and now lives in London. His debut novel is an enthralling, touching and uplifting book, based on his own experience with anorexia.

When he's not writing books, Sam works as a copywriter. And when he's not writing at all, he runs, bakes, and crochets. You can find out more at samuelpollen.com.