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, hes 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 boys 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 authors own experiences as a tween will be a significant addition to any library. Booklist, STARRED ReviewIn most ways, Max is like any other teenager. Hes 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 dont understand what hes going through.Starting at Christmas, a series of triggering events disrupt Maxs 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 hes given his anorexia. While that helps for a while, Anas 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 writers identity, they build a bond, and its comforting to finally have someone to confide in.As Maxs 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 Pollens The Year I Didnt Eat is a powerful and uplifting story about recovery and the connections that heal us.