The New David Espinoza

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Description

This story from the acclaimed author of The Closest Ive Come unflinchingly examines steroid abuse and male body dysmorphia. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Matt de la Pea.

David Espinoza is tired of being messed with. When a video of him getting knocked down by a bullys 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 manand wow everyone when school starts again the fall.

Soon David is spending all his time and money at Iron Life, a nearby gym thats full of bodybuilders. Frustrated with his slow progress, his life eventually becomes all about his muscle gains. As it says on theIron Lifewall, What does notkillme makes me stronger.

As David falls into the dark side of the bodybuilding world, pursuing his ideal body at all costs, hell have to grapple with the fact that it could actually cost him everything.

A Chicago Public Library Best Teen Fiction Selection

A Banks Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Reviews

Powerful, raw, and honest. A gripping and realistic tale of body image and toxic masculinity. Adi Alsaid, author of Lets Get Lost A much-needed novel about steroid addiction from the point of view of a high school boy whos 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 Childrens Books

Author Bio

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.