Jake Stacy isn't a typical teenage boy. He loves roller skating, musicals, volunteering at a nursing home, reading poetry, and hanging out with his beloved grandmother, his only real friend. At school, he's a target for bullies. At home, he's just as lonely, since his dad is never there and his mom struggles with debilitating depression. Then there's The Voice, which keeps up a constant monologue in Jake's head, reminding him of how weak and worthless he is, especially when he eats too much or doesn't exercise. When his loved ones finally notice how much he's struggling, Jake is admitted against his will to an inpatient facility that treats kids with eating disorders. Furious, he fights against his diagnosis (anorexia nervosa), his doctors, his therapists, and the other patients. It's only when he begins to learn how to battle against The Voice that he finally feels a flutter of hope. Can he really beat the eating disorder that is killing him? Will he finally find health and happiness? 

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu deals with some tough, heavy subjects. Not only does it tackle disordered eating, but it also addresses bullying, anger, grief, addiction, hospitalization, self-harm, and more. These matters are discussed in a raw, realistic way, informed by the author's own experience as a teen with similar issues. Because of this, the novel rings with authenticity. However, it never gets too grim for its middle grade audience. Schu infuses the story with hope and encouragement. It also helps that Louder Than Hunger is written in free verse. While the words are still powerful, they're presented in a format that feels somehow lighter and more approachable. Reluctant readers will also be glad to know that although the book looks thick and intimidating, it's actually a very quick read. The novel is not just compelling, but it also teaches some vitally important lessons about conquering negative self-talk, seeking help from trusted adults and professionals, fighting to conquer addictions in spite of setbacks, being your authentic self, and treating others with compassion. In addition, unlike many stories I've read of this type, Louder Than Hunger paints hospitalization as a positive, helpful step toward regaining health instead of as a cold, scary experience that only makes problems worse. Schu credits his own stay in a facility for helping him overcome his struggles. For all these reasons and more, I highly recommend this book to all readers. It's powerful, important, and thought-provoking.

(Readalikes: I can't think of any other middle grade books I've read about eating disorders. You?)

To no one's surprise, I'm late again with my monthly post for the Bookish Books Reading Challenge! Sigh. One of these days I'll get on the ball with my host-ly duties. Until then, here's a recap of my bookish reading in August:

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett—I don't know if I read this classic as a child or not, but I enjoyed it as an adult. It's about a young girl who experiences a total reversal of fortune after her father's death. Stuck at an English boarding school, she must make the best of her new life as a cast down servant instead of a pampered pupil. She finds solace where she always has—in reading and making up stories.

I'm a little late to the party, but I didn't want to miss my favorite weekly meme. The prompt du jour is: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles/Books Featuring Travel. Other than a bunch of books about the Titanic, I don't have a lot of these types of reads on my TBR list, but I managed to scrounge up ten that have modes of transportation represented on the cover (even if the books aren't necessarily about traveling). 

As always, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl.

1. The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin—This MG historical novel is about a puzzle-loving brother and sister duo who become code breakers in England during World War II. 

2. Orphans of the Storm by Celia Imrie—Three passengers board the Titanic with different struggles and secrets. Their lives converge as the ship embarks on its doomed voyage, changing all of their fates.

3. Everyone On This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson—I loved the first book in this Australian mystery series, so I'm looking forward to #2. This time, our hero is traveling by train to Adelaide to attend a conference for mystery writers. When one of the passengers is killed en route, it's up to Ernest to figure out which of the authors on the train took their killing off the page and into real life. 

4. Flight 171 by Amy Christine Parker—In this YA horror novel, Devon, a high school senior who's haunted by the recent murder of her sister, boards a plane that will whisk her and her classmates off on a class skiing trip. Their journey goes horribly awry when a terrifying supernatural creature appears, demanding the kids chose a passenger to sacrifice. When the being starts revealing everyone's darkest secrets, including that one of them murdered Devon's sister, the already devastating situation gets much, much worse.

5. The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish—Desperate to avoid the crowding and claustrophobia of commuting to his London job via the Tube, Jamie begins taking a riverboat to work. Pleased to find camaraderie and friendship among his fellow passengers, he's dismayed when one of them goes missing. He's even more troubled when the police question him about an argument he had with the vanished man. What happened to Kit? Did Jamie do more than just argue with him? 

6. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes—Set in Venice, this historical novel is about a baby who is discovered floating down the canals in a basket. Decades later, a book translator starts investigating the mystery.

7. A Wealth of Deception by Trish Esden—This is the second installment in a cozy mystery series starring Edie Brown, an art and antiques dealer. When she comes across a disturbing collage created by a reclusive and mysterious artist, Edie finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving a dangerous art underground where some people would kill to protect themselves and their secrets.

8. Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber—Based on a real family, this novel features the three Fortune sisters—Alice, Flora, and Mabel—who are returning from their Grand Tour of Europe aboard the most famous ship ever built. Little do they know what awaits them aboard the ill-fated Titanic.

9. Of Manners and Murder by Anastasia Hastings—Violet's aunt is London's most popular advice columnist. When the older woman flits off with her newest lover, Violet is left holding her pen. The first letter she opens is from a lady who fears for her life. When Violet runs to her rescue, she discovers the woman is dead. Who killed her? It's up to Violet to find out.

10. A Lovely Lie by Jaime Lynn Hendricks—Twenty-two years ago, Scarlet and Pepper were involved in a car accident that left two of their classmates dead. They lied to the police about what happened. Now, Pepper is also dead and her daughter, a budding investigative journalist, has come to Scarlet for answers. Scarlet's comfortable life will be shattered if the truth comes out. How can she stop her friend's daughter from destroying everything?

There you go, ten books on my TBR list with covers that feature modes of transportation. Have you read any of them? What are your favorite books featuring transportation/travel? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.