EXTRA LARGE

Spanning 1989 to 1990, Page’s latest graphic memoir looks back on seventh grade, when he navigated shifting friendships and body-image issues.

After winning an extra-large T-shirt in a competition and having to buy husky jeans during back-to-school shopping, Tyler begins to look at himself differently: “I’m not fat. Am I…?” While changing in the locker room, Tyler struggles with the ways his body differs from those of other boys, especially those who are developing muscles; even watching TV shows like He-Man reminds him that he doesn’t resemble society’s physical ideal. While Page’s cartoon art is appealing and clearly presented, the narrative loses focus as it juggles multiple storylines, including brief encounters with a bully, Tyler’s frustration as lighthearted jibes between friends turn mean-spirited, his own casual cruelty toward a fellow student, and a budding relationship with a classmate wrestling with her own insecurities. Tyler’s father’s quest to lose weight and to get the rest of the family to adopt healthier habits takes up a lot of narrative space while barely affecting Tyler’s examination of his own body. Though related, these elements don’t hang together well, leaving the book uneven in spots. Nevertheless, Tyler’s journey feels authentic as he slowly finds “a place for myself in the world…where I [can] just be myself.” Tyler and most characters present white.

Lacks cohesion but still a relatable look at bodies and self-acceptance.